As we enter the second quarter of the year, we’re preparing for one of the LSCP’s longest standing events: our Annual Dinner. This year, the dinner will take place on Wednesday, April 10 at the Northern Center.

Each year, the Annual Dinner is a chance to celebrate the success we’ve achieved together and continue the conversation on the work yet in front of us. Networking begins at 5:30, and we’ll wrap up by 8:30p.m. Attendees will find an impressive array of items to win (donated by dozens of local businesses and organizations – thank you!), networking opportunities, great food and drink, Distinguished Service Awards (DSA), and more. You can also expect brief updates on the LSCP’s recent accomplishments and insight into where we expect 2024 will lead us as an organization.

We’re also pleased to be bringing back a theme this year: The Great Outdoors. Expect outdoor themed décor, prizes, and outfits. Jeans, flannel, hiking boots, etc. are all acceptable attire.

A highlight of the evening, the Distinguished Service Awards, are given annually to one individual and one business in Marquette County who have left their mark on our economy and community. This year’s individual DSA winner is Carol Fulsher. Carol is a staple in our community. From her early days at the LSCP where she helped grow the Iron Ore Heritage Trail Authority into an independent organization to her recent retirement, we have Carol – and the team of staff and volunteers she assembled – to thank for one of our county’s crown jewels of outdoor recreation (but certainly not the only one!).

Our business DSA recipient this year is JM Longyear Company. Established in Marquette more than 150 years ago, JM Longyear has evolved into a diversified company holding assets in logging, real estate, medical manufacturing, and more. Their commitment to our community is seen everywhere. Recently, JM Longyear’s real estate development team has put in significant effort to add hundreds of housing units in the county and has done so in a way which honors the outdoor recreation paradise we are all so fortunate to call home.

Of course, the dinner wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. For 2024, that includes: Enbridge, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Eagle Mine, Northern, Michigan University, WLUC TV6, Upper Peninsula Power Company, Breneman Advisors, Eco Smart Home Pros, Kendricks Bordeau, P.C., Flourish Financial Group, West End Health Foundation, Northern Initiatives, Accident Fund, Acrisure, Active Physical Therapy, Double Trouble Entertainment, Range Bank, Iron Range Agency/TRICOR Insurance, Nicolet Bank, Peninsula Fiber Network, and Talon Metals Corp. You can still purchase tickets to attend by going to www.marquette.org. Sponsorship opportunities remain available by calling 906-226-6591 and asking to speak with Hanna or Ashley. We hope to see you at the dinner on Wednesday, April 10. And, as always, if the LSCP team can do anything to support your business or organization, please reach out.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Christopher Germain is the Lake Superior Community Partnership’s CEO.