Development News

An early education teacher with students.

NMU revises elementary education endorsements

“The schools that employ our graduates said it was critical that NMU offers both PK-3 and 3-6 together,” Joe Lubig, associate dean of Teacher Education, told the NMU Board of Trustees before securing approval.

Latest in Development News
Michigan DNR seeks volunteers for U.P. State Fair experiences

"Youth enjoy a fun experience, parents get to introduce their kids to potentially new activities, with the help of others, and the volunteers gain the satisfaction of knowing they are helping guide youth in recreation activities that may help shape their future interests," says Jo Ann Alexander, a volunteer organizer for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Timberland Forestry adds 51,000 trees in Houghton County

“Our forests are critical habitats for wildlife, help filter water and moderate our climate. This project will help restore tree cover in areas that are vital to cold water trout that are threatened by warming waters,” said Mindy Kantola, forest partnerships project manager at The Nature Conservancy.

Star Line Ferry to Mackinac Island.
Hoffmann buys Mackinac Island Ferry Company

“Joining the Hoffmann Family of Companies heralds a new era for Mackinac Island Ferry Company,” Jerry Fetty, CEO of Mackinac Island Ferry Company, said in a news release. 

Pedal trolley debuts in Houghton

“People are looking for things to do and people want to be outdoors and exercise, so this encourages both of those things,” said Jason Swain of Keweenaw Boat Tours -- the operator of the pedal trolley. “With (the trolley), it’s something different for everyone to do what they want to do.”

SBAM President and CEO Brian Calley (left) presents the Small Business Association of Michigan 2024 Advocate Award to Stormy Kromer CEO Gina Thorsen at the SBAM annual meeting on June 13 in Lansing.
Stormy Kromer CEO wins SBAM award

“Gina (Thorsen) has been and continues to be a strong advocate in the Upper Peninsula, recruiting more small businesses to get involved in efforts to make Michigan a great place to operate a small business,” said SBAM President and CEO Brian Calley.

The Bay College Iron Mountain Welding Lab has been relocated to 1900 North Stephenson Avenue.
Bay College creates new welding lab

“The new welding lab is in close proximity to the Bay College Iron Mountain Campus, which makes it very convenient for students to still access campus facilities and resources that are available to them,” said Cindy Gallagher, Bay College's vice president of Business, Technology, Allied Health, and Workforce.

This photo depicts the reestablished free-flowing section of the East Ontonagon River through the former Lower Dam reservoir.
USDA removes dam on Ontonagon River

“The Ottawa National Forest is committed to improving fish habitat,” says Darla Lenz, Ottawa Forest Supervisor. “By investing funds into the removal of the Lower Dam, the Ottawa is showing its commitment to improving fish habitat and migration.”

The second floor of the former bank in Manistique is being turned into apartments.
Renovations bring more housing to Sault Ste. Marie, Manistique

“Build U.P. was a critical piece of the puzzle in making this project happen,” said C.J. Felton, director of Real Estate Development at Community Housing Network. “We are fortunate to have a permanent loan from Central Savings Bank, but it didn’t completely cover our appraisal gap. The collateral from Build U.P. helped us close that gap and move forward.”

Houghton received a Destination Development Award to hire an artist to paint a downtown mural.
Houghton creates “LoHo” social district

“We have had a lot of positive responses from the community and from tourists about the social district. The city thinks that this will be a great addition to our downtown area especially as we come into summer. Statistics throughout Michigan show that social districts increase the time that people spend downtown which in turn is great for business,” said Amy Zawada, director of Community and Business Development for the city of Houghton.

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