Exclusive Benefits for Members of the Lake Superior Community Partnership

MEMBERSHIP

Activities traditionally associated with chambers of commerce are incorporated within the framework of the Lake Superior Community Partnership. Intertwined through all Partnership projects and processes is the conscious effort to support business in Marquette County and the objective to return our members’ annual dues investment to them through a variety of means.

The Partnership oversees a group of programs, projects and services specifically geared to add value to membership. Dividends paid out or lower premiums associated with our insurance programs, participation in the Partnership’s Gift Check Program, free or low cost advertising and marketing options, member discounts on informational seminars and expanded networking opportunities that our members take advantage of are all designed to add value. Click on Benefits of LSCP Membership for a comprehensive list of benefits available to our members.

Many Partnership programs and projects are completely dependant on the volunteers that are the heart and soul of this organization, with staff providing administrative support to these efforts. In this manner, community minded business people directly impact the actions of the Partnership. Projects and meetings have been tailored to fit the increasingly busy lifestyle of 21st century business people while retaining effectiveness. New volunteers are always welcome and encouraged to become a part of the effort for a brighter future. If you’re interested in volunteering, please call us at 226-9658 or send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Membership Form

Business Development

Insurance Coverage

Access to insurance coverage at group rates! Click here for a list of insurance agents.

Seminars and Workshops

Seminars and workshops are available at reduced cost for members on timely topics such as MIOSHA inspections, grant writing, search engine optimization, marketing, accounting and finance.

Gift Check Program

When your business becomes an LSCP member, you’re automatically included in the list of nearly 800 members who can redeem gift checks.
LSCP gift checks make it easy for employers to recognize and provide incentive programs to their employees.
The gift check program has generated over $2.5 million since the inception supporting shopping locally and promoting members’ businesses and services.

Networking Opportunities

Business After Hours, LSCP Annual Dinner, Golf Outings, LSCP Comedy Zone, 40 Below and more!

Relocating and Visiting Leads

Community Enhancement

Web site

Nearly 4,500,000 visitors to our Web site in 2009, bringing tourists and business to Marquette County. Only members are listed on our Web site with a link to your site. You are encouraged to link to our site as well.

LSCP Gets Connected

Profiles on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Information Requests

The LSCP responds to over 4,000 specific information requests every year. Members are encouraged to display their promotional brochures at our two offices for distribution to inquiries.

Community Calendar

Area events are listed on our countywide Calendar of Events both in print and online. Members are encouraged to add their information on an ongoing basis.

Community Event Services

The LSCP provides various services for event organizers: notices on calendar of events, event promotion, administrative and marketing services, registrations, bag stuffers and accounting services.

Trails and Signage

The LSCP continues to work with the Iron Ore Heritage Trail Recreation Authority on the development of the Iron Ore Heritage Trail, a 48+ mile trail system from Republic to Marquette connecting and interpreting our mining heritage, which has brought in over $1 million in grant funding.

Lake Superior Leadership Academy

A professional development class preparing Marquette County’s present and future leaders for new challenges and opportunities.

Mine Tours

LSCP partners with Cliffs Natural Resources to provide mine tours throughout the summer months. It provides a unique opportunity to see an operating iron mine.

Promotional Publications

Publisher and distributor of the annual Marquette County Vision Magazine, a publication focused on the continual economic development of Marquette County.
Publisher and distributor of the “Award Winning Community” rack card.
Stock member brochures at Marquette General Hospital, which sees thousands of unique visitors per day.
Work with travel writers on various stories highlighting Marquette County.
Publisher and distributor of the Anatomy of a Murder Scrapbook.

40 Below

A professional development organization designed to engage and introduce young professionals to the County’s business community and help them expand their networking opportunities. Click here for more information about 40 Below.

Bikeability

LSCP partners with the Marquette County Bikeability Committee to discuss ways to provide a safer environment for the growing cyclist population. Members of the committee include city staff from planning, police, engineering, and manager's departments; bike commuters, KMK Bike Club members, Northern Michigan University personnel, and business representatives.

Economic Development

Business Retention Efforts

The Economic Development Team at the LSCP can review company business plans and activity to assist in retention/expansion activities.
The LSCP and Economic Development Corporation (EDC) of Marquette County, in cooperation with our local, regional and state partners, have teamed to support the creation of 1,400+ and the retention of 1,200+ jobs.

Entrepreneurial Assistance

The LSCP works with the Marquette County EDC, the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan Works! and Northern Initiatives to assist start-up and expanding businesses.

Business Advocacy

Serving as an advocate for business members, the LSCP assists businesses seeking resolution of governmental regulation, governmental incentives and business to business cooperation.
LSCP keeps up to date on local, state and national issues affecting business and shares information as appropriate.

Prospect Management

As a primary first contact for business prospects, the LSCP directs prospective businesses to our members for business guidance and services.

Site Selection

Serving all of Marquette County, the LSCP directs businesses to locations most suitable for their establishment and expansion needs.

Financing

Available through the Marquette County EDC, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), local financial institutions and other conventional sources.
LSCP Economic Development Team is knowledgeable about local, state and federal incentive programs available.

Workforce Development

Workforce Development efforts are through the Lake Superior Partners in Education and Lake Superior Community Partnership Foundation.
Collaborate with K-12 and Universities on programs that prepare students for future careers.
Online job posting service available to all LSCP members.

Marketing and Advertising

LSCP Lobbies

Member information and business card rack is displayed and available in both of the LSCP lobbies.

LSCP Web site

All members are listed on the LSCP Web site and have the option to link their Web site to the LSCP searchable database. We also have our RSS feed featuring the latest news and all encompassing Marquette County information that keeps our members well informed and connected to the Lake Superior Community Partnership.

Business After Hours

An event that takes place to showcase members’ businesses. By attending the event, guests and hosts are provided with an optimum opportunity to network and make valuable business connections.

Marquette County Vision Magazine

Promote your business strategically with an ad in the Marquette County Vision, the official Partnership-sponsored, newsstand-quality publication that targets the audience you most want to reach. The LSCP and other key businesses will distribute more than 10,000 copies of Marquette County Vision throughout the year to prospective residents, new businesses, site consultants, developers and visitors. Your ad will be seen by potential customers before they have a chance to find your competitors.

Marquette County Map

The LSCP sponsors the only full color map for the entire County! Advertising opportunities are available for you to showcase your business in 20,000 copies that are distributed locally and nationally.

Member to Member Benefit - "Key to the County"

This program provides incentives for LSCP member businesses and employees to do business within the community and with other members. It’s a win-win situation! Click here for a list of participating members.

Email Broadcast Service

Members can take advantage of our email broadcast service. Email broadcasts are sent to over 2,000 members and are $60.

Press Releases/News Articles

The LSCP writes press releases about member businesses and events which appear in The Mining Journal, Upper Peninsula Business Today, The Action Shopper, Marquette Monthly and the RSS feed on the LSCP Web site.

Ribbon Cuttings/First Dollars/Ground Breakings

Celebrating a grand opening, remodel, new location, anniversary or breaking ground for a new project? The LSCP can coordinate a ribbon cutting, first dollar ceremony or ground breaking for your occasion and issue press releases after the event.

Office Depot Discount Program

The Office Depot personal and company discount programs will save you money on office supplies, back-to-school supplies, computer accessories and much more!
Personal Discount Plan (For Employees), Company Discount Plan (For Employers) and Employer Tool Kit (For Employers).

The LSCP Conference Room

The LSCP’s conference room is available free of charge to members needing a meeting space for 10 people. Coffee is available as well.

Free Notary Public Use

The LSCP provides free notary public use to members.

Access to Mailing Labels

Members can take advantage of our membership mailing labels. We can print our membership listing on labels for a fee of $80.

Today is September 2, 2010