InvestUP

Upper Peninsula Power Company has announced exciting plans to bring clean energy and community development to Republic Township! The proposed solar project would generate 62.5 megawatts of power by repurposing former mining land without requiring deforestation. It’s a big step toward sustainable energy production without compromising the U.P.’s natural landscape. If approved, the project is also expected to bring tax revenue to Republic Township, supporting future community development. Republic Township office manager Samantha Alto states, “It will be bringing in tax revenue and that will help our township so that we can further develop things and be able to go forward using that money towards building this community back up.”

The Pictured Rocks Cruises, Inc. visitor experience is about to get even better! A $2.25 million project will upgrade facilities, improve ADA accessibility, and create a better experience for the thousands of people who visit Munising each year. Funded through a Brownfield Plan approved by the Alger County Board of Commissioners, this investment supports both local businesses and the tourism economy.?

Batter UP! Along with Upper Peninsula legislators, Greg Markkanen, Ed McBroom, and Dave Prestin, InvestUP CEO Marty Fittante recently had the opportunity to visit with Adam Loukus of Loukus Technologies in Calumet, which is doing incredible work around innovative material technologies, including its partnership with Delano Bat Company.?They got a firsthand look at how their groundbreaking FZN Technology? is redefining baseball bats - right here in the Upper Peninsula. ? With a dedication to craftsmanship and a deep love for the game, the Delano Bat team is producing high-quality, high-performance wood bats that players can count on. It’s another great example of U.P. advanced technology and ingenuity hitting a real home run! ? Read more about the company here:?https://lnkd.in/gdEn--mw

More changes to the Corporate Transparency Act! The U.S. Treasury Department has announced that Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting is now voluntary for U.S. businesses. The March 21 filing deadline will not be enforced, and no penalties will be issued until new rules take effect. For now, FinCEN will focus on narrowing the Corporate Transparency Act’s scope to foreign reporting companies. However, businesses should stay informed as changes continue. More information here:?https://fincen.gov/boi

Talk about punching above your weight class!? ? With its elevation to R1 status by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education two weeks ago, Michigan Technological University proved that it was a heavyweight as only one of 184 R1 institutions in the country and only one of three R1 institutions housed in a rural community.? ? But this week’s news that MTU was extended an exclusive invitation to join the University Research Corridor is the stuff of champions.?Tech will join the three original founding members (Michigan State University, University of Michigan, and Wayne State University) as the first addition to the URC since its formation in 2006, and marks a significant expansion of the URC's collective expertise and impact. ? Its membership in the URC will further expand the reach and impact of MTU and drive research-driven economic growth in Michigan.?Or, as Britany Affolter-Caine, executive director of the University Research Corridor, rightly said, “By combining MTU's research excellence, commitment to industry, and the URC's established strengths, we will accelerate economic growth, create more opportunities, and deliver even greater benefits to Michiganders statewide."

Additional momentum for Highland Copper. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has approved Highland Copper Company Inc.'s updated air permit for the Copperwood Project. The revised permit allows the project to supplement its main electrical supply with on-site generators when needed, supporting reliable operations while maintaining Michigan’s strict environmental standards. The approval follows a comprehensive public review process, exemplifying the project's commitment to meeting environmental regulations and community expectations. Barry O’Shea, CEO of Highland Copper, commented, "We are pleased to receive this approval from EGLE, which reflects the thorough and fair regulatory review process in Michigan. The issuance of this permit underscores that Copperwood has been designed to meet rigorous environmental standards and operate responsibly within the community.” https://lnkd.in/ggpY_GyP

Investing in adult education in the U.P.! The Menominee Intermediate School District has been awarded $221,903 as part of Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s $8.7 million Adult Education Innovation Program. The investment will support new ways to help adults earn diplomas, improve job skills, and access higher-paying jobs. This is a win-win for both adult learners and local businesses. As Governor Whitmer said, “With these investments in adult education statewide, we are growing our workforce and our economy, helping businesses find the talent they need to expand in Michigan.” https://lnkd.in/gMZnTsV7

New funding is coming to the Eastern U.P. to improve digital access and skills training. The Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District has been awarded $857,909 through the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office’s Michigan Inclusive Training, Technology and Equity Network (MITTEN) program to expand digital access across the region. With the goal of making digital access more affordable, especially in rural communities, this funding will help bring digital skills training, device distribution, and online accessibility improvements to more U.P. residents. As Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II says, “When we expand access to affordable, fast internet, we connect Michiganders with jobs, healthcare, education, opportunity, and so much more. We are committed to bringing resources to bear and making historic investments across Michigan to ensure that no matter where someone lives or works, they can access high speed internet and reach their full potential.” https://lnkd.in/gNsvGUA9

More cruise passengers, more port visits, and more economic impact for the U.P. Victory Cruise Lines and PONANT have joined Cruise the Great Lakes, adding new stops this year in Upper Peninsula communities. Victory will dock in Escanaba, Marquette, Houghton, Mackinac Island, and Sault Ste. Marie, while Ponant will stop in Mackinac Island and Sault Ste. Marie. This comes as the industry projects more than 22,000 passengers and an economic impact of $230 million across the region in 2025. A strong season ahead for U.P. ports and businesses! https://lnkd.in/gyrBMWJ8?

A long-vacant building in downtown Houghton is getting new life! L and Z Rental Inc. has secured a $1.5 million Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) grant to redevelop a historic four-story building into nine apartments and two commercial spaces. Once a blighted structure, this redevelopment will enhance walkability, provide needed housing, and support business growth in the heart of Houghton. Strong support from partners like Upper Peninsula State Bank, KEDA, Build U.P. powered by InvestUP, the Houghton County Brownfield Authority, and Michigan Economic Development Corporation has helped bring the vision to life. This is another step toward bringing new energy to the downtown area.