NEGAUNEE — A new advisory team has been established for the city of Negaunee.

City Manager Nate Heffron issued a directive on Thursday establishing the creation of the Negaunee Economic Development Advisory Team. The committee will research and present advice on economic development within the city.

The team will consist of 12 members, including Heffron and 11 appointed members.

The appointed members are as follows:

≤ Negaunee Mayor Dave Kangas

≤ Negaunee Public Schools Superintendent Dan Skewis

≤ Lake Superior Community Partnership Executive Director Christopher Germain

≤ Central Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Regional Commission community planner Ryan Soucy

≤ Negaunee city planner and zoning administrator David Nelson

≤ Negaunee Downtown Development Authority Chair Gary Nelson

≤ Ben Argall of Argall Real Estate Group

≤ Negaunee business owner Ryan Nummela

≤ Negaunee business owner Shailah Pelto

≤ Negaunee resident Diane Menhennick

≤ Negaunee resident Matt Monroe

The committee will perform several functions, including:

≤ review the economic development strategic plan: moving forward, identify goals met, goals to continue and not reached

≤ help identify opportunities for economic development in the community

≤ identify barriers that may be inhibiting economic development

≤ prepare new economic development strategic plan

≤ hold no less than two public meetings on the matter

≤ provide a written report and recommendations to the city council

Technical assistance in developing the Negaunee economic development strategy will be provided by Lake Superior Community Partnership.

According to the news release, the Negaunee City Council adopted a resolution to request technical assistance through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which was awarded in the amount of $5,745. In total, the project will cost $7,661.

Questions can be directed to Heffron by calling 906-475-7700, ext. 11.