5019 W Airport Drive
Kincheloe, MI 49788
Phone: 906-495-5631
Email: admin@chippewacountyedc.com

PUBLIC NOTICE: The Chippewa County EDC intend to apply for an EPA Cleanup Grant. Additional details and the opportunity for public comment will take place during the CCEDC Regular Board Meeting on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at 3:00 PM, located at the General Aviation Building (5019 W Airport Dr, Kincheloe, MI 49788) Board Room on the second floor. A draft of the application will be available for comment.

Manufacturers embracing apprenticeship

While workforce development and attraction requires a range of strategies, West Michigan manufacturers have begun to embrace an apprenticeship model of continuing education to combat the so-called talent gap. Despite flagging enrollment in the years following the recession, apprenticeship programs have gained steam for both employers and workers, many of whom want to retain their positions while learning skills to advance their careers. Read more here.


State jobless rate finally on par with U.S. level

Michigan’s unemployment rate dropped to 5.4% in April to reach a milestone not seen for 15 years and now equal to the nation’s number. It marked the first time the state and national rates stood at the same level since September 2000, an achievement that boosts those who herald Michigan as the nation’s leading comeback state. Even so, Michigan’s economy is yet to recover all the jobs it lost during its lost decade. That remained a sobering footnote to the otherwise upbeat jobs report. As every Michigan worker knows, between 2000 and today, the state endured an economic crisis of… Read More »


Delta to add second Saturday flight

Responding to a steadily growing demand for flights over the past several years, Delta Airlines will now offer fourteen non-stop jet flights per week to Detroit Metropolitan Airport. Delta announced that starting in May they will be offering a second flight on Saturdays from Chippewa County International Airport. Passenger counts have climbed on available flights from Chippewa Count International for years, especially since the advent of Jet service in 2011. The airport saw its second busiest month ever in March and is ahead of last year’s pace for the first quarter. More than 40,000 passengers a year pass through the… Read More »


USDA Announces $30 Million for Michigan Food Entrepreneurs

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is making $30 million available to farmers, ranchers and food entrepreneurs to develop new product lines. Funding will be made available through USDA’s Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program. “Farmers and ranchers are creative people who, with a little help, can put that creativity to work and improve the bottom line for their operations,” Vilsack said. “Value-Added Producer Grants enable them to develop new product lines to grow their businesses and expand their contributions to our nation’s economy. This support is especially important for beginning farmers, military veterans engaging in farming and smaller… Read More »


Creative Deconstruction

Architect’s Drawing   Contractors with Hallmark Construction out of Traverse City, Mich., are clearing the interior of Lake Superior State University’s South Hall on April 23 in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. The demolition formally begins a $13.5 million renovation of the building into R.W. Considine Hall, which will open for classes in fall 2016 and house LSSU’s Lukenda School of Business. The School is named in honor of LSSU alum and Sault, Ont., businessman Dr. Lou Lukenda. Considine Hall derives from Trout Lake, Mich., native and retired entrepreneur Dr. Robert Considine. Both men have been instrumental over the years with… Read More »


Leadership through Effective Meetings

Understanding a handful of best practices for running effective meetings can improve meeting productivity and effectiveness. Having a grasp of parliamentary procedure, following board rules and agendas, and respecting member roles can make everyone better leaders. When leaders exhibit such skills and follow the rules the public will too. This workshop will cover: – Basics of parliamentary principles and procedure – Board Rules – Decorum in debate – Rules for public comment – Making motions – Meeting agendas – Roles of members – Minutes The workshop will also include ample opportunity to ask questions and share experiences, plus activities to… Read More »


Co.Starters in Sault, Michigan April 22

Co.Starters, a 9-session program based around the Business Model Canvas to be held in Sault Ste Marie and Escanaba, has been moved back a week to begin on Weds April 22.  (6 to 9 pm).  This will be facilitated by Eric Becks (LSSU) and Josh Billington (SBDC) in Sault Ste Marie. The 2-Day Ideation Boot Camp at Bay College (thanks to Lori Shea and Robert Pontius of Bay College, co-facilitated by Jim Baker of MTU) is April 30 & May 1.  More information and registration at www.SproutLab.org


Tourism is up statewide in 2014

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A cold, wet winter didn’t hamper Michigan’s ability to attract tourists in 2014, according to a report Michigan State University researchers released at the Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism on Monday. MSU researchers Sarah Nicholls and Dan McCole report annually on Michigan’s tourism industry, which they estimate supported 200,000 jobs and generated $18.7 billion in direct spending in 2013. In 2014, Michigan’s hotel occupancy was up by two percent and car traffic was up just under one percent. “2014 saw another year of steady growth for tourism in Michigan, despite the weather which was especially… Read More »


Help starting a business

Eric Becks from the SSMart Zone and Joshua Billington from the SBDC will be starting the SproutLab’s Co.Starters entrepreneurial class April 15. This will be a 9 week class that will meet every Wednesday night from 6-9pm at the SSMart Zone building, and helps aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs examine assumptions and turn business ideas into action.  More than a course, CO.STARTERS is the starting point for building a vibrant startup community. More information is available here.


DNR approves Graymont’s proposal

Following a recommendation from Department of Natural Resources officials, DNR Director Keith Creagh announced today his approval of a land transaction proposal from Graymont, Inc. Creagh announced his decision at today’s Natural Resources Commission meeting in Roscommon, Michigan. Graymont is planning a limestone mining operation in the Upper Peninsula’s Mackinac County, near the town of Rexton. The company will have to comply with all applicable state and local regulations before mining can occur. In January DNR officials identified several concerns with Graymont’s proposal and recommended against its approval by the director. In response to those concerns, Graymont revised its application… Read More »