Daniel J. Kobasic Foundation Commits $1.4 Million to Build U.P. to Support CTE Housing Partnership Across the Upper Peninsula
Daniel J. Kobasic Foundation Investment Helps Build U.P. Expand Housing and Skilled Trades Pipeline MARQUETTE, MI (May 7, 2026) – The Daniel J. Kobasic Foundation has announced a $1.4 million commitment to Build U.P., the housing development fund managed by InvestUP, to provide funding for the Upper Peninsula’s growing Career and Technical Education (CTE) housing […]
Episode 26: Corey Soumis and Steve Aho
Corey Soumis and Steve Aho share how a U.P. CTE homebuilding program is tackling housing needs and growing the skilled trades pipeline.
Episode 25: Amy Hovey
https://vimeo.com/1143097878 In this episode of Lead to Succeed, host Steve Arwood talks with Amy Hovey, Executive Director and CEO of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), about what it takes to tackle Michigan’s housing shortage. She walks through MSHDA’s full toolbox from vouchers, mortgages, and home repair programs to Missing Middle investments, housing TIF, […]
“We’re Not Slowing Down”: U.P. Resilience Powers Copperwood Mine Project Despite State Budget Decision
Community leaders continue to push for once-in-a-generation opportunity for the Western U.P MARQUETTE, Mich. — InvestUP and community leaders across the Western Upper Peninsula today reaffirmed their commitment to the Copperwood Mine project after the recently approved state budget did not include the requested $50 million public infrastructure investment for Wakefield Township. “Despite the $50 […]
Senator Slotkin: Copperwood Project will be a “Game Changer” for the Upper Peninsula
Slotkin joins local, state and federal leaders in supporting a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the Western U.P. MARQUETTE, Mich. — Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) joins leaders across party lines in voicing support for the Copperwood Project, as highlighted in an exclusive interview with The Mining Gazette. Her backing demonstrates the bipartisan support the project has at […]
Local and Industry Support Continues to Grow for $50 Million Infrastructure Grant for Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula
Community Members, Industry Leaders and Elected Officials Stand Together in Support of a Grant That Would Bring Economic Development Projects Like Copperwood and Others to Life WAKEFIELD, Mich. — Today, supporters of responsible economic development, the majority of whom live in the Western Upper Peninsula, came together with elected officials, industry representatives and labor and […]
Closure of Ironwood’s Only Labor and Delivery Unit Highlights Urgent Need to Attract Jobs, Opportunities and Families to the Upper Peninsula
Wakefield Infrastructure grant will help UP attract once-in-a-generation economic development investments like the Copperwood Project, grow critical industries like forestry and timber MARQUETTE, Mich. — Recent news that Aspirus Ironwood Hospital is cutting critical services such as labor and delivery, forcing pregnant women to drive nearly an hour to safely deliver their babies, is a […]
Episode 24: Randy Thelen
https://vimeo.com/1114954154/88bb218c9a In this episode of Lead to Succeed, host Steve Arwood welcomes Randy Thelen, President and CEO of The Right Place and Chair of the Economic Development Leaders for Michigan (EDLM). The conversation dives into EDLM’s Top Ten policy priorities and the importance of consistent, regionally driven economic development across the state. Randy shares lessons […]
Economic Development Leaders for Michigan Unveil Top 10 Priorities for Statewide Growth and Prosperity
Lansing, MI — Economic Development Leaders for Michigan (EDLM), a coalition of the state’s premier regional economic development organizations, today announced a unified list of 10 priorities designed to position Michigan for long-term growth, innovation, and prosperity. Representing regions that comprise 79% of the state’s population and 84% of its gross domestic product, EDLM brings […]
Western Upper Peninsula Residents Call on Legislature to Support Copperwood Project and Give the Region a Future
Upper Peninsula Residents and Business Owners, Economic Development Leaders, Elected Officials and Labor Unions Reaffirm Support for Copperwood Project MARQUETTE, Mich. — People across the Western Upper Peninsula are standing united in support of the Copperwood Project, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create good-paying jobs without compromising our environment. The Copperwood project is one of very […]