West End Economic Hub opens in Ishpeming

What's happening: A ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the new West End Economic Hub in Ishpeming was held last week, part of an effort by the Lake Superior Community Partnership to strengthens its base in western Marquette County. The West End Economic Hub fills a hole left by the closure of the Greater Ishpeming Negaunee Chamber of Commerce and will focus on supporting small businesses and other economic development in the region. 

Developing the west: While Marquette has experienced stable growth and development over the last 20 years, other parts of the county have not seen the same success. Ishpeming and Negaunee have experienced declining population and economic stability. However, further work from the people who call these communities home has created new businesses, non-profit organizations and action groups that help protect the area and maintain its culture. With additional economic development resources from the Lake Superior Community Partnership, the West End Hub can help local businesses continue their positive trajectories and further stabilize western Marquette County.    

What they're saying: “The West End Economic Hub is the result of many conversations that began nearly a year ago. I applaud the vision of those participating in the discussions and want to thank former members of the GINCC Board of Directors as well as the LSCP Board of Directors for their support in getting us to this point,” said Christopher Germain, CEO of the LSCP. “The space will not only serve as a second location for LSCP services but also as an example of the very real economic momentum occurring right now in western Marquette County.”

What's next: As the hub gets up and running, new opportunities to work with the West End community will present themselves. “The West End Hub’s opening is just the beginning of what we expect will be a long-term investment to further strengthen our partnership with businesses and communities in western Marquette County. The LSCP has always been a countywide organization; this investment furthers that approach," Germain said.