ESCANABA — A few weeks ago I wrote that we have so much to be thankful for being a resident of Delta County. On December 2nd the Billerud Leadership Team announced during their Capital Markets Day their intentions to invest $105 million dollars into the Escanaba Paper Mill. The investment will enhance the viability of the mill for the future and enable more flexibility in the types of paper production that can be produced. It was great to watch the announcement and session online, but on December 4th we had a chance to meet with some of leadership team in Escanaba. I came away from my conversations very impressed with their long-term vision and commitment to our largest employer. President and CEO of Billerud, Ivar Vatne’s comments really hit home as he stressed how impressed he and the board of directors were with the local support of the mill. He was really impressed with the local leadership’s ability to collaborate to make things possible for business expansion and other projects. We are very excited about the projects that will enhance the mill’s production, safety and economic impact to our area. We look forward to working with the North America Leadership group as we move forward.

As you look at the economic impact that comes from large investments in our area, you can quickly see something that we predicted in our vision for the growth. Enhancing our core businesses will lead to small business interest and expansion in our area. Escanaba City Manager Jim McNeil in a recent interview called what we are seeing a small business renaissance. In the last year somewhere between 15 to 20 new businesses opened in Escanaba.

On top of that we are seeing existing businesses look to expand their business through extended hours, new products and adding capacity with more employees. It would have been easy for Mr. McNeil to rest on the successes we are seeing, but he is continuing to safe guard our economy for the future by looking to diversify our employment base. He is working to attract new businesses to Escanaba that will lead to an increase in new jobs and a major economic impact for the area. Counting on Bay College and the DSISD to continue their work with manufacturing businesses and the construction/trades groups to ensure we can help supply a much needed addition to our workforce. We will also attract more workers, families and tourists to the area as our story of success continues to be shared.

It is a real privilege to work closely with so many of our area leaders to craft the vision for our future. Being able to openly discuss ideas, but at the end of the day leave meetings with a vision that is actionable, sustainable and achievable. True teamwork and commitment to do what is best for our area!

One of our strengths to attract people to our area are the many activities, concerts, festivals and outdoor activities that are in abundant supply. As much as everyone tries to make sure the word gets out to all of our citizens on these many meaningful and fun events, we sometimes can’t connect with everyone.

A great spot to find out everything that is happening in Delta County is going to the DC Chamber of Commerce website’s events section. You can find the information at deltami.org and hit the events calendar.

You will be able to see information from all of the events we are aware of. Event sponsors can go on the site and add their event to the calendar or call the Chamber for assistance. The chamber team also looks on the calendar as they see new events to check if they have been included, if not add them as a public service. Please check out the events calendar on a regular basis for entertaining activities throughout the year.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year’s with your family and friends. Safe travels if you are going to visit someone during this festive time.

Best wishes.

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Ed Legault is executive director of the Delta County Economic Development Alliance