ESCANABA — We earmark the year with significant events and dates as time flies by. Some of us focus on birthdays and anniversaries, while some of us count the time that passes by school years and holidays. For me, the start and end to my year seemed to be marked by the U.P. State Fair.

In 2018, I joined the U.P. State Fair management team to conduct the economic impact study courtesy of the Regional Prosperity Initiative grant. Once that was completed, I joined the Delta County Chamber of Commerce full-time. The past year has been full of incredible experiences, thanks to the Commerce Center team, which continually presented wonderful opportunities and provided ample ways for growth. As I have stated in the past, never did I expect to be so submerged in the Delta County community as I was in this past year. Between serving the businesses and organizations that make up the extensive Chamber membership, working with the Ambassadors of Delta County, attending every Business After Hours and Chamber event, as well as being a student in Delta Force, I am truly humbled and honored to have been a part of this dedicated and thriving community.

Part of what makes Delta County so great is the focus on the importance of family and friends. Although everyone welcomed me in so graciously and many important and valued relationships were formed, the emphasis of roots made me miss my own. With that being said, I would like to thank all of you for making Delta County a great place to live, work, and play. As I move back downstate, I take with me nothing but fond memories and gratitude for experiencing the Yooper way of life.

The 2019 U.P. State Fair was an incredible success and I cannot think of a better way for a “send-off celebration” than being a part of the immense U.P. pride that is displayed during fair week. I know that Delta County will continue to thrive and I already cannot wait to visit that very special place known as the heart of the U.P.

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Nicole Smith is communications director of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce