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Column: Uppertunities – an opportunity to communicate

ESCANABA — Countless studies have focused on how collaboration and teamwork set workplaces, events and activities up for success. A local example of the success and effectiveness of a collaborative effort is the working relationship between the Delta County Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Alliance, Builders Exchange, Visit Escanaba, and the U.P. State Fair. Not only do all the organizations share office space and support personnel, but we also share a desire to see that all our economic and community development missions are accomplished.

The most obvious benefits of our partnership are maximized resources and minimized duplication of administrative tasks resulting in better service to our community. In our lines of work, if we are going to continue to work toward economic growth and prosperity, collaboration is not only good, it is essential. This growth becomes easier as more organizations work together for the common good.

It’s even better, easier and more effective when collaboration extends beyond the walls of the Commerce Center and our Delta County border. On May 21, the Commerce Center organizations and Michigan Works is UPward, UPTRA, Island Resort and Casino, and the Alger County Chamber of Commerce will collaborate once again to host Uppertunities — the U.P.’s Premier Business and Tourism Conference at the Island Resort and Casino.

We all communicate and work together to organize this conference, designed for both tourism and non-tourism businesses, because we know the importance of providing professional development seminars that will benefit the greater Upper Peninsula. The following is a sneak peek of what attendees can expect to see and hear during Uppertunities.

We are excited to welcome new speaker, Jessika Phillips, relationship marketing evangelist. Jessika will be presenting three breakout sessions named: How to use the Power of Relationship Marketing to Grow ROI, Success Secrets of Facebook for Business and Creating a Smarketing Plan – Align Your Sales and Marketing Efforts.

Another presenter new to Uppertunities, Ken Wasco, has been three years in the making. Due to high demand, this will be the first year he is able to join us as one of our keynote speakers. Ken is the customer effective manager at Gordon Food Service. He conducts hundreds of seminars and workshops on ways to achieve higher levels of personal effectiveness through an emphasis on communication skills.

This year we have relevant new topics such as Navigating New Marijuana Laws and Taking Advantage of the Global Marketplace. Also planned are engaging round-table discussions that will allow everyone to bring their expertise to the table and share resources and ideas.

We look forward to welcoming back Dave Lorenz, vice president of Travel Michigan. During his lunch keynote presentation, attendees will get updates pertaining to the Pure Michigan campaign, which has become one of the most successful tourism marketing campaigns in the world. Join us to learn more about and celebrate the Pure Michigan campaign that highlights the Upper Peninsula.

To register or learn more about Uppertunities, contact the Delta County Commerce Center by calling 906.786.2192 or visiting deltami.org, or better yet, stop by our collaborative at 230 Ludington St.

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Vickie Micheau is the executive director of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce

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