meet the team
MARTIN ("MARTY") FITTANTE — CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Marty is the former chief of staff for Michigan State Senator Tom Casperson. His legislative works spans numerous industries, including forestry, mining, and health care. He was previously external affairs director for the House Policy Office, a position that he held after serving as legislative director during Senator Casperson’s terms in the Michigan House of Representatives. As a policy advisor, he managed three statewide task forces that addressed job creation, education, and agriculture. Marty and his wife Lisa also own an accounting firm in Iron Mountain that serves small and medium sized businesses.
Marty is the inaugural recipient of the Jon Farley Michigan Legislative Staff Award, given to an exceptional staffer who is motivated by a dedication to service and a desire to foster an environment in Lansing based on merit and results. He is also the recipient of the Michigan Junior Chamber of Commerce President’s Award of Excellence, and the Daily Press Neighbors Award, presented to residents who “give the Central U.P. its heart and soul.”
Marty is a graduate of Bay College, Ferris State University, and Wayne State University Law School.
Steve Arwood — strategic advisor
Arwood, most recently Chief Executive Officer of Miller Canfield Consulting in Lansing, Michigan, now is President of SDArwood Co., a firm established to provide strategic consulting to public and private entities on critical initiatives. Arwood will work with InvestUP on business development initiatives outlined in the new strategic plan.
With more than 30 years of private and public sector experience, Arwood brings his connectivity and comprehensive understanding of business, talent and community development to the Upper Peninsula. Steve will work closely with the InvestUP team and Board of Directors to bring growth to the Upper Peninsula.
In his career with the State of Michigan, Arwood has held several positions in two separate Administrations, including President and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation; President and Chairman of the Michigan Strategic Fund; Director of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs; and the Director of the Department of Talent and Economic Development (TED) under Governor Snyder.
Vince Nystrom — Director of Strategic Initiatives & fund development
A native of Marquette, Vince supports business development across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, with a focus on retention, expansion, and attraction, and the development of strategic initiatives to accelerate economic growth throughout the region. Vince also oversees the Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund, established to attract and support start-ups, new products, and projects with a strategic focus on the outdoor industry.
Vince’s experience in economic development dates to 2002 at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, where he worked on the launch of the 21st Century Jobs Fund, SmartZones, and other start-up investment initiatives. He then moved to Ann Arbor SPARK, where he led retention, expansion, and attraction efforts, and to the University Research Corridor, an alliance between Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, and Wayne State University to transform, strengthen and diversify Michigan’s economy.
Most recently he served as a partner at Renaissance Venture Capital Fund, where he connected Michigan start-up companies with national venture capital funds, helping to generate $2.3 billion in venture investments.
Amy Berglund — Director of business initiatives
A native of Delta County, Amy most recently served as a Regional Director for the MEDC. At the MEDC, Amy managed five of its ten statewide regions. She has also served as the MEDC’s Business Development Manager and as the Regional Representative for Senator Carl Levin. Her work is reflected in a number of significant U.P. projects, including the breakwater replacement project in Grand Marais, the expansion of Engineered Machined Products in Escanaba and the preservation of the Quincy Smelter in Hancock. She was awarded a key to Grand Marais for the impact that her work had on the community.
Amy will focus on trending opportunities and strategic growth industries, collaborating with the private sector, organizations, and community leaders to advance the region and drive economic development opportunities across all 15 U.P. counties.
Jamie VanBuren — Operations Manager
Native to the Upper Peninsula, Jamie has more than 14 years of corporate marketing experience. Most recently, Jamie served as the AVP Marketing Officer at the former mBank (now Nicolet Bank) for six years, where she focused on creating and executing marketing promotions, creating a consistent customer experience across 28 branches, and identifying opportunities to advance the mBank brand.
Jamie will serve as InvestUP’s expert on all matters concerning administrative operations and procedures, ensuring that all operations run smoothly. Additionally, she will work on the strategic initiatives of InvestUP through targeted marketing and promotional projects.
Jamie graduated Magna Cum Laude from Northern Michigan University in 2007 with her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing.