News & Editorial from Amy Clickner and Lake Superior Community Partnership, sharing the U.P. Perspective:

It is wonderful to see businesses and organizations continued the reopening process! While we all realize that things are definitely not as they used to be, we continue to adapt to the “new normal” and begin to live our lives outside our homes. The last three months while challenging have certainly left us with many lessons learned and an appreciation for all we have been blessed with.

I never realized how I took simple things, like going out to dinner, for granted until I could no longer do them. From the LSCP perspective, I miss the face to face meetings and lunches with our investors and partners, the networking events that were full of energy and conversation and a good old fashioned pot luck with the office staff. Until we can do those things again, the LSCP team is here to support our businesses virtually! Simply call our office at 906-226-6591 or head to our website at Marquette.org for specific team contact information.

Have you bought your Love on Local gift cards yet? These easy-to-use gift cards can be redeemed at all local, small businesses in Marquette County! There is no better way to support our local businesses at this time than getting their cash registers ringing. Head to loveonlocal.com to purchase your cards or email loveonlocal@marquette.org for additional information or bulk ordering. A huge shout out to our program underwriters, AT&T, Eagle Mine, Enbridge, mBank and Range Bank who have helped make this support local program possible.

If you are a business, no worries, these gift cards are redeemed just as a debit/credit card would be. No special equipment required! We will also provide you a free marketing toolkit to show your support of the program and let shoppers know you accept Love on Local gift cards. By doing so, we will also market your business specifically on the website and in some promotional materials. Thank you to those who have already taken advantage of this free marketing opportunity: 906 Technologies, Anytime Fitness, Beth Millner Jewelry, Blackbird Boutique, Café Bodega, Chocolay Ace Hardware, Down Wind Sports, Elizabeth’s Chophouse, Escape Marquette, Glow Sculpting Spa, Jessica and Company Salon, Madgoodies Studio, Thomas Theatre Group, Michigan Fair, Northern Lights Glass, Outlanders, Range Bank, River Rock Lanes and Banquet Center, Sayklly’s The Candy Store, The Steinhaus, Synergy Fitness, Tadych’s Econo Foods, Taiga Games, Wired Kitten, Daisy Jo’s Ice Cream Parlour, Midtown Bakery & Café, Native Hair Salon, Hairshed Superior Electrolysis, Main Haven Boutique & Spa, and Main Street Antique Mall.

Lastly, are you investing in economic development and the LSCP? We understand that many are struggling from the impacts of COVID-19, but did you know that right now your single investment provides you a dual membership? One with the Lake Superior Community Partnership and the second with the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM). Yes, you read that correctly. Two memberships and two sets of benefits for the price of one. For more information contact Megan at megan@marquette.org.

Don’t forget, now is not the time to go it alone. Your LSCP team is here for you as you continue the recovery and rebound phases of our economic restart. Whether you are a current investor or not, call on us for support. Reach out at lscp@marquette.org or call 906-226-6591.