Economic Development

Economic Development reporting is made possible through underwriting support from Enbridge.

A stream diversion project at the Copperwood site.

Copperwood Mine: Bringing prosperity back to the communities of the Western U.P.

Canadian-based Highland Copper is poised to begin mining in Gogebic County. Both the company and the communities surrounding the mine believe the project will bring prosperity back to the western U.P.

Latest in Economic Development
Pictured Rocks Cruises expansion sets stage for potential growth in Munising

In Munising, a newly created special tax district will help the popular Pictured Rocks Cruises expand and improve its operations and -- it is hoped -- spark economic growth in the tourist-friendly community.

The Ruppe Building reflects Calumet's role in America's industrial growth during the copper boom.
Keweenaw Community Foundation launches fund to help preserve downtown Calumet

A new fund aims to help in the preservation of Calumet's historic district while also fostering economic growth and redevelopment. 

The beloved resort at Iron Mountain added 34 cozy cabins before the ski season.
Update: New cabins and other improvements at Pine Mountain Ski and Golf Resort

Improvements at the beloved Pine Mountain Ski and Golf Resort include cozy new cabins, a mountain bike trail network and a park. 

A rendering of the proposed renovation of the former furniture store in downtown Houghton.
Old Houghton furniture store gets a new life as apartment housing with a view

An abandoned building in downtown Houghton will be transformed into much-needed housing, creating nine apartments and commercial space. 

Flower Power: Michigan Tech professor developing robot for lavender harvesting

Harvesting flowers is a gentle business, one traditionally done by hand. An assistant professor at Michigan Technological University hopes to help farmers automate that cumbersome task. She is developing a robotic harvesting system.

It’s now the Marine Trades Institute

Cedarville's boat building school has a new name: The Marine Trades Institute. The rebranding reflects the school's growth and its efforts to attract more students interested in the marine trades industry.

Marquette Mountain installed advanced snowmaking equipment, enabling the resort to offer superior ski conditions earlier in the season.
U.P. ski resorts ride an expansion wave

Like ski resorts across the country, ski areas in the U.P. are investing millions of dollars to improve snowmaking and expand their winter offerings. They're also adding amenities to attract guests year-round. 

A stone fireplace adds to the winery's cozy charm.
From Munising to Memphis: Two U.P. brothers’ journey to winemaking in rural Michigan

Brothers Mike and Jeff Dausey have transformed a former wine shop and antique store into a flourishing winery in a rural area northeast of Metro Detroit. 

Great Lakes Sound & Vibration
New jobs and investments in Houghton County

A pair of performance-based grants from the Michigan Strategic Fund are supporting dozens of new jobs and the expansion of two Houghton County companies with ties to the U.S. defense industry.

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