Next month, Operation Action U.P. will award four Upper Peninsula businesses the organization's 2024 Excellence Award at its annual meeting in Marquette.
This year’s winners for economic contributions to the region are a golf club, a limestone company, an engineering firm and precision manufacturing operations.
"Our mission is to bring together interested industrial corporations, financial institutions, utilities, institutions of higher learning, businesses, and concerned citizens in a coalition that will work to create a favorable economic climate and a strong employment base for Michigan's Upper Peninsula," says Joe Esbrook, CEO and managing partner of Hiawatha Log Homes and co-chair and president of Operation Action U.P. "One of the ways we do that is with our Business Excellence Awards, which are part of our Annual Meeting."
Background: Operation Action U.P. serves all 15 counties in the U.P. Since its creation in 1962, the organization has embraced all types of industries, and its direction is derived from its members. Founder Walker L. Cisler of the Detroit Edison Co. formed the organization while serving as chairman of the Michigan Economic Development Commission.
Cisler worked with Dr. Edgar L. Harden, then president of Northern Michigan University, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, to assemble community leaders to create a long-range economic development plan for the U.P.
Since then, the group has worked quietly to support economic development with members from industry, utilities, transportation, communication, mining, higher education and the legal and financial sectors. The group is funded entirely by its members, who also contribute their time, expertise and the resources of their organizations.
This year’s award recipients: Each year members of Operation Action U.P. and the business community review accomplishments of the past year and cast the vision for the next. The organization also recognizes up to four outstanding for-profit businesses for its Excellence Awards. They are:
Carmeuse - Port Inland in Gullivar,
a manufacturer of lime, limestone and mineral-based products and services used in industrial, construction, soil improvement applications. Its products benefit the environment by providing cleaner air and safer water. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Carmeuse Americas has production facilities across the eastern U.S., Canada, and South America, with more than 2,500 employees.
Hawk Technologies in Hancock, has shown more than 30 years of excellence in engineering solutions, mechanical design, and drafting services. Since 2007, Hawk has expanded into research and development, resulting in innovative products like a non-destructive testing tool. Under new ownership since 2020, Hawk continues to advance industry-wide solutions through collaborations with U.S. shipyards and the U.S. Navy, using technological innovation to solve complex industry-wide problems.
Independent Machine & Advanced Precision Solutions (APS) in Escanaba.
Under the leadership of Chris Doyle, Independent Machine Company (IMC) and Advanced Precision Solutions (APS) have become pillars of high-precision manufacturing in the U.P. Founded in 1975, IMC revolutionized locomotive maintenance with its
Iron Horse Wheel Lathe and remains a leader in rail-industry products. Both companies share a commitment to sourcing American-made materials and demonstrate that world-class manufacturing can thrive in a rural setting.
Marquette Golf Club in Marquette, founded in 1926, is a member-owned recreational business dedicated to providing exceptional golf experiences for its members, guests, and the wider U.P. community. With two golf courses spanning 370 acres, the club has received national recognition, including top rankings for its Greywalls Course.
February meeting highlights: In addition to the award presentations, the annual meeting will include a keynote address and workshop by Sue Hawkes, CEO of YESS! and Expert EOS® Implementer, about common challenges faced by small businesses. The interactive workshop session will introduce attendees to the Six Key Components™ of a successful business and is designed to help leadership teams focus on priorities, gain clarity on pressing issues, and work together more effectively as a healthier, more aligned team. Attendees will leave with strategies to regain control of their businesses, drive consistent growth, and achieve meaningful progress.
The afternoon session will include presentation of the U.P. Economic Development Alliance (UPEDA) Award to the NMU Center for Rural Health.
To attend: The public annual meeting of Operation Action U.P. will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 13 at Northern Michigan University’s Northern Center Ballroom, 1401 Presque Isle Ave. Admission is $75 for members and $100 for non-members.
The event will begin with networking, followed by a welcome message and update from co-chairs Joe Esbrook and David Paananen.
Pre-registration is required. Register
online, by email at
operationactionup@gmail.com or by contacting the Lake Superior Community Partnership at 906-226-6591.
Why awards matter: "This is a big deal for the Upper Peninsula, as it is incredible when you hear what these businesses do, who their customers are, and where their customers come from,” Esbrook says.
In addition to recognizing four outstanding for-profit businesses, the organization partners with the Upper Peninsula Economic Development Alliance, a regional non-profit economic development organization, to recognize leading non-profit organizations contributing to the region's success.
Rosemary Parker has worked as a writer and editor for more than 40 years. She is a regular contributor to Rural Innovation Exchange, UPword and other Issue Media Group publications.