Allouez Township

Keweenaw County Economic Development Committee
5095 Fourth Street
Eagle River, MI 49950

View County GIS Map

Committee Meetings:

Keweenaw County Courthouse
5095 Fourth Street
Eagle River, MI 49950

1st Wednesday of each month, 6:00 pm

VIEW MINUTES

Committee Members:

Todd Holmstrom, Chairman
Tess Ahlborn, Secretary
Peg Kauppi    
Harvey Desnick
Ned Huwatschek
Matt Kero
Joe Miller
Sam Raymond
Kass Simila
Don Piche

Contributing Members:

John Sturos
Tom Bryant  

Mission:

The Keweenaw County Economic Development Committee fosters and facilitates economic growth and development to improve quality of life.

 Updates on KCEDC's five priorities: 

1. Expanding access to broadband and other communications: we are supporting Baraga Telephone’s state and federal grant applications to extend the fiber optic network throughout the county. 

2. Communications: we will soon publish a survey seeking public input on priorities for economic development in the county.

3. Creating 100 good paying jobs: MTEC Smartzone lead a six-month effort to explore redevelop of the old Calumet Air Force Station on Mount Horace Greeley. At our August 7th meeting, we passed a motion recommending the County commissioners endorse holding a public forum to present the results of the MTEC Smartzone review.

4. Land use issues and zoning.

5. Workforce development: we are coordinating a presentation to area high schools on the job opportunities available in our area.   

Assistance with Starting and Financing Your New or Existing Business

Whether starting a new business or growing an existing business in Keweenaw County, there are a wide range of government agencies available to help you put the pieces together.  They’re ready to assist new business startups and those looking to expand by helping entrepreneurs and owners make connections to lenders, investors, or other government agencies that provide investment capital, loans and grants to help make your plan happen.

KCEDC is composed of business owners, managers, educators and government leaders who are also available to help anyone looking to create new economic opportunity in the county.  Get assistance with creating a business plan, applying for a loan, writing a grant application, solving zoning issues, staffing…all those projects and challenges confronting new and expanding businesses in Keweenaw County.

No idea is too small or too large to receive support. KCEDC is dedicated to helping grow business in Keweenaw County.

The following partner organizations have full time staff with resources to support businesses in our area:

SBDC – with a representative in Houghton, counseling is available to help your business at every stage of development.

KEDA – also with offices in Houghton co-located in the Chamber of Commerce building, representatives know your options for financing your business.

MTEC SmartZone – in the Lakeshore building in Houghton, this is a business incubator that hosts satellite offices for medium and large companies, as well as those looking to start operation or scale up their business.

WUPPDR  – staff have specialized knowledge in a number of different fields and know what grant money is potentially available for business.

FinnZone – focused on leveraging the area’s historic and cultural ties to Finland, the organization is conduit to potential Finnish business partners, technology, and investment dollars.

MSU Extension – staff in both the Hancock as well as Baraga offices have resources to help.