Episode 23: Jim Tenzillo and Jim Baker
https://vimeo.com/1103620819 In this episode of Lead to Succeed, host Steve Arwood talks with Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund’s Jim Tenzillo and Jim Baker. The conversation covers how the fund is fueling early-stage companies focused on improving the outdoor experience through technology. With a statewide focus and deep roots in the Upper Peninsula, the fund has already […]
Episode 22: Ryan Stern and Mike Smith
https://vimeo.com/1092504636/be9c4929d0?share=copy#t=0 In this episode of Lead to Succeed, host Steve Arwood sits down with Mike Smith, Executive Director of the UP Construction Council, and Ryan Stern, U.P. Representative of the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council, to talk about the workforce that’s building the future of the Upper Peninsula. The discussion covers major construction projects, […]
InvestUP Announces “Center Place”
Build U.P. Funds Support New Condo Development in the Heart of Manistique Manistique, MI – (June 3, 2025) – InvestUP is proud to announce Center Place, a new 12-unit condominium community designed for easy living, coming soon to downtown Manistique. Located just two blocks from the city’s vibrant Main Street, Center Place offers maintenance-free, modern living with Manistique charm. […]
InvestUP Welcomes Anne Giroux as Build U.P. Director of Development and Investment Services
MARQUETTE, MI (May 21, 2025) – InvestUP is pleased to announce that Anne Giroux has joined the organization as the Director of Development and Investment Services for its subsidiary non-profit, Build U.P. In this position, Giroux will fill a critical void across the Upper Peninsula by supporting developers, lenders, and communities in accessing available housing […]
Episode 21: Anne Giroux and Kyle Aho
https://vimeo.com/1084453280/ In this episode of Lead to Succeed, host Steve Arwood sits down with Anne Giroux, Director of Development and Investment Services at Build U.P., and Kyle Aho, Partner at AV Housing Solutions. The conversation explores how new tools like brownfield redevelopment, land bank partnerships, and targeted grant programs are helping drive housing projects forward […]
Wakefield Township Requests Infrastructure Grant to Bring Jobs and Opportunities to Gogebic County
Local, State and Federal Leaders Double Down on Commitment to Move Copperwood Project Forward MARQUETTE, Mich. — Local, state and federal leaders are standing firm in their commitment to bring infrastructure funding to Gogebic County that will attract transformational economic development opportunities to the region. Wakefield Township is requesting approval from the legislature to administer […]
Episode 20: Ryan Sistad, Executive Director of Better In Our Back Yard
https://vimeo.com/1075148211 In this episode of Lead to Succeed, host Steve Arwood welcomes Ryan Sistad, Executive Director of Better In Our Back Yard, for a timely conversation about resource development, environmental responsibility, and the economic future of the Upper Peninsula. Ryan shares how his organization supports responsible industrial development by promoting policies that balance job creation, […]
Episode 19: Mandy Lake and Chris Patritto
https://vimeo.com/1065539277/f4ea0e2509 In this episode, Lead to Succeed welcomes Chris Patritto, President of Gogebic Community College, and Mandy Lake, Wakefield Township Supervisor and Bessemer City Manager, to discuss the economic potential of the Copperwood Mine project. With job creation, infrastructure investment, and community growth on the line, they break down what this could mean for the […]
Western Upper Peninsula Communities Demonstrate Continued Support for the Copperwood Mine Project
Ironwood Township, Wakefield Township, Erwin Township, Gogebic County Board of Commissioners and Gogebic County Road Commission Unanimously Approve New Resolutions of Support MARQUETTE, Mich. and VANCOUVER, Canada — Communities in the Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan are reaffirming their support for Highland Copper Company’s Copperwood Mine, a project that is expected to create more than […]
Episode 18: Zach Hautala, Jacqui McElroy, Kortni Wolf, and Gerard Valesano
https://vimeo.com/1057642930/c5d2704193 In the first episode of Lead to Succeed in 2025, host Steve Arwood sits down with key players behind a major housing project in Crystal Falls. Guests Zach Hautala (Director at Iron County Economic Chamber Alliance), Jacqui McElroy (Director of Business Development at S.C. Swiderski), Kortni Wolf (Development Manager at S.C. Swiderski), and Gerard […]