LSCP's Amy Clickner knows the value of local business

It's important for people to understand who the movers and shakers and the forward-thinking leaders in their communities are. That's why the staff at Upper Peninsula Second Wave has decided to start helping you get to know them, one by one, through a new series called 10 Minute Break.

The purpose of the series is simple: Take 10 minutes, chat with a community business or thought leader and let them explain their role and their vision for their business, city, township, county or the Upper Peninsula.

The first to be interviewed for the new series is Amy Clickner, the director and CEO of the Lake Superior Community Partnership--which boasts over 700 members to date. Clickner was born and raised in Negaunee, graduated from Northern Michigan University and is a certified economic developer and certified fundraising manager. She lives in the area with her husband, Kurt, and their two daughters. In short, she's as committed to Marquette County and the Upper Peninsula as anyone can be.

UPSW: Could you tell me a little bit about the LSCP and what its goals are?

AC: We are a private-public partnership whose mission is to provide the business resources and services that enable economic sustainability and growth; ultimately generating community wealth and prosperity. We were founded in 1998, after the closure of KI Sawyer Air Force Base. We are a professional staff of 10, home to two certified economic developers, and in 2012 became an Accredited Economic Development Organization through the International ED Council--the only one in the state.

UPSW: The LSCP reach goes well beyond the city of Marquette, right? Which other areas do you represent?

AC: Our organization's main territory is Marquette County, but we consider ourselves regional because of the many  connections and responsibilities we have to collaborate with our peers, state agencies and stakeholders from across Michigan in order to be successful in our own community,

UPSW: The Upper Peninsula, over the past decade or so, has really become a hot spot for tourists. Does the LSCP try to leverage that and why?

AC: We are fortunate to have the Marquette Country Convention Visitors Bureau, which continues to be extremely successful in marketing and event coordination for our area. We work with the MCCVB as appropriate. The marketing and attraction that they garner certainly assist in economic development by keeping Marquette County at the forefront.

UPSW: You are, from what I can tell, a huge supporter of local businesses. What are some of the advantages of shopping locally rather than at a big box store or national chain?

AC: I'm a huge supporter of local shopping, fly from nearby, get your healthcare in the U.P.--all are very important.  Obviously, while national chains do pay taxes and provide employment, ultimately profits leave the area. Locally-owned and operated businesses' profits stay locally and are reinvested in the community in the form of time, talent and financial resources.

UPSW: Why should entrepreneurs consider opening a business in Marquette County?

AC: The trend seems to be that people are choosing where they want to live first and finding a way to do so secondly. That's different from past generations where we went where the job called us. Marquette County is a vibrant community, a micropolitan if you will, that has much to offer. This is a business-friendly community with a diverse employment base and numerous resources to help an entrepreneur be successful.

UPSW: I know they're like your children and you hate to show favoritism, but what are a few of your favorite Upper Peninsula products?

AC: That is such a tough question. U.P. products are so diverse and innovative! From skis and helmet cameras, timber products and minerals, surgical equipment to metal extruded products--how do you choose?

UPSW: You live in Marquette County but travel all over for events. What are some of your favorite locations and why?

AC: I'm not a big city girl, so I enjoy smaller areas that I believe are a step ahead and we can learn from. Traverse City, Madison and Duluth are a few that come to mind.  Having said that, many of our events are in large cities, which always make me appreciate the U.P. and all it has to offer.

UPSW: If you could change one thing about the Upper Peninsula, what would it be and why?

AC: Access. Once we get people here, they fall in love. Getting here can sometimes be a challenge whether real or perceived.

UPSW: Are there any big events that the LSCP is hosting or sponsoring that folks should know about?

AC: You bet! Our annual dinner is coming in March. It is a fun filled evening to network and celebrate. The only business conducted is the presentation of the two Distinguished Service Awards. This year's recipients are VAST and Dr. Mike Roy. Did I mention it is a Mardi Gras theme?

Sam Eggleston is the managing editor of UP Second Wave. He was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula and, like Clickner, only realizes just how much he appreciates the region when he travels to big cities. He can be reached via email.