ISHPEMING, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Mather Inn saw a large crowd Friday morning, featuring members of outdoor recreational organizations from across Marquette County for Breakfast & Business with Lake Superior Community Partnership.
Brian Calley, President and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan, started off the morning with updates on the changes facing the industry, along with the impacts these types of businesses play at a larger scale.
“People think of outdoor recreation as a hobby, and sometimes it’s not totally obvious of what a powerhouse it is when it comes to the economy,” he explained. “Especially in areas that have the type of natural features that the Upper Peninsula has.”
The LSCP commonly holds these events to offer networking opportunities and to share these updates.
Aside from economic discussions, the morning moved to a panel, featuring directors in the ORIAN Initiative, Love & Bicycles, and the Ishpeming Ski Club to bring the local standpoint forward. The panel focused on their experiences in overcoming challenges, expanding this recreation throughout the community, and working together to do so.
Phil Britton of the ORIAN Initiative, standing for Outdoor Recreation Innovation Action Network, says the small community aspect makes a huge difference.
“You’re bumping into people that you know, and that you see all the time,” he said. “This is a great opportunity to reconnect, to ask, ‘hey’ what are you working on, this is what I’m working on,’ and make those connections to combine efforts towards things.”
The LSCP says the Breakfast & Business series has become increasingly popular with these groups over the years. The next Breakfast & Business will be on November 21, with a focus on Education.
