VIPs Pay a Visit to Marquette County
Posted by Amy Clickner on August 23, 2011
What a crazy and busy week in Marquette County! You may have heard that Governor Rick Snyder traveled across the bridge and spent several days touring our beautiful peninsula. We were honored to have him at several venues in Marquette County.
On Monday night, the Marquette Economic Club hosted dinner with Governor Snyder as the keynote address. The Ramada Inn was packed with business people, community leaders and high school students, and the Governor did not disappoint. He spoke of the activity completed to date at the State level, highlighting the new business tax that will replace the Michigan Business Tax, as well as a balanced budget completed well in advance of the legislated deadline. When sharing what comes next, Talent Enhancement and Health & Wellness were top priorities on the list.
When he spoke of accomplishments to date, a friend of mine pointed out that he never used the word “I” but rather shared credit with all involved. Many in attendance said they felt “motivated” and “encouraged” after hearing the State’s top elected official speak.
Governor Snyder also visited the UP Children’s Museum to present them with the “Reinventing Michigan” award to honor the museum’s innovative and interactive learning programs. What an excellent choice for the award as UPCM is a long standing organization with an amazing staff and outstanding service to the families of our residents and visitors.
After a stop at the Tilden and Empire Mine sites, a roundtable discussion with the Governor, MEDC President Mike Finney and DNR Director Rodney Stokes was hosted by Pioneer Surgical. I was honored to be chosen to moderate the discussion with a panel of local business owners and developers. No questions were off limits, just an opportunity to share experiences and challenges of doing business in Michigan.
From an economic development perspective, there are several changes taking place at the state level that are very beneficial. The Governor has made economic development a priority across all State departments and done away with working in separate silos. There has also been a shift to a more customer oriented focus and an increased transparency in outcomes and expectations. By serving on the MEDC’s Collaborative Development Council, economic developers in the region now have a voice in crafting policy and process that affect our work with business; a very positive step in collaboration.
On another note, this week we will be saying “good bye” to a great friend of the Lake Superior Community Partnership, Steve Powers. There will be a farewell reception this Thursday, August 25th from 2 to 4 p.m. in the south courtroom. As you know, the LSCP is a private-public partnership. What you may not know is that the County of Marquette has been a strong supporter of this model since its inception 14 years ago. Steve was a catalyst and founder of the organization, assisting us in bringing public partners to the table with a better understanding of their needs and challenges.
As a member of the LSCP Board of Directors, Executive Committee and Marquette County Ambassadors, Steve has shared his time and talent with our organization and our community.
While Ann Arbor is lucky to gain Steve Powers in their community, it leaves big shoes to fill here in Marquette County. On behalf of the LSCP board of directors, members and staff we thank Steve for his 15 years of service to our community. We wish him the best of luck as he takes on this new challenge.
