Opened in August 2024, the West End Economic Hub provides a welcoming, collaborative space for accessing on-the-ground economic development resources for businesses and communities in western Marquette County. Staffed by the LSCP and guided by the West End Advisory Council (more details at the bottom of the page), the Hub is open 4+ days a week with public hours and has additional availability for LSCP Partners utilizing services that come with their membership such as conference room rentals. The Hub is located at 910 US Highway 41 W, Ishpeming, MI 49849.
The Hub is made possible by generous annual investments by Northern Michigan University, Nicolet Bank, and the City of Negaunee as well as a flexible sublease by the West End Health Foundation.
Available Services
The Hub currently offers the following services directly in the space by the LSCP. Other services offered by the LSCP at other locations may be available by request. Some services are unique to the Hub. Economic development partner organizations may also offer their own programming and services at the Hub. To see all LSCP events, please click here. To see all LSCP Partner benefits, click here.
- Business and community development resources
- 1:1 Business Development Support
- Trainings
- Events (Networking, small group discussions, committee meetings, etc.)
- Ribbon cuttings
- Conference Room Rentals*
- Business promotions wall*
- Key to the County*
- Printing mailing labels*
- Notary*#
- After hours use*^
- Trail maps and other common Marquette County visitor resources
- Community posting board
- Business card display
*Only available to LSCP Partners (all levels)
^Available only to LSCP Business Partners level and above. After-hours use will incur additional charges.
#Advance notice required as the Notary on staff is based in Marquette
Visitors to the Hub can also see an exhibit by the Ishpeming Rock and Mineral Club as well as recycle batteries. If your community organization would like to see if it can offer drop-off services, please reach out to lauren@marquette.org.
Organizations in the Hub
While the LSCP is the primary facilitator and service provider at the Hub, the LSCP is actively leveraging its network to bring other partners into the space as well. Currently, the following organizations have permanent space or regular hours at the Hub:
Contact Us
Phone
Office Hours
The LSCP believes in getting out in the businesses and communities we serve. As such, the West End Economic Hub has established hours which stagger on days and differ from regular business hours, allowing flexibility for our team to be responsive and provide services outside of the space:
- Monday: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Tuesday: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Thursday: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Meeting outside office hours available by appointment. Reach out to lauren@marquette.org to set something up.
*LSCP Partners may access the Hub, with advance notice, outside of these hours for conference room rentals, events, or other approved requests by the LSCP. Want to see if the Hub is available? Contact lauren@marquette.org.
**Listed hours are subject to change based on feedback and operational capacity.
West End Economic Hub Investing Organizations
Thank you to the following organizations for providing resources to make the Hub possible. If your organization is interested in helping support the Hub in the future, please reach out to LSCP Small Business Promotions Specialist, Lauren Rotundo, at lauren@marquette.org for more details.
West End Advisory Council
The West End Advisory Council is tasked with advising the LSCP team on the needs of businesses and communities in western Marquette County. The council was established by a motion of the LSCP Board of Directors on January 30, 2024 as part of the LSCP’s West End Forward initiative.
The council has three main purposes:
- To provide insight and guidance to the LSCP team based on on-the-ground conversations and events in western Marquette County.
- To assist in developing the West End Services Strategy, an annual workplan which accounts for specific or unique needs of western Marquette County business community.
- To serve as informal ambassadors on behalf of the LSCP team to local businesses, encouraging engagement in LSCP events and full utilization of LSCP services.
Membership
The council is comprised of between six (6) and eight (8) members, primarily private sector or nonprofit businesses; one local government representative is allowed.
Current Members:
- Dave Aro, Superior Rehabilitation and Professional Services (LSCP Board Liaison)
- Katelyn Gage, Flagstar Bank
- Katie Kern, Upper Peninsula Power Company
- Dana LaLonde, Marquette County (Commissioner)
- Tia Rodda, Nicolet Bank
- Diana Sunberg, UP Health Systems – Bell
- Ryan Syrjala, Wells Fargo Advisors
To serve on the council, a member must meet the following qualifications:
- Be headquartered (preferred) or have a physical location in any of the following local government units: City of Negaunee, City of Ishpeming, Negaunee Township, Ishpeming Township, Ely Township, Tilden Township, Republic Township, Michigamme Township, Champion Township, Richmond Township, and Humboldt Township. Membership would consist of a diverse range of industries, sizes, and development stages.
- Be a member-in-good-standing of the LSCP at the time of their appointment and throughout their tenure.
- Represent a unique industry not already present on the council.
The LSCP will also aim to achieve diversification in business size, service needs, and geographic location whenever possible.
The LSCP Chief Executive Officer will make final determinations regarding council appointments. New appointments will be communicated to the LSCP Board of Directors who have the right to make any changes they feel are in the best interest of the council’s work. Appointments are renewed biannually, based on the month the member was seated.
Council Member Expectations
Members of the council serve in a voluntary capacity and are expected to adhere to the following expectations:
- Regularly attend meetings (scheduled as needed)
- Bring an open mind to new ideas
- Respect the opinions and time of others
- Understand the LSCP team has a set amount of capacity and will be unable to implement every idea the council discusses, but that no idea will be dismissed without discussion
- Be an advocate for the LSCP’s work across Marquette County, including facilitating opportunities for investment to expand the LSCP’s capacity.
- Maintain LSCP membership throughout their tenure
Apply to Serve
The West End Advisory Council is currently fully appointed. When a vacancy occurs, the LSCP will solicit applications.
Questions
Questions on the council’s activities may be directed to Lauren Rotundo at lauren@marquette.org.
