2024 Celebrations
Second Skin Shop Opens New Location in Downtown Marquette, Michigan
April 19th, 2024
Marquette, MI – The Lake Superior Community Partnership assisted Second Skin Shop with a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the store’s new at 1034 N Third Street, Suite B, in the 3rd Street Marketplace. They are open Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and closed on Sundays.
Second Skin Shop, a family-owned business since 1976, stands as the largest dancewear shop in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Under the ownership of Camila Mingay, it has evolved into a global brand with its online store, offering a wide range of dancewear for both recreational and professional dancers. With competitive pricing on top dancewear brands, Second Skin Shop is renowned for its exceptional customer service, product quality, and affordability, making it a haven for dancers.
A grand opening celebration will be held on Saturday, April 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. There will be free giveaways every hour, debuts of new merchandise, a pointe shoe decorating contest, and additional specials offered by neighboring businesses such as Pizza@, Fish Express, and Kognisjon Brewery. Dancers may also register with HotPlate to paint a dancer on a canvas at their pop-up in Kognisjon during the grand opening celebration.
To learn more about Second Skin Shop or shop the online store, visit secondskinshop.com.
Active Physical Therapy Opens New Clinic in Downtown Ishpeming, Michigan
April 5th, 2024
Ishpeming, MI –Active Physical Therapy (Active PT) proudly announces the grand opening of its new clinic located in downtown Ishpeming. The Lake Superior Community Partnership helped in the celebration with a ribbon-cutting event on April 4.
Active Physical Therapy’s mission is to deliver exceptional care to their patients. With a focus on prevention, identification, assessment, and correction of pain and disability, their dedicated team ensures personalized treatment for a wide range of health issues including orthopedic, sports, auto, and occupational injuries.
The newly opened downtown Ishpeming clinic boasts specialized services catering to Women’s Health, neurological patients, and general physical therapy. “We are passionate about providing you with the best possible care,” said Dave Aro, General Manager and Partner of Active Physical Therapy. “Our team is committed to delivering effective, one-on-one therapy to address your unique needs.”
Conveniently located at 111 W Division Street in downtown Ishpeming, the clinic’s operational hours are 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. on Tuesdays. Patients can also request appointments online through their website at stayactiveup.com or by calling (906) 204-7400.
Marquette County Celebrates New Flagstar Brand Identity with Ribbon Cutting Celebrations
March 26th, 2024
Marquette Co., Mi – The Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP), today partnered with Flagstar Bank, N.A., the bank subsidiary of New York Community Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: NYCB) to commemorate Flagstar’s updated brand identity through ribbon-cutting ceremonies held at six branches across Marquette County.
As a prominent business in the area, these events are in recognition of the impact Flagstar has in enhancing the personal and financial well-being of those within our community, as well as their local economic and community impact.
Flagstar, one of the largest regional banks in the country, recently revealed a fresh visual identity symbolizing strength, stability, and confidence. The new look reflects a sophisticated yet human brand that aspires to energize clients and communities to align Flagstar’s capabilities and expertise with their goals.
“We’re a proud member of the Marquette County community and grateful for The Lake Superior Community Partnership,” said Sean Geary, branch banking division executive. “Today’s ribbon cutting events at Flagstar branches in Marquette County is an opportunity to celebrate and reaffirm our commitment to the Marquette County community. We are thrilled to deliver a refreshed brand indicative of our commitment to excellence in service, continuing to add value to the communities in which we work or while keeping relationships at the center of everything we do.”
In celebration of this transformative journey, Flagstar and the Lake Superior Community Partnership hosted ribbon-cutting ceremonies with customers and clients at the following Marquette County branches: 700 US Highway 41 W., Ishpeming, MI, 3220 U.S. 41 West, Marquette, MI, 1300 North 3rd Street, Marquette, MI, 101 W. Washington Street, Marquette, MI, 6000 US Highway 41 S., Marquette, MI, 115 N Pine Street, Gwinn, MI.
Aquapodics Celebrates Grand Opening as Marquette’s First Float Center
March 25th, 2024
Marquette, MI – Aquapodics, the first float center in Marquette, proudly announced its grand opening on Monday, March 25th. Located at 706 Chippewa Square, Suite 203 in Marquette, Aquapodics aims to contribute to the region’s thriving health and wellness community. The grand opening included a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Lake Superior Community Partnership, marking a significant milestone for Aquapodics and the community.
With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to neglect self-care. Aquapodics is dedicated to providing residents of the U.P. with a sanctuary for relaxation and well-being. Float therapy, offered exclusively at Aquapodics, provides a unique and effective way to alleviate pain, tension, and stress, promoting overall mental and physical wellness.
“We are thrilled to introduce float therapy to the community of Marquette,” said Leo Maiorana, Co-Owner at Aquapodics. “Our mission is to offer a space where individuals can escape the stresses of daily life and focus on self-care and rejuvenation.”
Aquapodics is not just about providing exceptional services; it’s also about fostering community partnerships. The team at Aquapodics is committed to collaborating with local businesses to enhance the overall well-being of Marquette residents.
“We love Marquette and are dedicated to positively impacting the community,” added Leo. “By partnering with local businesses, we aim to create a network of support for our clients and contribute to the growth and prosperity of our city.”
For more information or to book an appointment, visit aquapodicsmqt.com or follow Aquapodics on Instagram (@aquapodicsmqt) and Facebook (@aquapodics).
Peace Pie Company Celebrates Grand Opening on Pi Day
March 18th, 2024
Marquette, MI –– Today marks a sweet victory for Peace Pie Company as it proudly opens its doors to the community, inviting all to savor the flavors of peace and happiness through their delightful pies. The Lake Superior Community Partnership assisted in the celebration by hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony at the bakery’s new location on 1501 Division Street, Marquette, MI, on March 14, coincidentally known as Pi Day (3.14).
In honor of Pi Day, Peace Pie Company featured an array of classic and crowd-favorite pies, including Dutch Apple, Salted Honey Lavender, and included a limited quantity of chicken and veggie curry pot pies for the grand opening.
Peace Pie Company was founded in 2015 by Lorri Smith, driven by a passion for baking and a desire for positive change. What started as a humble presence at the local farmers market has blossomed into one of Marquette, Michigan’s most sought-after dessert destinations. The secret to Peace Pie’s success lies in their delicious pies and their commitment to supporting local farms and businesses.
“We are thrilled to share our love for pies with the community on this special Pi Day,” said Lorri Smith, founder of Peace Pie Company. “Our journey from the farmers market to our own location has been filled with peace and love, and we can’t wait to continue spreading joy through our pies.”
Peace Pie Company will be open Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For more information about Peace Pie Company and their delectable offerings, please visit their website at peacepiecompany.com follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
Apiary Life Studio Celebrates Expansion in Ishpeming, Michigan
March 8th, 2024
ISHPEMING, MI – The Lake Superior Community Partnership assisted with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the expansion of Apiary Life Studio’s programs during the Empower Women’s Conference on March 8, 2024.
Founder of Apiary Life Studio, Amy Turner, provides programs and coaching for uniquely inspired lives with expression, celebration, and connection. Amy has a rich personal growth background as an artist, yogi, emotional wellness program creator, and is a certified professional life coach. She is also known for her effectiveness as an executive coach and team-building facilitator to promote healthy business and life business and life cultures.
This event dedicated Apiary Life Studio’s mission to “Empower Women, Empower Community” in the U.P. and beyond. Organizers say that to help reach more community members, their plans for the coming year includes applying to become a registered nonprofit and to collaborate with other local individuals and organizations to boost mind-body-spirit engagement.
The three-day conference was themed around empowering women of all ages and included a variety of discussions, presentations, workshops, and social hours for attendees to interact and immerse themselves in topics relevant to women today. Amy states on their website the conference is a place for women to “inspire, connect, grow, and renew”.
Apiary Life Studio is located in Suite 113 in the Historic Gossard Building. It is open by event or appointment. To learn more about one-to-one coaching, inspirational group classes, and retreats offered throughout the year, contact Amy at (541) 306-9386 or schedule an appointment on apiarylifestudio.com.
Firelight and Co. Celebrates Milestone Anniversary with Commitment to Quality and Affordability
March 5th, 2024
Marquette, MI – The Lake Superior Community Partnership helped Firelight and Co., a leading provider of premium cannabis products, celebrate a milestone first-anniversary. Founded by industry experts, Cinthia Tancinco and Ken Tancinco have medical and business backgrounds. Firelight and Co. has quickly established itself as a trusted source of high-quality cannabis products at affordable prices.
In addition to its dedication to quality, Firelight and Co. are committed to affordability, recognizing the importance of making cannabis accessible to all. By optimizing its operations and leveraging strategic partnerships, Firelight and Co. can pass on cost savings to its customers without compromising quality.
During the anniversary celebration, Firelight and Co. held exclusive offers, product demonstrations, and giveaways, including the chance to win premium prizes such as a PlayStation 5, Puffco, and swag.
For more information about Firelight and Co. and its anniversary celebration, please visit firelightandco.com or call 906-273-1116.
Packerland Websites Opens Marquette Office
February 28th, 2024
Marquette, MI – Marquette-area businesses and nonprofits now have a new local digital marketing company working for their success. Packerland Websites, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, has opened an office in Marquette at CoLAB, 101 W. Washington St. Suite 8.
Opened in 2011, Packerland Websites is a family-owned website development and digital marketing company led by owner/founder Bill Koehne. Koehne chose the name “Packerland Websites” because of the dominant influence of the Green Bay Packers in the Green Bay community and because of the team’s winning tradition. In addition to website development, Packerland Websites specializes in Search Engine Optimization (SEO), geofence marketing, content writing, and app development.
To learn more about Packerland Websites and view a portfolio of website designs, visit https://packerlandwebsites.com/. To schedule a complimentary marketing consultation call CheriSimonet, Sales Account Manager, at 920-265-2632.
Grand Opening of Texas Roadhouse in Marquette, Michigan
February 26th, 2024
Marquette, MI – The Lake Superior Community Partnership assisted Texas Roadhouse with a ribbon cutting to celebrate its grand opening at 3440 US-41 in Marquette. Texas Roadhouse is a steak restaurant serving American cuisine from the best steaks and ribs to made-from-scratch sides & fresh-baked bread.
The restaurant will serve dinner-only Monday through Thursday from 3:00 –10:00 pm, Friday from 3:00 – 11:00 pm and be open for lunch and dinner Saturday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm and Sunday, 11:00 am – 10:00 pm.
To view their menu visit www.texasroadhouse.com.
For more information contact pr@texasroadhouse.com
Eco Smart Home Pros celebrates its Grand Opening in Marquette, MI.
February 20th, 2024
MARQUETTE, MI – The Lake Superior Community Partnership assisted with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of Eco Smart Home Pros new location, located at 130 W Washington Street – Unit 12 in Marquette, on February 20, 2024.
Eco Smart Home Pros are smart home professionals. Their knowledgeable team helps design and install technology solutions in homes or office spaces. The business is headquartered in Muskegon, MI, but has a satellite office in Marquette. Eco Smart Homes Pro is dedicated to bringing its principles of happier and more eco-friendly homes and workspaces to the U.P. Their mission is to help people live and work happier, safer, and more sustainably with technology.
Eco Smart Home Pros is located in the Masonic Building in downtown Marquette. They service residential, commercial, and industrial spaces in West Michigan, the Greater Grand Rapids Area, and the Greater Marquette Area.
To schedule an appointment call (906)205-1834, email info@ecosmarthomepros.com, or send them a message on their website ecosmarthomepros.com.
Siren Formally Opens Marquette Office With Ribbon-Cutting, Solidifying Organization’s Presence Across Both Peninsulas
February 16th, 2024
MARQUETTE, MI – Siren, a woman-owned strategic communication firm that strengthens companies and communities through clear, powerful communication, today held a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the company’s CEO, local organizational leaders and dignitaries formally opening their second office located in the heart of downtown Marquette.
The company, which had previously been in an office housed within the Innovate Marquette SmartZone, renovated a space in the historic Rosewood building to create a dynamic and collaborative space for team members and clients.
Founded in 2012 by current CEO Adela Piper and the late CEO Lindsey (Walenga) Grosso, Siren nearly doubled its staff in 2023 to accommodate its growth and expanding client roster across both of Michigan’s peninsulas.
“We are excited to formally open our Marquette location, and continue serving our Upper Peninsula-based clients and deepen our ties to a community that we’re so proud to call home,” said Siren CEO Adela Piper. “Since signing our first client in Marquette in 2018, we have recognized the extraordinary potential that exists here and have been grateful to share stories highlighting this community.
“It was a goal of Lindsey and mine to strengthen Siren’s impact across Michigan, and I’m so proud to make our dream a reality by opening an office in Marquette.”
In addition to its client roster, the Siren team has been deeply ingrained in the local community for years. The company boasts four graduates of Northern Michigan University and five current or former residents of the area. Siren is also a member of the Lake Superior Community Partnership and Connect Marquette, and Siren team members have presented or moderated numerous local events, including the NMU Cyber Security Symposium, Innovate Marquette’s Women in Entrepreneurship event, Marquette Economic Club, Michigan Founders Fund Marquette Chapter and more.
Siren specializes in strategic communication, especially for higher education, municipal, professional service, philanthropic and community development clients. The company offers a suite of services, including strategic communication planning, public relations, content development and storytelling, executive visibility, crisis communication and strategic planning.
“As we continue to provide business assistance services and capital programs for business attraction and acceleration across the state of Michigan, we recognize that effective storytelling is just as critical for any organization as the products they sell or the services they provide,” said Michigan Economic Development Corporation Senior Vice President of Legislative and External Affairs Tupac A. Hunter. “We appreciate the efforts of Siren and other firms who support our businesses and showcase our great state.”
Today’s ribbon-cutting was conducted by the Lake Superior Community Partnership and attended by local officials, stakeholders and Siren clients.
“As the Marquette and surrounding community continues to evolve, so does our need for thoughtful, impactful communication,” said Marquette Mayor Sally Davis. “I’m excited to again welcome Siren and its team to Marquette, and wish them continued success telling our stories to the world.”
Meltwater, a public relations SaaS company, found that public relations is going to be a $133 billion global industry by 2027 and the need for public relations will grow more than six percent by 2032. They also found that seven in 10 companies struggle with creating effective content, and about half say converting data into actionable insights is a top challenge.
For more information, please visit sirenstrategy.co.
Contrast Coffee Brews Up Excitement with Grand Opening of Negaunee Location
February 9th, 2024
Negaunee, MI –Contrast Coffee, announces the opening of its newest coffee shop and restaurant in Negaunee, Michigan. The Lake Superior Community Partnership assisted in the celebration with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the milestone on February 9, 2024.
Owner and CFO, Chris Cheney, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome from the Negaunee community. “We are excited to bring Contrast Coffee to Negaunee and become a part of this vibrant community. Our goal is to provide a welcoming space for coffee enthusiasts and food lovers alike, offering a variety of high-quality beverages and delicious menu options.”
Contrast Coffee was established in 2015 and has additional locations in Ironwood, Iron Mountain, Iron River, and Marquette. Its new location is conveniently located at 541 US Hwy 41, Negaunee, MI 49866. The doors will officially open to the public on February 10 with operating hours from 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM.
As a proud U.P. coffee roaster, Contrast Coffee roasts its beans in Iron River, MI, ensuring that customers receive the freshest and finest coffee experience. The Negaunee location will feature an extensive menu, including freshly roasted coffees, high-quality teas, and made-to-order Lotus energy beverages.
The culinary offerings extend beyond beverages, with a diverse selection of menu items such as grilled breakfast sandwiches, hand-spun sweet and savory crepes, gourmet toasts, panini sandwiches, salads, fresh bakery items, and more. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick beverage or a delightful meal, Contrast Coffee has something for everyone. All menu options are available for both dine-in and convenient drive-thru service.
Stay connected with Contrast Coffee through their website at Contrastcoffee.com and follow them on social media for updates on Facebook and Instagram. For a quick look at the menu, customers can download the Contrast Coffee mobile app, available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Elevate Athletic Training celebrates Grand Opening in Ishpeming, MI.
February 8th, 2024
ISHPEMING, MI – The Lake Superior Community Partnership assisted with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the Elevate Athletic Training, located at 610 Lakeshore Drive in Ishpeming on February 8, 2024.
Owner of Elevate Athletic Training, Kari Getschow, provides sports medicine services for anyone who desires to move and compete pain-free after an acute or chronic injury. Kari is a Licensed Athletic Trainer (AT) and implements evidence-based practices to assess, evaluate, and diagnose an injury or illness. They use their knowledge of injury pathology and assessments to rehabilitate and recondition injuries, illnesses, and general medical conditions to achieve the goal of optimal activity levels using the applications of therapeutic exercise, modalities devices, and manual techniques.
Elevate Athletic Training offers 1:1 sessions by appointment, unlimited athletic training rebuild and recover memberships, student-athlete specials, and on Wednesdays, athletic training clinic walk-in services. They also offer remote/hybrid personal training services, reconditioning and return-to-sports-or-work, return to high-level sports performance after an injury, and modalities and treatments for muscle recovery.
Elevate is open in the CrossFit 906 building Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. To schedule a consultation, you can contact Kari at (906) 360-7496, elevate.at906@gmail.com, or fill out the form on elevateat906.com.
Northern Lights Child Advocacy Center Grand Opening Shines a Beacon of Hope for Children in Need
February 7th, 2024
MARQUETTE, MI – The Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP) assisted with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the Northern Lights Child Advocacy Center, located at 3210 US Hwy. 41 in Marquette, MI, on February 6, 2024.
Northern Lights Child Advocacy Center (NLCAC) provides a secure and inviting space for children and teenagers to share their experiences in cases of suspected abuse and neglect. In collaboration with law enforcement, child protective services, and various justice-related and medical professionals, NLCAC ensures that investigations prioritize child safety and equips families with the tools needed for healing and moving forward.
NLCAC is committed to serving these children through forensic interviews, case coordination, court preparation, court accompaniment, coordination of Marquette’s Multidisciplinary Team (MDT), and free community education. Soon, the center will also house sexual assault nurse examiners to provide medical exams and offer in-house counseling/therapy services—all provided free of charge to clients.
To commemorate the grand opening, NLCAC will be conducting tours throughout the week, from Monday to Friday (2/5-2/9), between 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Interested individuals can schedule a 15-minute tour by calling (906) 262-0091 or emailing info@northernlightscac.org. Attendees during the week will have the chance to win daily door prizes.
The event is made possible by the generous support of local sponsors including Northern Michigan University, First Bank, and the Superior Health Foundation, emphasizing the community’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being of its children.
As part of our ongoing efforts to protect children, NLCAC urges individuals who suspect child maltreatment to make a report by calling (855) 444-3911. Every report is crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community’s children.
For more information, please visit www.northernlightscac.org or call 906-262-0091.
Homemade Happiness LLC Celebrates Grand Opening in Marquette, Michigan
January 22nd, 2024
Marquette, MI – The culinary scene in Marquette recently got a whole lot sweeter with the addition of Homemade Happiness LLC. The Lake Superior Community Partnership and Accelerate UP assisted with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to welcome this new bakery, marking a delicious addition to Marquette’s diverse array of pastry offerings.
As Valentine’s Day nears, Homemade Happiness LLC is sharing the love by offering an exclusive promotion – complimentary delivery or convenient pick-up options in Ishpeming, Negaunee, and Marquette, ensuring everyone can enjoy a taste of happiness.
Established by the passionate baker, Madelyn Perez, Homemade Happiness is not just a home bakery; it’s a testament to the joy of creating and sharing. “Baking and decorating, in particular, have always been my passions,” says Madelyn. “I’m excited to introduce another enticing cake option to our beloved community.”
Madelyn’s journey from a personal hobby to a flourishing local business commenced in 2023. Initially crafting delightful treats for family and friends, the demand quickly expanded beyond her circle. Driven by a mission to spread her baking love further, Homemade Happiness was created for those craving beautiful custom cupcakes, sugar cookies, and cakes.
The menu presents an array of six enticing cake flavors, nine frosting options, and five delectable fillings, offering endless combinations to cater to various tastes and celebrations. Madelyn’s unwavering dedication to quality and her artistic flair ensure that each creation is not only scrumptious but visually stunning.
Madelyn invites the community to connect and indulge in the sweetness at homemade.happiness906@gmail.com, homemadehappiness906.com, or on social media at facebook.com/homemadehappiness906 and on instagram.com/homemade.happiness906.
Grand Opening of Gravedoni’s Pizza in Negaunee
January 8th, 2024
Negaunee, MI – The Lake Superior Community Partnership assisted Gravedoni’s Pizza with a ribbon cutting to celebrate its grand opening at 81 Croix Street in Negaunee. Gravedoni’s Pizza is a new pizzeria and takeout restaurant, owned and operated by Vince Gravedoni. Gravedoni worked in the kitchen at Pasquali’s for his father for the last fifteen years before deciding to branch out on his own.
Gravedoni’s Pizza prides itself on using fresh ingredients and preparing its food in-house, featuring homemade bread, cudighi sausage, sauces, and fresh deli meats sliced daily. In the spring, they plan to launch weekly specials, including slices during lunch, slushies in the summer, and more.
The pizzeria is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and can be reached by phone at (906) 475-6121. Patrons are encouraged to connect with them online at facebook.com/gravedonispizza for the latest announcements.
Grand Re-Opening of Rare Earth Goods Under New Ownership
January 2nd, 2024
Ishpeming, MI – The Lake Superior Community Partnership helped Rare Earth Goods, a beloved art and natural foods co-op located at 200 E Division Street in Ishpeming, MI, announce its grand re-opening under the new ownership of Esther Ruggles. The celebration took place on January 2, marking a new chapter for this community-focused establishment that has been open since 2012.
Esther Ruggles expressed her commitment to contributing to a more sustainable and community-based society through Rare Earth Goods and is actively seeking crafters and vendors to join its co-op community. The co-op will focus on offering zero waste, sustainable, local, and ethically sourced goods, and household items, as well as handcrafted jewelry, hats, scarves, and candles.
In an exciting development, Rare Earth Goods will now host Restorative Bodywork LLC within the same premises. Esther Ruggles is also a medical massage practitioner and will hold appointments for Restorative Bodywork LLC specializing in trigger point therapy. Appointments are available starting January 2 from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with one evening slot at 6 p.m. More availability will follow when an additional storefront employee is hired. Online booking will soon be available for added convenience.
Rare Earth Goods will operate from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. starting on January 3, and the attached cafe, Rare Earth Goods Cafe, owned by Dylan Larson, will continue its current hours from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information about Rare Earth Goods or to book an appointment with Restorative Bodywork LLC, contact Esther Ruggles at (906) 485-5650 or follow them on Facebook.
2015 Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
2014 Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
2013 Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
