A business cluster is a geographic concentration of interconnected businesses, suppliers, and associated institutions in a particular field. Business clusters can be large and well-known, such as the large cluster of computer technology related companies in Silicon Valley, or smaller and more specialized, such as cherry production in Traverse City, MI.
Clusters have the potential to effect competition by increasing the productivity of the companies that are in the cluster, as well as driving innovation and stimulating new business in the field. Community Ties seeks to identify business clusters in Marquette County and provide information on related resources and organizations.
Metal Working
The many metalworking firms located in Michigan’s upper peninsula form an important business cluster for the area. There are a few state-wide organizations involved in the industry, including the Michigan Association of Metal Finishers and the Foundry Association of Michigan.
The
Michigan Association of Metal Finishers is a trade association comprised of management executives in the surface finishing industry and related fields. The MAMF meets regularly to discuss industry related topics, learn about new issues that affect the industry, and to network with peers.
The
Foundry Association of Michigan is an organization of metalworking firms throughout Michigan. The association provides information on the foundry industry and organizes workshops, conferences, training programs and more. For information on membership and upcoming meetings, please visit the association’s website.
Forestry
One of Michigan’s most important natural resources, lumber is big business in the northern parts of the state. There are many great forestry associations and organizations in Michigan that connect those who share a passion for the industry.
The
Michigan Association of Timbermen (MAT) is a non-profit trade organization founded in 1972 that seeks to represent Michigan’s forestry community, including those who grow, harvest, and process forest products. Members of the association have a number of services and opportunities available to them; from scholarships for their children to training opportunities and an annual conference, MAT provides many great resources and ways for people in the industry to connect.
The
Michigan Forest Association (MFA) is comprised of landowners, professionals, and other interested individuals who work to promote education and wise management and use of forests. The association holds an annual meeting in a different Michigan city each year, and publishes a quarterly magazine, weekly newsletter, and various informational booklets. The MFA website features an outstanding
collection of forestry links along with a description of each linked site.
The Michigan Lumber and Building Materials Association (MLBMA) was established in 1889 and today is one of the premier and most versatile lumber and building materials associations in the country. It offers a wealth of services, solutions, and products to its members, including a regional trade expo and an annual golf outing. Virtually all businesses involved in the manufacture, distribution, and retailing of building materials and home improvement products are eligible for membership.
The
Michigan Society of American Foresters features chapters for the upper and lower peninsulas, as well as student chapters at Michigan State University and Michigan Technological University. The SAF website has a wealth of resources related to forest information, career descriptions in the industry, certification courses and training, industry conferences and other events.
Tourism
Any true Michigander knows that the idea of going “up north” is synonymous with Michigan vacationing at its finest; our beautiful state offers a winning combination of recreation and relaxation. In Marquette, there are many businesses that are related to or dependant on tourism. Though establishments such as hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops are often the first to come to mind, there are many more types of businesses involved in the tourism industry. For this reason, tourism is a unique cluster and it would be difficult to touch upon all of the different business associated with it. However, the Marquette Country website is an excellent starting point when looking for any tourism-related information on the area. Other good sources include Northern Initiatives and Great Waters, where you can find out about the UP-wide tourism initiative. And of course, there's Pure Michigan, the state's Official Travel and Tourism site. It features Marquette as well as many other popular vacation destinations all over Michigan.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing is an important business cluster in Marquette county. The state-wide Michigan Economic Development Corporation is working to promote the industry, bring its workers together, and create opportunities for growth. They put together a Manufacturing Organization Summit, held in Traverse City, that presented a variety of manufacturing opportunities in new, high-growth markets. Taking place in July 2009, the summit focused on the benefits of diversification and the best ways to go about breaking into markets such as Aerospace and Wind Energy.
The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, or MMTC, is a statewide organization that provides innovative training and consulting services to small and midsize Michigan manufacturers. The MMTC has six regional offices located throughout the state, one of which is located in Marquette.
Northern Initiatives serves as the MMTC for the upper peninsula. It is also a part of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, a national network that focuses on "increasing the competitiveness of the United States industrial base by bridging the productivity gap for manufacturers, identifying opportunities for growth, and encouraging technology deployment".
Information Technology
Information Technology is an industry that has experienced a lot of growth in recent years, and will continue to expand as technology becomes a more and more integral part of our everyday lives. One great Michigan resource for individuals in the technology field is an organization called ConnecTech. As Michigan’s premier association for technology professionals, ConnecTech provides its members with benefits, resources and tools that are vital to their success. Networking events, education and training opportunities, webinars, and a mentoring program are some of the main benefits that the association has to offer. With only eight local chapters throughout Michigan, there are great opportunities for new chapters to be started. A local Marquette ConnecTech chapter could bring the area’s IT professionals together in a whole new way.
Healthcare
Marquette is a local hub for activity in the Healthcare field, due largely in part to the presence of the Marquette Regional Health Center and the Upper Peninsula Medical Center. Many other specialized clinics and healthcare services can also be found in the area, including the Marquette Sports Medicine Institute.
One great healthcare-related organization in Marquette is the Medical Care Access Coalition. As a nonprofit, the organization coordinates volunteered and donated medical care to county residents with low income and lack of insurance. The official mission of the MCAC is to "Develop a model system to provide needed healthcare to underserved individuals in Marquette County, and to assist other communities in doing the same". Check out their website to see the latest newsletter, get information on volunteering, and access a comprehensive list of Marquette area resources.
General Business Resources
From IT to healthcare, manufacturing to agribusiness, there are some great organizations in Michigan that all business owners and professionals could benefit from, no matter their field.
A great local resource for Marquette entrepreneurs is the
E Loft, located at 333 W. Washington Street. The E Loft is a place where entrepreneurs can be around other like-minded individuals with similar goals and interests. Services offered include Business Coaching and Consulting, Workshops, and Mediation for business-related conflicts. Check out their website, or visit the
E Loft business page on Community Ties.
The
Michigan Business & Professional Association, or MBPA,
is a business trade association that represents over 20,000 small to mid-size business members throughout Michigan. Service, education, advocacy and solutions are the four main pillars that the association is built upon. The MBPA strives to provide a personalized approach with every member to create positive, memorable experiences for them every day. Check out the calendar of events and listing of workshops and seminars to see some of the types of things that the MBPA has to offer.
The
Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center provides “counseling, training, research and advocacy for new ventures, existing small businesses and innovative technology companies. With offices statewide, the MI-SBTDC positively impacts the economy by strengthening existing companies, creating new jobs, retaining existing jobs, and assisting companies in defining their path to success.” The State Headquarters is located at Grand Valley State University, and it supports 12 regional offices and over 30 satellite offices. Region 1 includes Marquette county, and the region’s main office is located in Escanaba. Check out their website for regional services and highlights, local partners and success stories. 