LINK U.P.: Connecting talent and leadership

Earlier this spring, 40 people gathered at the Pine Mountain Resort for the inaugural meeting of a new personal development and networking organization – LINK U.P. The event introduced the organization and provided an opportunity to network while enjoying games and prizes.

LINK U.P. is re-establishing the former young professionals' group in the area with a new mission. This new organization is designed to engage working individuals from all careers, experience levels and occupations through personal development and networking opportunities. It aims to enhance the community by developing a thriving network of working talent and leadership in the Dickinson area as well as throughout the Upper Peninsula.

LINK U.P. has four pillars - Leading, Influencing, Networking and Knowledge-Sharing – that provide many ways to participate. Each pillar has a working committee to maintain momentum and alignment with the mission of the organization.
 

As a partnership of the Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance (The Alliance), Link U.P. works closely with its Talent and Education Task Force. The group will be a valuable resource to employees and employers as they seek ways to engage with like-minded individuals and enhance personal development opportunities. 

A kick-off event for LINK U.P. was held in early April. "Our group is open to everyone living and working in the Dickinson area," said Luke Carey, owner of Carey Design Build. "We want to emphasize that networking, professional and personal development is for everyone no matter their career path or experience level."

Carey was the first president of LINK U.P. and was instrumental in establishing the organization alongside Katie Roell and John Orttenburger, both of BOSS Snowplow. Orttenburger has taken the helm and is serving as president of LINK U.P. for the coming year. 

“Year one is really about raising awareness of the group and creating a membership base,” Orttenburger said. “We are planning socials throughout the year so people can come out and see what LINK U.P. is all about.”

A key benefit of joining is LINK U.P. Circles, smaller groups focusing on themes such as leadership, small business, manufacturing, and education. The goal is to bring together those with specific industry knowledge and experience to benefit those interested in a particular area that may not already be actively involved or may be interested in learning more.  

The first event LINK U.P. is hosting is the annual Intern Social which connects interns from local businesses with each other and key individuals from the community. 

“The Intern Social is an opportunity to share all of the wonderful things there are to do when living and working in the Dickinson area," said Lois Ellis, director of The Alliance. "This year, we are excited to have LINK U.P. members be the ambassadors for living and working here should any interns find full-time work in the area upon graduation."

Cornhole was among the activities interns enjoyed at a June event sponsored by LINK U.P.LINK U.P. board members hosted interns from a variety of local employers on June 1 at City Park in Iron Mountain. From high school apprentices at Guide Star to college students getting hands-on experience in manufacturing, the group had a great time networking, playing cornhole and feasting on a local specialty, porketta sandwiches.  Alliance investor members donated swag, and everyone walked away with some great prizes. 

The executive board has representation from the construction and design, manufacturing, education, banking and small business sectors. The all-volunteer board is building the foundation of the organization, collaborating with organizations in and outside the area, and seeking corporate sponsorships. 

While the organization is in the Dickinson area, it is open to others located elsewhere in the U.P., especially those with business and professional interests in the area. The organization has corporate sponsorships and individual and college student memberships. 

If you are interested in joining, visit www.daeda.org/linkup or join us on July 20 for our next social at The Terrace in Downtown Iron Mountain. 

Follow LINK U.P. on Facebook and Instagram for the latest information. 

Elsa Pontbriand is co-founder of Mountain Media House based in Iron Mountain, where she focuses on media and communication for clients.