ESCANABA — I am very optimistic that 2023 is going to be a great year based on how the last part of 2022 ended. As an example, who would have made a bet in October that the Packers and Lions would be playing Sunday night for a chance to make the playoffs. We have seen some great progress on projects that are critical to our local economy the last part of 2022. The Escanaba Paper Mill made progress on the proposed expansion by their new owners, Billerud. Delta County, Escanaba Township and Wells Township leaders all unanimously approved a resolution to create a Forest Products Processing Renaissance Zone in support of the proposed expansion. There are still a few things that need to fall in place, but great progress has been made. The $1 billion investment in the mill will allow it to enter a growing product market vs. remaining in a declining one. A healthy paper business in Delta County keeps the local economy growing for many of our other local businesses The great jobs the expansion will save and add also allow their employees to invest into the local economy. The second project I wanted to highlight is the jail/lakefront project in downtown Escanaba. After years of delays, property sales agreements have been signed by three local companies that will transform the lakefront. The local investment into the three projects will also be a major win for our local economy. The creation of a new hotel, a business expansion and a mixed use project will attract other business to come downtown. 

The priorities for 2023 would be to create additional housing options for Delta County, expand high end broadband service, attract/retain young talent to staff positions, invest in our outdoor assets and continue to support the great educational programs in Delta County. While all of the goals are important, they will also take coordination and collaboration from our civic and business leaders. I am not alone in my feeling that we are seeing more team work to assist projects. The Billerud project is a great example with area leaders, state officials and organizations, InvestUP and the many EDO support organizations all working together to make the end goal possible. Creating new housing options in Delta County must become a reality. We are seeing progress with the North Shore in Gladstone, as well as a collaborative effort to bring wastewater utilities to Wells/Bayview area. The changes will be able to support new housing for the area. The new housing will support people coming to the area to fill new positions that will be critical for future business success. Our hope that movement to the area will also feature younger families that will add to our area student population. We have a very good educational system in the area, but their job would be much easier with more resources and students.

While we are looking to make the economy healthier, we have the opportunity to do the same for ourselves as we enter the new year. What can we do to make a positive difference in our families, for our friends, our communities and in ourselves? Look to make sure you have a healthy work/life balance. While work will always be important, don’t lose track of things that are more important. Time for our families, friends and co-workers so they understand the important part they play in our lives. Get a hobby or volunteer for an organization so you make a difference. We always look to make positive investments financially, make one in yourself. If you take the time for some of the activities that will make a difference for someone else, you will really feel the positivity it brings.

I would like to close by thanking outgoing county commissioners Theresa Nelson and Patrick Johnson for the many positive contributions they have made to the area over the years, as well as their personal support to me. It has been a privilege working with both of you.

Have a happy and successful year in 2023.

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Ed Legault is director of the Delta County Economic Development Alliance