Lake Superior Community Partnership News

Distinguished Service Award Winners Announced

Tony Stagliano — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:23:35 +0000

The Lake Superior Community Partnership is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2012 Distinguished Service Awards, sponsored by the Marquette County Ambassadors. VAST was selected in the business category and Mike Roy as the individual award recipient. The awards will be presented in front of nearly 300 community members attending the Lake Superior Community Partnership’s Annual Dinner Celebration on Friday, March 16 held in Northern Michigan University’s Great Lakes Rooms.

Criteria used in the award selection process include:

· making a strong contribution to the betterment of Marquette County through the use of time, talent and/or treasure

· helping the Lake Superior Community Partnership reach its community and economic development goals

· demonstrating leadership within the community

“Each year, one of the highlights of our Annual Dinner has been the opportunity it presents to recognize companies and individuals who make significant contributions to our community and to the Lake Superior Community Partnership,” commented Tom Edmark, LSCP Chairman. “This year is no exception and I am very pleased with the selection committee’s choice for these prestigious awards. I have had the pleasure of working with both recipients over the last several years and believe they are well deserving of the recognition.”

“Not only has Mike served on the LSCP board since 2003, he has been instrumental in his role as Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Task Force for the LSCP since 2007. Under Mike’s firm guidance the LSCP was able to eliminate its debt, improve cash flow and reporting processes and set a course for beginning to plan for the long term financial health of the organization.”

“VAST’s involvement in the local community is exemplary. As an organization, they have supported many worthwhile causes over the years for the purpose of making Marquette County a better place to live for all of us. VAST encourages their employees to become involved in the community which helps them grow both personally and professionally. “

For information on the Partnership’s 2012 Annual Dinner Celebration, please contact the LSCP office 226-6591.

NAICS Changes for 2012 Released

Tony Stagliano — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:38:42 +0000

The new NAICS structure for 2012 has been released and can be viewed at: http://www.naics.com/naicsfiles/2012_NAICS_Changes.pdf

Contact our Business Development Specialist Caralee Swanberg for questions regarding the new NAICS changes at cswanberg@marquette.org

Marquette County Solid Waste Management Authority to offer Free Confidential Document Destruction

Tony Stagliano — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:08:11 +0000

The Marquette County Solid Waste Management Authority continues to expand the County recycling program for the benefit of our constituents. We will manifest and securely transport confidential documents to a secured site for destruction if the documents are delivered to the Marquette County Landfill. Processing is by appointment only! This is a FREE service to Marquette County.

There is a $25 charge if you would like copies of all applicable processing documents including individual Certificate of Destructions and manifesting from our secured holding containment, secured transportation, and document destruction in a secured, bonded facility. The single $25 charge for documentation covers as many boxes as you would like to bring in a day and is not required for secure disposal. Receipts from the Authority intake are furnished at no cost.

The documents are required to be in sealed cardboard “copy paper” or banker’s boxes. Unsealed containers will not be accepted. The single $25 charge for maximum documentation covers as many boxes as you would like to bring and is not required for secure disposal. Please remove all metal larger than paperclips and minimize plastic. DO NOT include media such as CD’s and DVD’s.

If you have any questions about confidential documents or other recycling opportunities call 249-4125 or go to MCSWMA.com.

DEQ to host public hearing on proposed Marquette County Road 595

Tony Stagliano — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:46:47 +0000

Marquette County Proposes New Road

DEQ officials today announced a public hearing to discuss a proposed new road in Marquette County.

The Marquette County Road Commission has submitted to the DEQ an application for a series of permits to create Marquette County Road 595, a proposed 21-mile road to connect US-41 with County Road AAA.

The Marquette County Road Commission’s stated purpose is to construct a new primary county road that will improve emergency, commercial, industrial, and recreational access to northwest Marquette County and reduce truck travel through Marquette County’s population centers.

The proposed road project connecting US-41 near Humboldt to County Road AAA near Kennecott’s Eagle Mine requires wetland, inland lake and stream, and floodplain permits. The DEQ has determined the road commission’s application is administratively complete, and the department will host a Feb. 21 public hearing to receive comments on the proposal. The hearing starts at 6 p.m. at the Country Village Banquet and Conference Center, 1011 North Road, in Ishpeming.

A significant goal of DEQ’s review is to solicit comments from the public, Department of Natural Resources and the United States Environmental Protection Agency on the reasonably foreseeable benefits and detriments of the proposed road, as well as feasible and prudent alternatives to achieve the purpose of the road.

The entire application can be viewed online at www.michigan.gov/jointpermit under the “What’s New” category. Written public comments, accepted through March 2, should be sent to DEQ, 420 5^th Street, Gwinn, MI 49841.

The deadline for completing this review is June 15. That deadline can be extended to July 9 by mutual agreement of DEQ and Marquette County Road Commission. For additional information, please contact Steve Casey, DEQ Water Resources Division, at 906-346-8535.

Operation Action U.P. Announces 2011 Award Winners

Lindsay Hemmila — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:25:10 +0000

Operation Action U.P. Announces 2011 Award Winners

Marquette, MI – Operation Action U.P. held its Annual Meeting last week in the Great Lakes Rooms of the University Center at Northern Michigan University. The keynote speaker was Dr. Susan Hedman. Dr. Hedman was appointed by President Barack Obama to be EPA Region 5 Administrator on Earth Day 2010. She directs EPA’s operations in the six-state Great Lakes region, which includes Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota, as well as 35 federally recognized tribal governments. One of her most important roles is that of Manager of the Great Lakes National Program Office, which oversees restoration and protection of the largest freshwater system in the world. Millions of people depend upon the Great Lakes for drinking water and millions more recreate in and around the Great Lakes.

Mr. Doug Smith, senior vice president of strategic partnerships, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), addressed the crowd on the importance of collaboration. Mr. Smith works with MEDC’s statewide network of local and regional economic development partners and integrating economic gardening, international trade and entrepreneur efforts.

A panel of mining experts gave a presentation during the luncheon. The panel included Mr. Adam Burley, president, Rio Tinto Kennecott Eagle Minerals; Mr. Dave Anderson, director of health, safety and environment and government relations, Orvana Resources U.S. Corp – Copperwood Project; and Mr. Mick Lawler, senior mine manager, HudBay Minerals Inc.

The most important part of the day was announcing the Operation Action U.P. Award winners. Award winners are outstanding businesses or major institutional employers who have contributed to the economic well being of their area in the Upper Peninsula. Nominations were solicited from businesses, chambers of commerce, economic developers and the general public across the U.P.

“Operation Action U.P.’s role in the future development and growth of the regional economy is vitally important given our rapidly economic, political and resource climates,” said Dr. Tawni Ferrarini, co-chair of Operation Action U.P.

Brett French, co-chair of Operation Action U.P. adds, “Operation Action U.P. has long since held the tradition of recognizing noteworthy accomplishments of various U.P. businesses at its Annual Meeting. 2011 was no exception, as we highlighted the accomplishments of the recipients of the 2011 Operation Action U.P. Business Excellence Awards. Operation Action U.P. is a staunch advocate for U.P. businesses, working tirelessly to develop and diversify the regional economy while retaining and creating additional family sustaining jobs.”

The 2011 Awards of Excellence winners honored at the meeting were:

Western Lime Corporation, Gulliver, MI www.westernlime.com

Western Lime Corporation is a Wisconsin based company with lime manufacturing operations in Fond du Lac, WI, Green Bay, WI and Gulliver, MI. Western Lime Corporation is the result of a 1921 merger of eight Wisconsin Lime producers, the oldest of which predated the State of Wisconsin's entry into the Union. Today, the descendants of one of the original families carry on a six- generation commitment to its customers, the business, and the industry.

Western Lime has long been involved in Michigan’s economy. Since 1921, Western Lime’s Green Bay, WI plant has processed limestone sourced from quarries located in Michigan. In 2007, Western completed construction of a new state of the art lime plant in Gulliver, MI. This flag-ship plant efficiently produces 250,000 tons of lime annually. The Gulliver Plant’s high calcium lime is used in environmental applications such as drinking water treatment, flue gas desulfurization and iron ore mining and a wide range of industrial customers such as steel and paper manufacturers located throughout the Midwest.

Western Lime’s Gulliver, MI plant employs 25 people and is located at 181 Cty Rd 432, Gulliver, MI.

Potlatch, Gwinn, MI www.potlatchcorp.com

Potlatch is a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) with approximately 1.45 million acres of timberland in Arkansas, Idaho and Minnesota. Potlatch, a verified forest practices leader, is committed to providing superior returns to stockholders through long-term stewardship of its forest resources. The company also conducts a land sales and development business and operates wood products manufacturing facilities through its taxable REIT subsidiary.

Basic Marine, Escanaba, MI www.basicmarine.com

Situated on 38 acres of waterfront property in the naturally protected harbor of northern lake Michigan’s Little Bay de Noc, Basic Marine’s services reach customers from across the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico via the Illinois and Mississippi waterways, “around the horn” to the West Coast, to the East Coast via the St. Lawrence River or the Erie Canal, and anywhere in between.

Ever since 1979, Basic Marine has been serving their customers throughout the nation by providing custom-built steel vessels, drydocking for marine repairs, specialty hauling of customers’ heavy, oversized equipment and much more.

From barges to buoys to ferries, quality prevails at Basic Marine. Their custom-built steel vessels are delivered on-time, with workmanship, paint and equipment warranties, at competitive prices.

With 20-25 permanent employees and anywhere from 7-20 subcontractors working for them at any given time, Basic Marine has huge economic impact in Delta County and beyond. According to Economic Modeling Specialists, the average wage per worker in Delta County for ship building is $40,000. Certainly a family sustaining wage for our region. Additionally, according to EMSI for every shipbuilding job in Delta County, two other jobs are created. Ultimately Basic Marine is supporting 75 of our residents as a net-exporter, by bringing in dollars and wealth from outside the area.

There are no other shipbuilders of Basic Marine’s size and capabilities in the state of Michigan, and the company holds its own in a competitive U.S. market with long term relationships with the Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Geographical Survey and Department s of Transportation among others.

To date, Basic Marine has completed 208 vessels, and has another one underway.

Local entrepreneur participates in forum at White House

Lindsay Hemmila — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:25:29 +0000

Local entrepreneur participates in forum at White House

Dave Ollila invited to share ideas on insourcing American jobs

Marquette, Mich – With pre-election rhetoric already focused boosting employment in the United States, President Barack Obama hosted a forum, “Insourcing American Jobs,” today at the White House. Marquette entrepreneur David Ollila was among a select group of business leaders who were invited to participate and share their ideas. Obama discussed with the forum why it’s competitive to locate in the United States and what more can be done to work with companies to take steps to insource American jobs.

Ollila is CEO and founder of Snapperhead Inventions, LLC, makers of the Marquette Backcountry Ski. Ollila was able to launch the company in less than one year, with minimal capital investment, while still being able to keep manufacturing not only within the United States, but right here Michigan.

Ollila brought the message to Washington that an individual player can participate in U.S. manufacturing, earn a family sustaining income and bring innovative products to the market with lower overall risk and greater reward than can be accomplished overseas.

“It's my hope that this forum leads to increased dialogue and action that will support average Americans who are willing to wake up every morning, take charge of their lives and produce something of value,” Ollila said.

According to Ollila, an aggregate of independent innovators can have a stabilizing and lasting impact on the nation’s financial stability by tapping into existing but underutilized manufacturing resources. For example, Ollila’s contract manufacturer also produces products for the automotive industry and operations were 40 percent below capacity as a result of the challenges faced by automakers. When manufacturers are able to expand the range of products they are capable of producing they are better positioned to handle the challenges that occur when an industry has a downturn.

Ollila hopes Washington will be able to help small businesses in America by providing states with the resources necessary to support the development and growth of individual ventures.

“In order for our country to be successful, we need to take the blinders off. We need to look at all the factors that play into the economy – the big as well as the small, the traditional as well as the progressive – and determine what roadblocks to advancement need to be removed,” Ollila said.

The forum comes on the heels of the government reporting Friday that the unemployment rate fell to 8.5 percent in December. Obama noted that the jobs report showed the economy added more than 200,000 private sector jobs last month and that more than 3 million private sector jobs had been added during the past 22 months.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to be invited to participate in the forum,” Ollila said. “The fact that the Obama Administration is interested in how our small company is leveraging existing supply chains is a genuine signal that regular people can, and should, pursue the American dream.”

###

Links:

Marquette Backcountry Website: http://www.marquette-backcountry.com/

MarquetteBackcountryFacebookpage: http://www.facebook.com/marquette.backcountry

About Marquette Backcountry

Marquette Backcountry is a Snapperhead Inventions brand, established in November of 2009 to create high quality, easy-to-use consumer goods and services for outdoor and action sports enthusiasts.

We Energies and Wolverine Power Cooperative Evaluate Potential for Joint Venture at Presque ...

Lindsay Hemmila — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:59:50 +0000

We Energies and Wolverine Power Cooperative Evaluate Potential for Joint Venture at Presque Isle Power Plant

MARQUETTE, MI - The Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP) is pleased with today’s announcement that Wolverine Power Cooperative and We Energies have signed a letter of intent to evaluate the formation of a joint venture to invest in environmental improvements at We Energies’ Presque Isle Power Plant in Marquette, Michigan.

The announcement comes just one week after controversial air quality control regulations enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) were put on hold by a federal court. The regulations put the Presque Isle Power Plant in jeopardy of closing by 2017.

LSCP staff, as well as members of the LSCP Energy Task Force and Board of Directors have been meeting regularly with representatives from We Energies, as well as officials from the State regarding the impending air quality regulations and how they will affect the Upper Peninsula's power generation, transmission, dependability and cost.

Northern Michigan Regional Chamber Alliance (NMRCA), of which the LSCP is an active member, has and will continue to play a role in the support of the We Energies and Wolverine Power Cooperative planned venture. Wolverine’s established trust in the NMRCA and its legislative ability has been an important part of this effort.

The LSCP appreciates We Energies’ effort to work toward a solution for the situation at the Presque Isle Power Plant. The fruition of this potential joint venture will solidify the Upper Peninsula’s power reliability and dependability, as well as negate a potentially significant impact to the tax-base of Marquette.

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder released a statement today saying, "I want to thank everyone at both companies who kept thinking and working to find a solution that is right for the U.P. in terms of Michigan jobs, consumers, and businesses. The State is committed to making sure our own regulatory processes regarding the Presque Isle Power Plant will be undertaken in that same spirit of relentless positive action."

Congressman Dan Benishek commented, “I was pleased to learn of the partnership between Wisconsin Energy and Wolverine Power. I am encouraged that the Presque Isle Plant will remain operational. Residents and businesses in the U.P. need reliable energy. While I believe the recent decision of the federal court to delay new EPA regulations buys the plant time, I will continue to work with WE and Wolverine, as well as, Governor Snyder and Congressman Upton to ensure the plant remains operational.”

Amy Clickner, Chief Executive Officer of the LSCP adds, “We applaud We Energies and Wolverine Power Cooperative for their innovation to find a solution that meets long term company and community needs. We are proud to be a part of the NMRCA that played a role in this process. This action is very much in line with the LSCP and NMCRA’s energy policy of local generation for economic development for our region.”

The LSCP will continue to monitor and work on the situation and will update you as more develops.

Verso Paper Corp. Completes $45 Million Renewable Energy Project at Mill in Quinnesec, Michigan

Tony Stagliano — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:00:11 +0000

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (January 9, 2012) Verso Paper Corp. (NYSE:VRS) today announced that the company has completed a $45 million renewable energy project at its pulp and paper mill in Quinnesec, Michigan. The project includes design upgrades to the mill's existing combination boiler (which burns biomass from waste wood sources), a new biomass handling system, and a new turbine generator. The project is delivering 28 megawatts of additional green energy for consumption within the mill, which is equivalent to the amount of electricity consumed by 18,000 homes in a year.

“The completion of the Quinnesec renewable energy project is a milestone in the implementation of Verso’s long-term energy strategy,” said Verso President and CEO Mike Jackson. “Besides delivering annual energy savings, the project helps Verso deliver on our commitment to increase our use of renewable biofuel and thereby reduce our carbon footprint.”

The boiler upgrades enable the mill to use renewable, carbon-neutral, wood-based biofuel for more than 95 percent of its on-site electricity generation. The new biomass handling system expands the mill's capabilities for processing residual wood such as tree tops, limbs and bark. Verso ensures that the expanded harvesting of this logging residue meets forest sustainability standards. The mill's boilers also will continue to burn black liquor, a byproduct of the wood pulping process.

“In addition to reducing our carbon footprint, these improvements will improve boiler combustion and efficiency and will markedly reduce the mill’s reliance on electricity produced from fossil fuels,” said Verso Vice President of Energy and Technology Mark Daniel.

Verso began ordering major components for the project in May 2010, construction was begun in October 2010, and the project was completed with the commissioning of the new turbine earlier this month.

Cliffs Reaches Agreement

Crystal Kuklinski — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:33:16 +0000

Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. Reaches Agreement for Sale

of Previously Discontinued renewaFUEL Biomass Plant

Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. (NYSE: CLF) (Paris: CLF) announced today that its majority owned affiliate has reached an agreement for the asset sale of its previously discontinued renewaFUEL biomass production facility in Michigan to RNFL Acquisition LLC, an acquisition entity created by an investor group that includes renewaFUEL’s minority partners. Under the terms of the final sale agreement, RNFL Acquisition LLC is purchasing the assets and the existing inventory as well as assuming the building lease for the production facility. As part of the transaction, the renewaFUEL brand will also be transferred to RNFL Acquisition LLC.

In September 2011, Cliffs announced plans to seek a potential buyer and idle the renewaFUEL operations. At that time, Cliffs stated it is focused on expanding its portfolio of steelmaking raw material assets within its core mining business.

The facility, located at the Telkite Technology Park near Sawyer International Airport in Marquette, Mich., was constructed to produce high-energy, low-emission biofuel cubes from sustainably collected wood and agricultural feed stocks. RNFL Acquisition LLC intends to operate the biomass facility in its current location.

The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About Cliffs Natural Resources Inc.

Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. is an international mining and natural resources company. A member of the S&P 500 Index, the Company is a major global iron ore producer and a significant producer of high- and low-volatile metallurgical coal. Cliffs’ strategy is to continually achieve greater scale and diversification in the mining industry through a focus on serving the world’s largest and fastest growing steel markets. Driven by the core values of social, environmental and capital stewardship, Cliffs associates across the globe endeavor to provide all stakeholders operating and financial transparency.

The Company is organized through a global commercial group responsible for sales and delivery of Cliffs products and a global operations group responsible for the production of the minerals the Company markets. Cliffs operates iron ore and coal mines in North America and two iron ore mining complexes in Western Australia. The Company also has a 45% economic interest in a coking and thermal coal mine in Queensland, Australia. In addition, Cliffs has a major chromite project, in the pre-feasibility stage of development, located in Ontario, Canada.

News releases and other information on the Company are available on the Internet at: http://www.cliffsnaturalresources.com

'Safe Harbor' Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

This release contains “forward-looking” statements within the safe harbor protections of the federal securities laws. Although the Company believes that its forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties relating to Cliffs’ operations and business environment that are difficult to predict and may be beyond Cliffs’ control. Such uncertainties and factors may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons including: the uncertainty or weakness in global economic and/or market conditions; trends affecting our financial condition, results of operations or future prospects, particularly any slowing of the economic growth rate in China for an extended period of time; Cliffs’ ability to achieve the synergies and the strategic and other objectives related to the acquisition of Consolidated Thompson; the outcome of any contractual disputes with our customers or significant suppliers of energy, materials or services; our ability to successfully complete the repair and refurbishment work at the Oak Grove Mine in the expected time frame; the amount and timing of any insurance recovery proceeds with respect to Oak Grove Mine; the impact of price-adjustment factors on our sales contracts; availability of capital equipment and component parts; the failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; unanticipated downturns in business relationships with customers or their purchases from us; events or circumstances that could impair or adversely impact the viability of a mine and the carrying value of associated assets; unexpected claims, charges, litigation or dispute resolutions; the impact of acquisitions and divestitures; unanticipated difficulties integrating acquisitions; our ability to obtain any permits, approvals, modifications or other authorization of, or from, any governmental or regulatory entity; new laws and governmental regulations; the ability to achieve planned production rates or levels; our actual economic ore reserves; reductions in current resource estimates; the ability to maintain adequate liquidity and successfully implement our financing plans; and problems or uncertainties with productivity, third-party contractors, labor disputes, weather conditions, natural disasters, tons mined, changes in cost factors, the supply or price of energy, transportation, mine-closure obligations and employee benefit costs and other risks of the mining industry; and other factors and risks that are set forth in the Company’s most recently filed reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The information contained herein speaks as of the date of this release and may be superseded by subsequent events. Except as may be required by applicable securities laws, we do not undertake any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements contained in this release.

For mor information, contact:

Dale Hemmila

Director, Public Affairs

(906) 475-3870

The e-Loft Celebrates Anniversary with Business Plan Competition

Tony Stagliano — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:37:07 +0000

Marquette, Michigan – The e-Loft, an entrepreneurial support organization, is celebrating its corporate anniversary by announcing the launch of “The Edge – The U.P.’s Business Plan Competition”, beginning January 2.

The competition, available to anyone or any group living in the U.P., offers a prize package valued up to $10,000 to one winner. The package includes consulting services from specialists in business, accounting, marketing/branding, and finance, and will aid the winner by providing their expertise and experience at no charge. Sponsors of the competition and members of the competition’s Advisory Panel include The e-Loft; Concepts Consulting; Elegant Seagulls; The Big Chair Club; Grandchamp, McBride & Prophet; and, U.P. Business Today.

“We know what it takes to navigate the start-up process and we remain intent on making a difference each time we serve an entrepreneur,” stated David Saint-Onge, President of The e-Loft. “Would-be entrepreneurs require a variety of services to bring their ideas to life so we formed a team of professionals who are the very best at what they do. What better way to give an entrepreneur the edge needed to move a U.P. idea to market than to create an innovative and comprehensive competition that rewards the winner with the services needed to succeed?”

Anyone interested in submitting a business plan must do so before March 15 at www.theeloft.com. Once the finalists are selected, each will be required to give a presentation to the Advisory Panel on April 12 in Marquette with a winner announced via the May 2012 edition of the U.P. Business Today. “This competition is designed to make a significant impact by giving the winner the very best chance to become their own boss,” Saint-Onge went on to say.

Since being acquired by Black Ink Assets in January of 2011, the e-Loft continues its mission of supporting entrepreneurs and Stage 1 start-ups with business guidance and mentoring services.

For more information, please visit www.theeloft.com