Courtesy photo Delta Force students gather outside of VanAire after their plant tour on Sept. 28 during Economic Development Day. VanAire CEO and Co-Owner Steve Soderman is in back on far left and Jeff Torvinen, VanAire Director of Wastewater Systems, is in back on far right.

ESCANABA — Delta Force students learned their local economy’s global reach from business leaders during Economic Development Day on Thursday, Sept. 28. In the second-to-last session of this year’s Delta Force class, students learned from business professionals about the inner workings of our local economy.

The day started at the Delta County Commerce Center with a short presentation by Ed Legault, executive director of the Economic Development Alliance. The EDA has a mission to lead in the promotion of economic development of Delta County through the attraction, retention, and expansion of business and industry.

In his presentation, Legault stressed the importance of collaboration, suggesting, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. We can make so much more happen if we’re coordinated than if we try to do things on our own.”

Students then heard from Marty Fittante, CEO of InvestUP, who spoke about trends and U.P. business opportunities. Students enjoyed breakfast sponsored by baybank while learning about the importance of getting involved in their area of expertise helps in growing the local economy. He stressed to the students that they are the ‘leaders of tomorrow.’

“Moving your community forward requires your engagement,” Fittante offered. “It requires passion, partnership and persistence. I’m encouraging each of you to get involved to make that difference.”

Jen Tucker and Leo Isleib then gave presentations on the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, highlighting how the organization has goals to leverage private investments, and has successfully rehabilitated and revitalized Main Street communities.

They agreed with Legault that working together with local and regional community development organizations, such as the EDA, helps ensure success. “Collaboration is key to our success in economic development in the U.P.,” Tucker said.

Students enjoyed a taco bar lunch provided by Elmer’s County Market while listening to Craig Woerpel, executive director of Escanaba’s Downtown Development Authority, explain the purpose of the DDA and TIF funding (Tax Increment Financing).

Students then moved on to the afternoon session, which included tours of EMP (Engineered Machined Products, Inc.) and VanAire, where they learned about the manufacturing process, and how these two companies design, manufacture and distribute their products worldwide.

Shaun Carignan, EMP operations manager, led students on a walking tour of EMP’s Advanced Products building. This facility houses engineering and testing for EMP’s electronically-controlled pumps and fans. “EMP Advanced has a dozen product lines, so we concentrate on a few things and try to do them very well,” he explained.

He showed the students the testing rooms as well, describing the rigorous testing conditions that EMP engineers subject the finished products to before they are sold to customers.

“Because EMP sells our products throughout the world — and are therefore subjected to extreme conditions–we test our products in extreme temperatures and conditions to ensure they will last a long time,” Carignan explained. “We are the leader in our market space. EMP has changed how North America cools transit buses.”

Students then headed out to the Gladstone Industrial Park to tour VanAire, Inc., a 45,000 square foot facility that manufactures valve automation hardware and industrial wastewater treatment systems. Students saw firsthand how the company has set the standard for their niche product lines.

“We are the premier supplier of wastewater treatment systems and valve automation hardware,” said Jeff Torvinen, VanAire director of wastewater systems. “We engineer and manufacture each product that leaves our shop to exceed our customers’ specifications.”

Delta Force students were impressed by the global presence of EMP and VanAire and how both companies have cornered the market on their products.

Students then returned to the Commerce Center and heard from Chamber Executive Director Vickie Micheau, who shared with students the history of the Bays de Noc Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Chamber of Commerce, which currently serves over 650 members.

She discussed the process of the U.P. State Fair going from being funded by the State of Michigan to being transferred to a regional U.P. governing board. Taking over the operations of the Fair was a daunting task, but Micheau explained how the management agent and board have worked together to successfully run the Fair since 2010.

Micheau explained the impressive economic impact that the U.P. State Fair–Michigan’s only State Fair–has on the local economy. “As one example, this past year, $604,000 went back to the young exhibitors who showed and sold their livestock at the U.P. State Fair’s auction.”

Micheau went on to explain the process that she, her staff, and the members of the Fair Authority use to successfully run the Fair: First, she said, they develop an action plan, second, they articulate the desired outcome and build consensus to get it done, and finally, they do the work to make it happen.

Delta Force students will celebrate their graduation from this leadership program at the Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner on Oct. 12 at the Island Resort and Casino. To purchase tickets for the annual dinner, visit deltami.org or call the Chamber at (906) 786-2192.

Created by the Delta County Chamber of Commerce, Delta Force encompasses a series of ten full-day sessions covering key segments of our community.

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Victoria LaFave is with the Delta County Chamber of Commerce.