ISHPEMING — The Lake Superior Community Partnership held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the official opening of the West End Economic Hub on Wednesday.

The West End Economic Hub is a location for organizations in western Marquette County to access economic development resources in a collaborative space staffed by the LSCP. Designed to be a catalyst for economic activity, the goal of the hub is to aid the West End’s business community by providing information and resources to encourage sustainability and evolution in local business ventures.

“The West End Economic Hub is the result of many conversations that began nearly a year ago. I applaud the vision of those participating in the discussions and want to thank former members of the GINCC Board of Directors as well as the LSCP Board of Directors for their support in getting us to this point,” said Christopher Germain, CEO of the LSCP. “The space will not only serve as a second location for LSCP services but also as an example of the very real economic momentum occurring right now in western Marquette County. The West End Hub’s opening is just the beginning of what we expect will be a long-term investment to further strengthen our partnership with businesses and communities in western Marquette County. The LSCP has always been a countywide organization; this investment furthers that approach.”

Effective now, the West End Hub’s weekly office hours are as follows:

≤ Monday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

≤ Tuesday, noon to 4 p.m.

≤ Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

≤ Thursday, noon to 4 p.m.

“We are thrilled to offer a more permanent resource to the West End community,” said Lauren Rotundo, small business support specialist at the West End Economic Hub. “Our goal is to create a vibrant and supportive environment where businesses can grow, innovate, and, most importantly, succeed. This office represents a new and exciting chapter in our commitment to the economic vitality of Marquette County’s West End.”

Meetings outside office hours are available by appointment. Reach out to the small business promotions specialist, Lauren Rotondo, at lauren@marquette.org or 906-204-2101 to learn more.

The West End Economic Hub is located at 910 U.S. 41 West in Ishpeming. More details regarding available services, contact information, and West End Forward initiatives can be found at marquette.org/west-end-economic-hub.

Pictured left to right: Ashley Szczepanski, LSCP director of marketing; Rachel Raak, LSCP community economic development coordinator; Hanna Westra, LSCP outreach and development specialist; Sarah Johnson, Partridge Creek Farms executive director; Jenn Hill, state representative; Alex Kofsky, Accelerate U.P.; Jason Nicholas, Northern Michigan University; Erica Huss, small business support hub project manager; Liam Gotez, Accelerate U.P.; Katelyn Gage, Flagstar; Jodi Ouellette, office of U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman; Lauren Rotundo, LSCP small business promotions specialist; Mary Myers, LSCP director of business development; Christopher Germain, LSCP CEO; Dave Aro, West End advisory council; Tia Rodda, West End advisory council; Angela Hentkowski, Steward & Sheridan; Roxanne Daust, LSCP Board of Directors; Scott Knaffala, LSCP Board chair; Katie Kern, West End advisory council; Michelle Sellers, Marquette County ambassador; Brent Forsberg, Forsberg Development; Erin Warlick, InvestUP; Bev Trynoski, Ishpeming Rock & Mineral Club; Lindsey Bean, Junior Achievement; Anthony Martin-Boyle, Junior Achievement; David Nyberg, NMU; Brooke Quinn, LSCP senior business development representative.