Western UP chambers held Thirsty Thursday in Ironwood

IRONWOOD - Government and business leaders from all six counties that comprised the Western Upper Peninsula chambers of commerce in Gogebic, Ontonagon, Iron, Baraga, Houghton and Keweenaw counties gathered at the Maplewood Steakhouse in Ironwood on Jan. 22 to socialize and discuss new ideas for helping the region prosper for the chamber's "Thirsty Thursday" meeting.

"We view the event as an opportunity to connect with each other, share best practices and gain understanding of what is happening around the Western UP," the chamber's press release regarding the event announced. "In the spirit of cooperation, it is recognized that as the Western UP grows and prosper, we all gain."

Several speakers provided attendees with updates regarding their group's activities.

Michael Brown, Ironwood's Community Development Director, discussed the city's vision of the future as detailed in the city's new comprehensive plan. The plan - which Brown said could be viewed on the city website - included a public survey portion. Many of these survey responses, according to Brown, highlight goals that are applicable to the entire region - such as developing new businesses as well as encouraging growth for existing businesses, enhancing community image, promoting tourism and outdoor recreation opportunities and coordinating on a regional level to improve delivery of services and economic development.

Charles Supercynski, chairman of the board of directors of the Copper Peak Ski Flying facility, provided an update of the facility's efforts to install plastic on the hill to allow for training and competition year-round. Once completed, this is expected to generate four times the current traffic to the site. Copper Peak is also installing mountain bike trails as well as a low-power FM station to promote the facility as well as other destinations in the area. Supercynski also discussed Copper Peak's success at attracting visitors throughout the year, including groups from the University of Michigan and University of Illinois on weekend trips to see the fall colors.

Keeping with the theme of outdoor recreation, Donald Helsel encouraged members to familiarize themselves with the recent Pure Michigan trail legislation. He said the MI-TRALE Multi-use Trail Guide for the Western U.P. is available.

Mark Massicotte, president of the Baraga Chamber of Commerce and a chairman for the Western Upper Peninsula of the Michigan Works! Workforce Development Board, spoke to the members regarding the need for area businesses to become involved with the region's employment issues and needs.

Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cheryl Fahrner said her chamber will hold its Spark Plug Awards Dinner on Thursday at Michigan Technological University. The event will feature Jerry Murphy, the executive director of New North, a marketing and economic development organization serving northeastern Wisconsin.

The event concluded with Ironwood Chamber of Commerce President Peter Grewe expressing his desire for continued collaboration between the western U.P. chambers.

-Richard Jenkins