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An image of Ludington Street in downtown Escanaba around the year 1920. (photo courtesy of Ed Legault)

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Ed Legault

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ESCANABA — The year 2026 looks to continue strong economic trends.

Happy New Year to all of our friends in Delta County! I would be remiss not to point out what great momentum we have seen the last few years in our area. Everything from business expansion, new businesses, investment into infrastructure projects, advancement in housing plans and many great events that are making our future a great story to follow. We are attracting many visitors to the area and their feedback is extremely positive. They love our history, culture and the friendliness of our people. All part of being a “Yooper”!

When I moved back to the area 16 years ago, I realized all of the special things that I missed. I was gone for 33 years to other parts of the United States. Being away from such a special place really makes you appreciate all of the great history. I attended the Delta Force Leadership program in 2014 and realized how much the history in our area I either took for granted or just didn’t know. It was a truly eye-opening experience for me. Since February 2020, I have had the privilege to lead the Delta County Economic Development Alliance. One of my favorite presentations I get to do is presenting the Century Award at the chamber annual dinner. The recipients I have recognized included the Upper Peninsula State Bank, Escanaba Paper Mill, First United Methodist Church of Escanaba, The Escanaba City Band and, this year, the City of Gladstone. Each of the award winners had so much meaningful history to their story. It was exciting for me to share each of their stories to the many chamber members that attended the annual meetings. I look forward to see who will be the 2026 Century Award winner and share their unique story.

Based on this historical theme, the Delta County Chamber will partner with the Daily Press on their Community page to share a local business story from one of our legacy chamber member businesses. This will give us a chance to learn how the business started, their support of the community and their vision for the future. Our local businesses are the backbone of our economy today, as they have been for many years. I look forward to seeing the new articles that will be submitted for this new section of the press. I am sure you will enjoy them as well.

I hope you have a very successful 2026!