Perspective delivered by

Christopher Germain, AICP, EDFP

CEO, LSCP.

With the hustle and bustle of the Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP) graduation season, I’d like to take some time to dedicate today’s column to all of the people who recently graduated from the Lake Superior Leadership Academy. Unfortunately, due to COVID, we had a few classes that were postponed over the past few years, leading to a trio of graduation for the 2020, 2022, and 2023 classes.

Since its establishment in 1998, the Lake Superior Leadership Academy (LSLA) has had the mission of helping the leaders of today build skilled leaders for tomorrow. For those who aren’t familiar with the program, it is a project of the LSCP designed to educate and motivate emerging and potential leaders from within Marquette County while helping them build essential business networks and leadership skills.

The Academy allows participants to meet and talk with leaders from all segments of our community. They will exchange views and share opinions and challenges facing our area. In addition, the interaction of the participants allows for the development of mutual trust and respect, which encourages continuing relationships outside the formal program. With 503 graduates over the past 24 years, LSLA continues to impact the development of our local communities. We congratulate this year’s classes, committee, day chairs, and hosts on a job well done.

“Marquette County is extremely lucky to have such amazing leaders in our community,” commented Megan O’Connor, Outreach & Development Specialist, and LSLA Facilitator. “The past few years have not been easy for our program due to the pandemic, but students in all three classes were eager to learn and grow in our community. They are all adaptable, dependable, and empathetic community members.”

We look forward to seeing the graduates of the LSLA go on to do great things throughout Marquette County.

Recruiting for this program has already started for next year! LSLA applications are being accepted for the Class of 2024. Apply at Marquette.org/lsla by July 28, 2023. Applications may be initiated individually or by nomination. Nominees will require the full support of the organization or business they represent, as attendance and participation in each session is essential. LSLA generally meets 8 a.m. – 5 p. m. on the first Thursday of each month from September through May, with a graduation ceremony being held in May.

For more information or to obtain an application, contact Megan O’Connor at megan@marquette.org or 906.226.6591. You can also find more information by visiting our website at marquette.org/lsla