Where Opportunity Awaits

Keweenaw Bay and Beyond offers a wealth of opportunities for businesses to thrive. The Economic Development Corporation serves as a conduit for the collaboration needed to make that happen.

Make a splash!

Fast Facts

8,152

Population

6.9%

Unemployment

$46.6K

Median Household Income

In The News

In The News
> Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Corporation, Uncategorized

Annual Banquet & Board of Directors Meeting

A wonderful evening was had by all when the Baraga County Chamber of Commerce hosted their Annual Meeting and Member Appreciation Banquet on February 9, 2023 at the American Legion Post 144 in L’Anse, MI.  The event was open to members and their employees. The evening featured dinner, musical entertainment, door prizes, election of board…
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In The News
> Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Corporation, Government

Chamber Offers College Scholarship

The Chamber of Commerce is offering 3 - $500.00 scholarships!!!  One to a graduate from the L'Anse High School, one from the Baraga High School and one from an alternate form of school (Baraga Co residency required).  Applicants must be attending a trade school or an accredited College or University.   Preference given to business degree…
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In The News
> Economic Development Corporation

Appellate Court Decision on Minimum Wage & Sick Leave Mandates

The long-awaited appellate court decision on minimum wage and sick leave mandates was published, and as we expected, the Court of Appeals upheld the current law. This means that the compromise on minimum wage and sick leave requirements from 2018 stands. The Small Business Association of Michigan was active in this court action by filing…
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What’s happening

Check out our calendar of events

Opportunity Awaits

Welcome to Keweenaw Bay and Beyond, the heart of Baraga County…a community that is ripe with opportunities for your business. Whether it’s our abundance of resources, our talented, committed workforce or the sheer beauty of living by the Bay, we have much to offer.

As the Director of Business Development for the Baraga County Economic Development Corporation, I look forward to applying my experience in implementing strategic initiatives and developing key relationships to assist you in your new venture. Whether you’re looking to relocate a business, start one from the ground up or expand your existing business, this is where you want to be.

If you would like to chat to see how we can help you achieve your goals, please feel free to reach out to me to set up a time.

Mary Myers
Director of Business Development
231 409 9065
Mary@baragacounty.org

2023 Meeting Schedule

The Board of Directors of the Economic Development Corporation of the County of Baraga will hold their monthly meetings on the following dates in 2023: 

Tuesday, January 17
Tuesday, February 21
Tuesday, March 21
Tuesday, April 25 – April 25, 2023 Meeting Notification
Tuesday, May 16
Tuesday, June 20
Tuesday, August 15
Tuesday, September 19
Tuesday, October 17
Tuesday, November 7
Tuesday, December 12 

All meetings begin at 11:30 am and are held at the Village of L’Anse located at 101 North Main Street, L’Anse, MI 49946. 

Board of Directors

Phil Acciacca
Director
Acciacca Forest Products
Robert LaFave
Director
Village of L’Anse
Koral Inal
Secretary
UP.Net - Baraga Telephone
Mark Massicotte
Chairman
L’Anse Manufacturing
Ethan Johnson
Treasurer
Superior National Bank
Bill Menge
Director
Retired
Roy Kemppainen
Director
Retired
Brad Dakota
Director
Baraga County Commissioner
Rob Stowe
Director
Baraga Memorial Hospital
Jennifer Misegan
Director
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

Partners

A History of Achievement

The Baraga County Economic Development Corporation, also known as the BCEDC, was founded in 1983 by a group community visionaries. Its purpose was to promote and economic prosperity in Baraga County. One of the most notable accomplishments to the organization’s credit is the first Industrial Park located on Dynamite Hill in L’Anse.

Fast forward to 2016 when in response to community outcry for economic prosperity, the then dormant organization was revitalized. Appointed by Baraga Co. Commissioners, the Board is comprised of a diverse group of active community leaders who understand the need to retain youth and support existing businesses, while actively working to create opportunities for new ones.  It is these goals which drives the BCEDC to fulfill its primary mission to promote collaboration for economic and workforce development within Baraga County as well as and surrounding counties.

Our Achievements

Here are some examples of the important work done to date:

  • Completed Site Readiness grant which resulted in a $75,000 grant for the industrial park in L’Anse to complete the gas line.
  • Assisted a manufacturing company with an MEDC grant to purchase equipment.
  • Continue to partner with organizations like UP Michigan Works! and WUPPDR to provide services to Baraga County.
  • Led the implementation of the MEDC’s Restart Grant Program assisting 26 companies in Baraga County, with 20 receiving awards totaling $120,753.
  • Led the MEDC’s Survival Grant Program assisting 18 companies with 17 receiving awards totaling $66,500 in Baraga County.
  • Developed website content to assist businesses with COVID-19 resources and regulatory requirements.
  • Participate in housing and childcare task forces to provide solutions for the business community.
  • Support and assist businesses from start up to success planning.