The Central Upper Peninsula Planning and Development (CUPPAD) Regional Commission and Innovate Marquette (IMQT) have partnered to develop an Outdoor Recreation Industry Innovation Growth Strategy, focusing on the counties of Alger, Delta, Dickinson, Marquette, Menominee, and Schoolcraft, through the Outdoor Recreation Innovation Action Network (ORIAN).
This undertaking, which will transform the outdoor recreation industry in the central Upper Peninsula and beyond, is possible due to a $320,000 grant from the federal Economic Development Administration (EDA). The EDA grant which will support this undertaking was through the agency’s Economic Adjustment Assistance Program, which supports communities “experiencing adverse economic changes that may occur suddenly or over time.” CUPPAD and Innovate Marquette, in their application, highlighted the job losses related to the closure of the Presque Isle Power Plant and the economic potential of outdoor recreation as a growth strategy.
ORIAN will focus on helping the region adapt and diversify from its former reliance on coal industry jobs and develop a strategic framework for the growth of the outdoor recreation industry. It will also develop an outdoor recreation business database to support region-wide communication, serve as a hub for data and information related to outdoor recreation, provide business-to-business support, and convene an annual outdoor recreation summit.
On May 16 we held the first annual U.P. Outdoor Summit presented by ORIAN at the Jacobetti Complex on Northern Michigan University’s Campus. To learn more about the U.P. Outdoor Summit, click here or scroll down.
Background
CUPPAD, a regional planning organization, is the U.S. EDA’s designated Economic Development District for the central upper peninsula’s six-county region. As part of that role, CUPPAD maintains a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), which describes general priorities and development projects of the region and is one factor in enabling local partners to be eligible for federal funding. Two key priorities discussed in the CEDS include the need for greater economic diversification and supporting the transition away to more sustainable sources of energy. In 2019, the Presque Isle Power plant, located in Marquette County ceased operations while taking approximately 70 jobs with it, enabling the region to become eligible for Assistance to Coal Communities funding, which this project is primarily funded by.
Recent economic planning has pointed to the outdoor recreation sector as a key regional strength which presents new unique opportunities for the Upper Peninsula as we begin to see the emergence of electrified vehicles. By developing a growth strategy that analyzes this emerging industry and provides detailed insights on the environment of the region, the region can learn what actions government and economic leaders can take to build the foundations that support growth and educate decision-makers about electrified mobility as it relates to outdoor recreation.
Innovate Marquette offers access to critical resources, mentorship, funding, talent and network collaboration to entrepreneurs, existing businesses and startups. As one of 20 SmartZones designated by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Innovate Marquette works with partners to create a thriving local entrepreneurial ecosystem. With an emphasis on technology-focused ventures in outdoor innovation, creative technology, and sustainable technology Innovate Marquette aims to draw economic opportunity to the region and sustain an inclusive and approachable business community. Through a customized innovation journey and partnerships with the MEDC, the City of Marquette, Northern Michigan University and other local economic development organizations, Innovate Marquette helps create a comprehensive network to support current and future economic development in the region.
U.P. Outdoor Summit
The U.P. Outdoor Summit is a one-day conference gathering outdoor enthusiasts and change makers, showcasing and celebrating the work accomplished thus far, surveying current projects and trends, and casting a vision for the future. Hosted by The Outdoor Recreation Innovation Action Network (ORIAN), this all-new event will feature keynote presentations, outdoor innovation demos, an open space technology panel, networking opportunities, a post-event social hour, and two in-depth study presentations conducted by TIP Strategies and UPland. The conference takes place in Innovation Hall at the Jacobetti Complex on Northern Michigan University’s Campus.
To view the UP for Adventure Presentation by TIP Strategies, click here.
To view the E-Trails in the U.P. Presentation by UPLAND, click here.
To view the Michigan Outdoor Industry Presentation by Land of Outsiders, click here.
