While Houghton County was the only Upper Peninsula county with a population gain (+2%, 733 residents) per the new U.S. Census data, InvestUP CEO Marty Fittante believes there’s never been more opportunity for the U.P. He cites, as just one example, a recent partnership between InvestUP Board Members Northcross Group and Northern Michigan University who are working to develop a talent pipeline in Marquette ad keep graduating students in the area. Additionally, he notes the visitor traffic to the U.P.—a record high Mackinac Bridge crossings and an incredible estimated 1.5 million visitors to Pictured Rocks.
Fittante notes that “the region needs to move from attention to attraction with strategies that prove the adage true that if it’s a great place to visit, it’s a great place to live, and if it’s a great place to live, it’s a great place to do business.” The opportunity for that paradigm shift is especially timely. The work-from-home shift, federal aid intended to build out broadband internet networks and local airports, and recent tourism boom all serve as potential opportunities for population growth across the region. Read more here.