Michigan: moving onward and UPward
By Tanya Baker
Last week, Gov. Snyder headed to the U.P. for four days to visit with Michigan’s business, education and community leaders in Marquette, Ontonagon, Houghton and Ironwood to talk about Michigan’s continued comeback. He wanted to learn firsthand about some of the ongoing economic and community development efforts happening across the central and northwestern U.P.
As my colleagues and I crossed over the Mighty Mac and drove on to the governor’s first stop in Marquette, we were met with sunshine and warmer-than-expected temperatures. It was a uniquely northern Michigan feeling when juxtaposed with the surrounding leafless trees and a surprisingly ice- and snow-covered Lake Superior. Spring, it seemed, was still finding its way north.
Stop 1: Marquette
Friday, May 4
Joined by Lt. Gov. Brian Calley and Michigan Department of Talent and Economic Development (TED) Director Roger Curtis, the governor kicked off the U.P. trip with a Marshall Plan for Talent workgroup and panel discussion at the Staybridge Suites in Marquette. There, U.P. business leaders and educators had the opportunity to learn more about the Marshall Plan and their important role in creating the world’s premier education and training system. Roughly 70 attendees — comprised of corporate, K-12, and higher-ed representatives from across the U.P. — broke into smaller groups to answer questions about potential barriers, as well as discuss areas for collaboration and the partnerships necessary to apply for Marshall Plan dollars.
“With CTE programs like Geometry in Construction, the U.P has been a great model for schools south of the bridge,” Gov. Snyder said. “U.P. educators and employers have the opportunity to expand on these types of programs and partnerships by connecting more closely with one another to help prepare more Michiganders for the high-skill, high-paying and in-demand jobs available now and into the future.”
At the end of the workgroup session, members from each table joined the Governor, Lt. Governor and Director Curtis for a panel discussion on takeaways from each group. While many participants expressed a desire for more time to have a more in-depth discussion, every table indicated how helpful it was to have such a great group in one room. They could exchange contact information and ideas, and commented on how they were able to easily identify areas where they could potentially work more closely together to better prepare Michiganders for the jobs of today and tomorrow.
“Many educators and corporate partners from across the state are joining the revolution, and it is vital that Michiganders in the U.P. help lead these efforts, too,” Snyder said.
Saturday, May 5
The following day, the governor popped into WLUC TV 6’s studio to sit down with Don Ryan of the Ryan Report to talk about a host of issues, including talent development and his upcoming speech at the Northern Michigan University commencement ceremony.
Following the interview, the governor headed to NMU’s Superior Dome, where he had the privilege of serving as this year’s commencement keynote speaker.
He encouraged the university’s more than 800 graduates to work hard to be the best at something — to find what they enjoy and make a positive difference in people’s lives.
He concluded his speech by congratulating the grads and encouraging them to stay in Michigan, where opportunities abound.
Stop 2: Ontonagon
Sunday, May 6
On Sunday, the governor and TED director again joined together to lead a discussion with Ontonagon Village and community leaders, and welcome them to the second round of Project Rising Tide. The group had an open and candid discussion about the potential in the village to support a vibrant, thriving community and create a sustainable path toward economic stability and growth.
“Michigan succeeds when its communities have the tools, resources and collaborative spirit needed to ensure a sustainable, growing economy,” Snyder said. “Project Rising Tide is about getting everyone at the table to solve challenges, set goals and work together to ensure a stronger economic base for communities across the state. It’s also about inspiring collaboration, and realizing Michigan moves forward when we all work together on a local, regional and state level.”
Ontonagon is the fifth community to join the second round of the Rising Tide program. It joins Albion, Eaton Rapids, Hamtramck and West Branch, and soon will gain expertise from the state and guidance from program graduates.
Project Rising Tide kicked off in 2015 and started with one community from each of the state’s prosperity regions. Led by TED, the program connects communities with technical assistance and expertise from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan State Housing Development Authority, and Talent Investment Agency.
Stop 3: Houghton
Later that evening, the governor traveled to the Magnuson Hotel in Houghton for a reception hosted by the Keweenaw Chamber. There, he offered remarks about Michigan’s continued comeback and answered questions from chamber members.
The reception was a great opportunity to connect with business leaders in Houghton and Keweenaw Counties, as well as answer their questions on issues that are especially important to them and the U.P.
Stop 4: Ironwood
Monday, May 7
On Monday, Gov. Snyder kicked-off his last day in the U.P. with a tour of Copper Peak — the only ski flying hill outside of Europe. This was the governor’s first time to Ironwood’s ski flying hill, and it happened to be just five days before a very new and exciting event: the Red Bull 400.
The governor was joined by Bob Jacquart, CEO of Jacquart Fabric Products as he viewed the hill from the very bottom, followed by a drive up the hill and an elevator ride to almost the very top of the jump. The view of Michigan’s rolling hills and Wisconsin was incredible!
Watch: Michigan Senate Bill and Red Bull 400 hope to revive Copper Peak
After the exciting ascent up Copper Peak, Gov. Snyder headed to downtown Ironwood, first with a quick tour of Stormy Kromer, and then to the heart of downtown to visit and meet with the owners and employees of Chelsi’s Corner, Contrast Coffee, Bake Superior, and the Historic Ironwood Theatre.
It was especially exciting to see Chelsi’s Corner back up and running in a new location, as just two months prior, a fire ripped through downtown and tragically claimed the lives of three people and destroyed the boutique.
As he moved through the downtown area, the governor also checked out a part of the Iron Belle Trail.
Finally, Gov. Snyder concluded his Ironwood visit with a stop at Cold Iron Brewing — not for a brew, mind you, but a roundtable discussion with community leaders.
The discussion focused on economic and community development in the city, with representatives each sharing some of the ongoing efforts to build up Ironwood.
The group spoke highly of the Iron Belle Trail the governor had just walked, noting its popularity and how it has helped bring the local communities together.
Gov. Snyder was pleased to learn of the collaboration and applauded Ironwood’s efforts.
“I want to compliment you because we all know that doesn’t happen everywhere, where several communities come together,” Snyder said. “But it makes a huge difference. One of the biggest single things if you want to see long-term success is to get along well with your neighbors.”
It was clear that both Gov. Snyder and Ironwood’s leaders were enthusiastic about the developments happening in their downtown. As the discussion wrapped up, the governor was adamant about the state continuing to help the city and other U.P. communities make connections and build relationships to secure resources and opportunities that can further promote their regions and all they have to offer.
As my coworkers and I journeyed back downstate and passed through Marquette once again, the sun continued to shine warm and bright, and the southerly winds had begun to carry the last of the ice cover away from shore — marking what felt like the true beginning of the spring season. For a region of our state that’s seemingly sprouting and has limitless potential for growth, it seemed only fitting that our U.P. trip should end with the promise of spring.
