Businesses, Planners Invited to Marquette Meeting

Economic development opportunities for the Upper Peninsula will be discussed at the second annual U.P. Federal Economic Conference at Northern Michigan University in Marquette Monday, September 26.

The conference is hosted by Representative Bart Stupak (D-Menominee), Operation Action U.P., and the Upper Peninsula Economic Development Association and is for small businesses, local government, and nonprofit agencies.

“The backbone for economic growth in the U.P. is small and mid-size businesses,” Mr. Stupak said. Her cites lack of information and awareness about economic development opportunities as one of the biggest challenges for rural communities. He said evaluations of last year’s conference showed that it served as a good opportunity for planning economic strategies for communities.

The conference will focus on federal loan and grant programs, import and export assistance, and federal and state programs for business and local government. Participating agencies will include the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, U.S. Department of Commerce, Small Business Administration, Homeland Security Procurement, U.S. Grants and Procurement Online, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

The conference will begin at 8 a.m. and conclude at 3 p.m. and will cost $30, which includes lunch.

For more information or to register, call the Lake Superior Community Partnership at (906) 225-0089.