MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Over 50 non-profit organizations from around the U.P. and upper Wisconsin joined together for the 2025 Connect and Grow conference Thursday morning.
Of its two-day leadership sessions, the first day of the annual conference focused on these groups, as keynote motivational speaker Derek Deprey kicked things off, before breakout sessions and networking opportunities were shared throughout the day.
“Its just a time to be inspired and reenergized,” said Amy Quinn, President & CEO of Grow and Lead, a main contributor in the Connect and Grow conferences.
Members from Copper Shores Community Health Foundation have been attending the conferences for six years. Marketing and Donor Relations Director Michael Babcock says the event broadened his reach towards other groups.
“When I first started coming, this was how I got introduced to the non-profit community,” he said. “I learned a lot about who the people are, what we’re trying to do, how we’re all really trying to make our communities a better place.”
Striving to benefit the public more often than themselves, these orgs are commonly under resourced, utilizing fundraisers and community partners to build upon. With that comes a mission to follow. These goals may be similar to other groups, allowing for beneficial networking. Joining those in the same boat, Babcock says, makes all the difference.
“It’s a really nice opportunity to hear information that helps our organizations and communities become stronger,” said Babcock. “We have a lot to learn from each other, but often we aren’t able to make the time to do that on a regular basis.”
These opportunities have now strengthened the non-profit community for two decades, with Connect Marquette celebrating its 20th annual conference this year.
“We’ve had several examples over the years of people that have come together in a partnership after the conference, because they met at the conference,” said Quinn.
Friday’s sessions will continue with Professional Development Day throughout Friday.
