Hope Church Of Iron Mountain Hosts Chamber Ribbon Cutting
Iron Mountain, MI (October 1, 2024)- Recently Hope Church of Iron Mountain decided to join forces with the Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce and hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate.
Rev. Anthony Miller is the Lead Pastor at Hope Church of Iron Mountain, located Downtown inside the building with the new WELCOME mural, next to Jean Kays Pasties and Blush Salon at 200 East B Street. Hope Church is a Spirit-Filled Pentecostal Church, focused on giving back to our community. Rev. Miller stated,
“We love our community and want to see it thrive. But we’re not going to just sit back and hope for the best-we’re going to do our best to come alongside folks to inspire and create real change. That starts by having unconditional positive regard for each and every person.” Hope Church joyfully joined the chamber in expectation of continuing their mission to become an asset to the greater Iron Mountain community. To learn more about Hope Church, visit www.hopeimt.org/about or email Rev. Miller at amiller@hopeimt.org.
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November 2024 • Vol. 36 • Number 11
Shown left to right: Chamber Executive Director Suzanne Larson, Ambassadors Emily Gunville, Ray King & Tania Swanson. Hope Church family members Michael, Marcus, Matthew, Danielle and Rev. Anthony Miller. Next are chamber Ambassadors Teresa Schettler, Hope Church volunteer Amanda Gaudino, chamber Ambassador Talitha Nelson and Hope Church minister Zach Kuchel.
Advanced Manufacturing Hub to Meet Increased Market Demand
Marquette, MI, October 3 – Able Medical Devices, a Longyear Company, is a leading developer and manufacturer of innovative medical devices and is excited to announce the groundbreaking of its new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Marquette, Michigan. This significant expansion underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation, community investment, employment, and economic growth.
The project broke ground on July 22, 2024, in preparation for the new building site. Construction of the facility is anticipated to be completed in the Spring of 2025. Cross General Contracting has been selected as the General Contractor for this significant development.
"The company had many opportunities to invest in other locations across the United States. Instead, we chose to invest in Marquette, recognizing the area's talent, the importance of providing well-paying jobs, and contributing to the region's economy.” said Steve Hicks, CEO of Longyear, Able's parent company.
The new facility, strategically located in Marquette, will initially feature 30,000 square feet of world-class manufacturing space, with the potential to expand up to 100,000 square feet as the company grows. This investment not only reflects Able Medical Devices’ dedication to delivering high-quality products across the United States but also reinforces the company's commitment to its employees and the local community. This facility will offer Able team members closer access to their homes and families, fostering a strong connection to the local community. Designed with employee well-being in mind, the location is bike-friendly, encouraging employees to commute by bicycle and enjoy outdoor activities during their breaks.
“Able Medical Devices has deep roots in the Marquette area, and we’re excited to further our investment here” said Martin Deloria, VP of Operations at Able. “This new facility will not only allow us to increase production capacity and capabilities, but also provide more opportunities for job seekers in the community and those looking to relocate. It’s a testament to our commitment to Marquette, our team, customers, and the future of medical device manufacturing in the Upper Peninsula.”
Able Medical Devices, currently based at KI Sawyer in Gwinn, has been a vital part of the Marquette area since its founding in 2018. The company has seen rapid growth, employing 70 full-time team members as of July 2024, and is poised for continued expansion. With products distributed nationwide, Able has quickly established itself as a key player in the medical device manufacturing sector.
For questions on the new Able building and construction, please contact Bud Bradley, Construction Manager at budbradley@jmlongyear.com.
For general questions or inquiries regarding Able, please contact Halle Mashburn, Executive Business Partner at hallemashburn@jmlongyear.com.
For more information about Able Medical Devices, please visit ablemedicaldevices.com.
The House of Ludington
IRON MOUNTAIN —
After having much success at craft shows and farmers markets in the past year, Tom Laabs has moved his Lovebugdesigns.us business out of his living room and into the Downtown Plaza in Iron Mountain.
For Laabs, a hobby gone out of control and a need for a career change led to LoveBugDesigns.us, which offers 3-D printing.
Laabs describes 3-D printing as additive manufacturing. Where subtractive manufacturing is like taking a piece of wood and turning it down into a table leg, additive manufacturing starts with a blank slate and adds layers upon layers to create a final piece.
2023, he set up at a craft show at the Ruth Butler Building in Escanaba and did so well he had nothing to sell on the second day.
Laabs would experience similar success in the coming months. Soon he earned enough money to purchase several more larger printers. Laabs is now able to create hundreds of pieces at the same time. The options for what he can create are limited only by the size of his printers and he hopes to add even larger printers in the future as demand dictates. Laabs offers custom-design service. He can make replacements for broken plastic parts for small engines and automobiles, or models and prototypes for manufacturers. When LovebugDesigns.us outgrew the Laabs’ living room, he shifted to suite L-106 in the Downtown Plaza. With some extra space in the shop, Laabs has set up a table and welcomes gamers to come in play, as he can print up the figurines that so many of them enjoy. He hopes that the shop will become a real gathering spot.
Laabs moved to the Iron Mountain area three years ago with wife Love and daughters Miranda and Skylar when the trucking company he worked for relocated from Neshkoro, Wis. Problems with the trucking company and two back surgeries signaled the end of Laabs’ career as a driver. Not wanting to sit idle collecting disability, Laabs began looking for alternatives.
Six years ago, Love Laabs received a 3-D pen as a gift for her birthday and Laabs was the one who took to the pen. He said he used to do ceramics at his grandmother’s and mother’s studios and the process was similar.
Soon Laabs, who has also previously worked in IT, took things a step further by combining his love of art and technology by purchasing his first 3-D printer.
Laabs began making articulating toys — which have sections connected by joints, allowing each section to bend or turn independently — and key chains. In December
Staghorn Brewing Co. The owner, Brendon Presnell, had been brewing as a hobby for several years. He decided to launch the business after talking with building owner Jonathan Nagel, and has been working on the project for the past year. He loves experimenting with new beers. But as an eight-year resident of the area, he’s also excited to be more involved locally. He credited Nagel and Lisa McKenzie, also a Hancock city councilor, for inspiring him with their ideas for building community in Hancock. With the craft beer market oversaturated downstate, Presnell said, he’s looking for a fresh take that will include a sizable menu of non-alcoholic drinks. Having the space be open to people of all walks of life will be critical to its success, he said.
To contact LovebugDesigns. us, email to info@ LoveBugDesigns.us or call or text to 906-282-5673.
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Something Brewing in Hancock H ANCOCK —
A new microbrewery is coming to Hancock. The Hancock City Council gave the local government approval for a microbrewery license at 115 Quincy St. for
“I’m really hoping to make this a sort of third space that Hancock needs, to have people — both drinkers and non-drinkers — be able to come to a place to socialize and really add to the vibrancy of the downtown,” he said. Now that Staghorn has the city’s approval, Presnell will work to get approval from the state, and is working with the Department of Agriculture to get the back of the building set up. “It’s still very early on, but we’re working in the direction of being able to get our financing,” he said.
Ruble’s Rodent Removal
IRON MOUNTAIN —
Ruble’s Rodent Removal recently joined the Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce, which celebrated the membership by hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Ruble’s Rodent Removal has been operating for 18 years. Their first five years mainly consisted of trapping nuisance skunks and raccoons. About 13 years ago, owner Nathan Ruble ventured into exclusion work with mice, squirrels and bats. The exclusion portion of his business allows the nuisance squirrels and bats to leave the home, but they cannot get back in.
“The main portion of my business is mouse exclusion. In the past ten years, I have excluded mice from over 1,500 homes and businesses in the area,” Ruble said. “Just because we live in the beautiful Northwoods doesn’t mean that we must live with mice in our homes. We have an over 90 percent success rate after the first visit for keeping mice out of people’s homes. However, if mice are still present after a month, we do not charge for a follow-up visit.”
Ruble said he puts customer service at the top of his list, making himself available to answer questions and discuss customer concerns before and even months and years after the service was provided.
Exclusion is 80% of Ruble’s business, working with mice, bats, red squirrels, gray squirrels, flying squirrels and snakes. Currently, Ruble traps skunks, raccoons, woodchucks, opossums and pigeons.
Ruble’s Rodent Removal can be reached by calling 906-221-0021, going to the business’s Facebook page or going to the website at upbats.com.
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Sawicky Awarded Professional Designation
Betsy Sawicky, an Associate Broker with Stephens Real Estate’s Iron Mountain office, has been awarded the prestigious CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) designation through the Residential Real Estate Council’s Pro Program. CRS is the highest credential awarded to real estate professionals, with stringent requirements that combine demonstrated outstanding achievement in the marketplace and advanced training in the latest tactics and technologies. Nationwide, only 22,000 Realtors have earned this credential.
“Betsy has always been passionate about continuing education in the real estate industry,” noted Ryan Gordon, broker/owner of Stephens Real Estate. “She understands that the more knowledgeable you are about various real estate topics and the more experience you have, the more your clients trust you when it comes to making life-changing decisions.”
Sawicky has been a fulltime Realtor for more than 20 years and consistently ranks in the area’s top 5% for sales production. A member of the Upper Peninsula Realtors’ Board of Directors, she also holds the professional designations Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), Graduate, Realtors Institute (GRI), and certification as a Real Estate Divorce Specialist. She can be reached at Stephens’ office at 1320 Carpenter Avenue in Iron Mountain, by calling 906-282-0752, or via email at betsysawicky@hotmail.com.
Stephens Real Estate also has offices in Iron River, Michigan and Florence, Wisconsin and has been their area’s top-selling real
estate office fifteen years in a row, with over $100 million in sales in 2023. They have been providing residential and commercial real estate services throughout central and western Upper Michigan and northeastern Wisconsin since 1979.
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Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson Kingsford Rehab Center, a partner with UP Rehab Services
Marshfield Medical CenterDickinson Kingsford Rehab Center, a partner with UP Rehab Services, celebrates expansion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Marshfield Medical CenterDickinson Kingsford Rehab Center, a partner with UP Rehab Services, celebrates expansion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The new space includes an increased physical therapy training area and private treatment rooms to accommodate higher patient volumes and further extend the care and experience provided to patients. Together, we will continue our mission of helping our community members right here, close to home.”
Dylan Taylor, Marshfield Michigan Region Director of Operations, stated, “Marshfield Dickinson and UP Rehab have been partners for the past four years, and our collaborative effort has positioned us as the Rehab providers of choice in our community. We are extremely excited to see the center continue to grow in square footage and providers to accommodate our increased patient population better. We look forward to continuing to meet our communities’ rehabilitative needs long into the future, and the new expansion will help us achieve our goal. Thank you all for your support.”
Nominations are in for the
TOP PICKS IN THE
Final Voting 2024
in the 906
Accounting Office
__Fleury & Singler - Iron Mountain
__Kathy Wilkey - Escanaba
__SL&H - Escanaba
__Randy Maleug - Escanaba
__Chapman & Meyers - Marquette
__Lacosse Associates - Ishpeming
Appliance Store
__Pioneer - Escanaba
__Peterson Electric - Norway
__Lowes - Marquette
__Household - Marquette
Assisted Living
__Harbor House - Munising
__Lakeview - Gladstone
Attorney Office
__O Dea Nordeen and Pickens - Marquette
__James Maki - Escanaba
__Cassleman & Henderson - Marquette
ATV Dealer
__Red line - Norway
__Fish & Hunt - Curtis
__Addventure Center - Marquette
Auto Body Shop
__Dave’s Auto Service - Iron Mountain
__Derovins - Escanaba
__Daves Collision Center - Ishpeming
__Edwards Collision - Escanaba
__Rons Auto Body - Munising
__Lindsley - Iron Mountain
__Bartanens - Ishpeming
Auto Repair
__Dave’s Auto Service - Iron Mountain
__Tucks Rapid Rover
__Riverside Chevy - Escanaba
__Muffler Man - Escanaba
__Skips - - Munising
__Era - Norway
__Lemorns - Negaunee
Auto Supply Store
__Auto Value - Isheming
__Auto Value - Munising
__Oreilly - Escanaba
Automotive Detailer
__Riverside Chevy - Escanaba
__Fox - Marquette
__Riverside Ford - Escanaba
__Era - Norway
__Quality Car Care - Marquette
Bait & Tackle Shop
__Bayshore Bait & Hideaway - Gladstone
__Blades Bait & Tackle Kippling
__Gwinn Bait & Tackle - Gwinn
Bakery
__Huron Mountain Bakery - Marquette
__Huron Mountain Bakery - Ishpeming
__Grab & Go - Escanaba
__Dulce Nulla - Iron Mountain
Bank
__First Natl Bank & Trust - Iron Mountain
__Bay Bank - Gladstone
__First Bank - Escanaba
__First Bank - Marquette
__Upper Peninsula State Bank - Escanaba
__Peoples State Bank - Munising
__Range Bank Kingsford
Banquet/Reception Hall
__Holiday Inn - Marquette
__Terrace Bay - Gladstone
__Up North Lodge - Gwinn
__River Rock Lanes - Ishpeming
Bar
__Tavern on Main - Florence WI
__Swallow Inn - Rapid River
__Northern sun Winery - Bark River
__Smarty’s Saloon - Negaunee
__Cheniers - Escanaba
Barber Shop
__The Guys Place - Marquette & Houghton
__Ricks - Iron Mountain
__Man Cave - Marquette
Book Store
__Read my Lips - Marquette
__Snowbound Books - Marquette
__Canterbury Book Store - Escanaba
__Grandpa’s Barn - Copper Harbor
Breakfast
__Jacks - Rapid River
__Holiday Kitchen - Iron Mountain
__Wilson Creek Cafe - Powers
__Sherri’s Diner - Ishpeming
__Drifters - Escanaba
__Early Birds - Munising
__Storheims - Iron Mountain
__Summers Place - Republic
Building Contractor
__Brunette - Gladstone
__Fogaroli Construction - Marquette
__Karls Custom Homes - Marquette
__Wilbur Design & Construct - Marquette
__Dp Construction - Chassell
__Cross General Contractiing - Munising
__Wausau Homes - Marquette
__Dan Perkins - Ishpeming
Bus/Taxi Service
__Checker - Marquette
Upper Peninsula Business Today readers, please cast your vote for the business you think is the Top Pick in the 906!
Winners from each category will be announced in the January edition of UPBT.
Marquette, MI – The Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP) was pleased to assist Specialized Retirement Consultants, a Marquette-based independent registered investment advisor, with a ribbon cutting ceremony held on October 15, 2024, to celebrate the expansion of their services into Marquette County. The event marked a significant milestone for the firm as it formally extended its expertise into the region.
Founded by Tyler Krzewina, Accredited Investment Fiduciary®, Specialized is committed to helping business leaders mitigate their personal fiduciary risks while ensuring employees are well-prepared for retirement. They aim to leverage market expertise and cutting-edge
technology to deliver outstanding retirement planning strategies at ultra-competitive fees.
“We named it Specialized Retirement Consultants because that’s who we are – Specialized in Retirement Plans,” said Tyler Krzewina (or “TK”), President and Founder of Specialized. “But my real passion is helping everyday people, like my late father Scott (who was a CNC Machinist), to make better sense of personal finance, so we go to market with something easier to remember – 401TK.com. Our guiding principle is simple: do what’s right for everyday people, and good things will happen.”
And it is working. Less than three years since the firm’s inception, Specialized already serves as lead advisor and Fi-
duciary Partner on more than $167,000,000+ in retirement assets (09/30/2024).
The National Association of Plan Advisors even recognized Specialized as a Top Retirement Plan (DC) Advisor Team in the country - two years in a row (the only UP-based firm to earn this distinction).
The formal expansion into Marquette County aligns with Specialized Retirement Consultants’ goal to broaden its impact and provide valuable services to more businesses and individuals across the region.
For more information about Specialized Retirement Consultants, visit 401TK. com or watch youtube.com/ watch?v=G85WHuT-UZ0.
Tyler Krzewina, Accredited Investment Fiduciary®, Founder Specialized Retirement Consultants; Sally Davis, Mayor City of Marquette; Hanna Westra, LSCP Outreach & Development Specialist; (Back) Natalie Krzewina, Amelia Wales, Maelynn Krzewina, Rory Krzewina, Christopher Erspamer, Jillian Erspamer and Lola Wales.
Pictured left to right: (Front) Paul Thares, LSCP Community Development Programming Coordinator; Rachel Raak, LSCP Community Economic Development Coordinator; Jennifer Krzewina;
Elle Jay Aesthetic Studio Celebrates Grand Opening
Manistique, MI – Elle Jay Aesthetic Studio officially opened its doors to the community with a grand opening celebration on Wednesday, September 25th. It was a highly attended event, with a line that wrapped around the building before the doors opened. The event, held at 241
South Cedar Street, featured a special evening of appetizers, cocktails, tours, demos, amazing specials and raffle prizes. Guests enjoyed the opportunity to explore the new studio, learn about the services offered, and meet the talented team behind Elle Jay Aesthetic Studio. The first 65 guests who checked in
at the event received complimentary gift bags, and those who booked services received special package pricing and a gift.
Elle Jay Aesthetic Studio is a new aesthetic studio offering a variety of services, including HydraFacial, laser skin rejuvenation, Botox, fillers, massage therapy and microneedling. Laser hair removal, nail fungus treatment and tattoo removal are some of the other unique treatments they can provide. Elle Jay would like to become a leader in the hair restoration industry with their revolutionary new technology device called TED (trans-epidermal drug delivery) which utilizes ultrasonic waves to stimulate the scalp and promote natural hair growth for men and women struggling with hair loss, thinning and shedding. The studio is committed to providing its clients with the highest quality of care and service and even has its own private label medical grade skincare line.
“We’re excited to celebrate the grand opening of Elle Jay Aesthetic Studio, a valuable addition to our local business community,” said Victoria George, Executive Director of Schoolcraft Tourism & Commerce. “This new business not only brings unique services to our residents but also contributes to our growing economy. We’re proud to support entrepreneurs like Elle Jay and look forward to their continued success.”
Furthermore, owner, Laura Everhart stated, “We’re thrilled to officially open our doors and welcome the community to Elle Jay Aesthetic Studio. The studio was created to be a welcoming environment, with just the right amount of fancy, and is truly meant for everyone. Our highly trained and respected providers, Michelle Goudreau, RN, Aesthetic Nurse and Dana Vix, FNP-BC, Aesthetic Nurse Practi tioner have been waiting patiently to become a part of your health and wellness
journey, and we can’t wait to help you be your best you!”
In the near future Elle Jay Aesthetic Studio salon will open its doors and will be managed by the amazing Jennifer Lancour, where offerings will include manicures, pedicures, hair care and more!
Contact Information: Phone: 906-553-4888
Email: Ellejayaestheticstudio@ gmail.com
Facebook: Elle Jay Aesthetic Studio https://www.facebook. com/search/top?q=elle%20 jay%20aesthetic%20studio Website: https://www.ellejayaestheticstudio.com
Top Five Tips For Business Succession Planning
Ensuring a Smooth Transition for Future Success
In business, change is inevitable. Whether due to retirement, unexpected events, or a strategic shift, the leadership of an organization will eventually change hands. Business succession planning is crucial to ensure a seamless transition and the continued success of the company. Here are the top five tips to consider when planning for business succession.
1. Start Early and Be Proactive
The most critical aspect of succession planning is to start early. Procrastination can lead to rushed decisions that may not be in the best interest of the company. Begin planning several years in advance to allow ample time for identifying potential successors, grooming them
for leadership, and ensuring they are well-equipped to take on new responsibilities. Early planning also provides a safety net in case of unforeseen circumstances, such as the sudden departure of a key leader.
2. Ensure Your Business Records are Current Maintaining organized business records is crucial for the smooth operation and transition of leadership within a company. Comprehensive and up-to-date records provide a clear picture of the business’s financial health, operational procedures, and legal obligations. This transparency is vital for new leaders, enabling them to make informed decisions quickly and precisely. Furthermore, well-kept records facilitate continuity, ensuring that key information is readily accessible during the transition period, thereby minimizing disruptions and maintaining stakeholder confidence.
3. Create a Formal Succession Plan
A formal, documented succession plan is essential for clarity and transparency. This plan should outline the process for selecting and transitioning leaders,
including timelines, roles, and responsibilities. It should also detail contingency plans for unexpected events. By having a written plan, you can ensure that all stakeholders are on the same page and that the transition process is smooth and organized. Regularly review and update the plan to reflect any changes in the business environment or organizational structure.
4. Assemble a Team of Advisors
When navigating the complex waters of business succession, enlisting the expertise of a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and an attorney is highly advisable. A CPA can provide invaluable insights into the financial health of the business, ensuring accurate valuations, tax planning, and compliance with regulatory requirements. Meanwhile, an attorney can offer essential legal guidance, helping to draft and review contracts, mitigate risks, and ensure that all legal aspects of the transition are meticulously handled. Together, these professionals form a crucial part of the advisory team, safeguarding the organization’s interests and facilitating a smooth and legally sound leadership transition.
5. Focus on Continuity and Culture
To maximize the value of your business, succession planning is not just about
choosing a new leader; it’s about ensuring the continuity of the company’s values, vision, and culture. The new leader should embody the company’s core values and be committed to maintaining its culture. This alignment helps preserve the company’s identity and ensures that any changes implemented by the new leader are in harmony with the existing organizational ethos. Additionally, focusing on continuity helps reassure employees and other stakeholders that the company will remain stable and successful through the transition.
Best regards, Jacob D. Lynch
Attorney (906) 774-3808 www.ryanlynchlaw.com jdlynch@ryanlynchlaw. com
