Marquette, MI (April 23, 2015) – A number of local businesses announced today the official formation of the Marquette Chamber of Commerce(MCC). Local businesses and municipalities have been working together for several months to create an organization that will serve the unmet needs of the local business community in the Marquette area.
The founding business members of the Marquette Chamber of Commerce are The Marquette Food Cooperative, 906 Technologies, Quick Trophy, Everyday Wines, Ore Dock Brewing Company, Dia de los Tacos, The U.P. Catholic Credit Union, Beth Milner Jewelry and Elegant Seagulls. Local entrepreneur, business consultant and former Marquette City Commissioner, Jason Schneider, has been hired as the executive director to lead the organization.
“The Marquette Chamber of Commerce will function as a major hub in the Marquette area business community,” said Schneider. “After talking with over a hundred local businesses and receiving unanimous support, we realized there are needs being unmet.” “There are other organizations that do a great job providing direct services, however, there are still gaps. The MCC’s intention is to fill those gaps by collaborating with business owners, municipalities, and the other business service organizations to support the future Marquette area economy.”
Believing that “A vibrant, local economy is everyone’s business,” the newly formed member-based MCC will be governed by a board of directors elected directly by the membership. “Our member’s input drives the direction and the meaning of the MCC. We value all of our members and their needs equally,” said Matt Gougeon, president of the MCC and general manager of the Marquette Food Cooperative. “We will provide valuable information, networking and engagement opportunities for all our members.”
“The Marquette Chamber of Commerce will help foster our unique, growing and changing business community,” said Michael Coyne, Marquette City Mayor. “Based on feedback we have received prior to this official announcement, we’re optimistic that the MCC will be successful and sustainable by meeting the needs of local businesses and helping the city understand those needs.”
Community members may remember Marquette’s former Chamber of Commerce which served the community until 1997. When the Chamber dissolved, the Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP) was formed. The partnership has been a great success, but as they continue to grow, their scope has evolved. LSCP plays a critical role in economic development and is responsible for supporting attraction and retention strategies for the entire Upper Peninsula. In 2010, the Greater Ishpeming Negaunee Chamber of Commerce formed and has experienced great success addressing the local business needs on the west end of Marquette County, focused mostly on providing networking and applicable information. The MCC has had positive communication with both organizations and all of the other business service providers in the Marquette area. One of the MCC’s goals is to help the community understand the many resources provided by the different organizations and how they all help the business community.
The purpose of the MCC is to act as the collective voice for the Marquette area business community and to provide vital communication, information sharing and networking opportunities for a healthy, resilient and vibrant economic future of the Marquette Area.
Those interested in joining MCC can visit the Chamber website at www.marquettechamber.org for more information.
###
Q. Why do you feel there is a need for a local Chamber?
A. Over the last few months we’ve spoken with over a hundred businesses and the support has been unanimous. As Marquette continues to grow and diversity, there is a need in our community for a “hub”, a place where information can be collected and shared, businesses can get support, and have a local legislative voice between business and local governments. We will do this by taking the time that businesses can’t spare to monitor local agendas and keep our members informed of issues that affect them. We’ll also be helping our municipalities understand the needs of the business community as a whole.
Q. Aren’t those services available already through the LCSP, DDA or Michigan Works?
A. No. We conducted extensive interviews with the area business and studied the services that are available in in Marquette and were able to identify many needs that are no currently being met. What we found was that there were gaps in services that are not currently being met. What we found was that there were gaps in services that are normally provided by Chambers. We intend to provide those services without competition or taking away from other organizations. The Chamber will enhance the community and help promote all the organizations that work with the business community.
Q. So many businesses are already strapped for cash when it comes to memberships. Do you think the Chamber will be able to attract enough businesses to support the mission?
A. Yes, we do. The conversations that we’ve been having with businesses show the support. We have received positive feedback from so many businesses regarding our programming options like our municipal process evaluation, local economic studies and a number of others.
Q. How is the City of Marquette involved with the Chamber?
A. The city is involved in the same way that businesses are, they have joined as a member. Besides being a Champion level member they have been eager to work with us on programming that helps the business community.
Q. How does the LSCP and other organizations feel about the new Chamber?
A. Everyone has been positive and a bit curious. Before the announcement of the new Chamber, we met with other services provider organizations including the LSCP. Those meetings were both positive and collaborative. It is our intention to support the Marquette business community, which includes supporting the other business service providers. We will continue to develop positive working relationships and partnerships and work in conjunction with all the service organizations to help build a stronger business community.
Q. Aren’t you afraid of duplicating services?
A. No. We looked at all the service organizations and found that although there are very valuable services provided, there still is a gap especially when it comes to communication, networking and information to the business community and with local government. The Chamber will offer unique services that will be reflective of the growing, diverse community that we have. While there may be some overlap at times, it will be minimal.
Q. What is the next step for a business or individual looking to join the Chamber?
A. We are just getting launched and encourage anyone interested in working with us to visit www.marquettechamber.org. for more information. It’s just our home page for now, but it will be expanding quickly with more information. We encourage anyone interested to contact us through our site. Our website will operate as a source for information as well as promotion for our Chamber members.