By Tanya Baker
Last week, Gov. Snyder headed to the U.P. for four days to visit with Michigan’s business, education and community leaders in Marquette, Ontonagon, Houghton and Ironwood to talk about Michigan’s continued comeback. He wanted to learn firsthand about some of the ongoing economic and community development efforts happening across the central and northwestern U.P.
As my colleagues and I crossed over the Mighty Mac and drove on to the governor’s first stop in Marquette, we were met with sunshine and warmer-than-expected temperatures. It was a uniquely northern Michigan feeling when juxtaposed with the surrounding leafless trees and a surprisingly ice- and snow-covered Lake Superior. Spring, it seemed, was still finding its way north.
Stop 4: Ironwood
Monday, May 7
On Monday, Gov. Snyder kicked-off his last day in the U.P. with a tour of Copper Peak — the only ski flying hill outside of Europe. This was the governor’s first time to Ironwood’s ski flying hill, and it happened to be just five days before a very new and exciting event: the Red Bull 400.
The governor was joined by Bob Jacquart, CEO of Jacquart Fabric Products as he viewed the hill from the very bottom, followed by a drive up the hill and an elevator ride to almost the very top of the jump. The view of Michigan’s rolling hills and Wisconsin was incredible!
Watch: Michigan Senate Bill and Red Bull 400 hope to revive Copper Peak
After the exciting ascent up Copper Peak, Gov. Snyder headed to downtown Ironwood, first with a quick tour of Stormy Kromer, and then to the heart of downtown to visit and meet
with the owners and employees of Chelsi’s Corner, Contrast Coffee, Bake Superior, and the Historic Ironwood Theatre.
It was especially exciting to see Chelsi’s Corner back up and running in a new location, as just two months prior, a fire ripped through downtown and tragically claimed the lives of three people and destroyed the boutique. As he moved through the downtown area, the governor also checked out a part of the Iron Belle Trail.
Finally, Gov. Snyder concluded his Ironwood visit with a stop at Cold Iron Brewing — not for a brew, mind you, but a roundtable discussion with community leaders.
The discussion focused on economic and community development in the city, with representatives each sharing some of the ongoing efforts to build up Ironwood.
The group spoke highly of the Iron Belle Trail the governor had just walked, noting its popularity and how it has helped bring the local communities together.
Gov. Snyder was pleased to learn of the collaboration and applauded Ironwood’s efforts.
“I want to compliment you because we all know that doesn’t happen everywhere, where several communities come together,” Snyder said. “But it makes a huge difference. One of the biggest single things if you want to see long-term success is to get along well with your neighbors.”
It was clear that both Gov. Snyder and Ironwood’s leaders were enthusiastic about the developments happening in their downtown. As the discussion wrapped up, the governor was adamant about the state continuing to help the city and other U.P. communities make connections and build relationships to secure resources and opportunities that can further promote their regions and all they have to offer.
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