Escanaba DDA honored as Business Partner of the Year
Minding our own business
The Escanaba Downtown Development Authority was recognized with the 2026 Delta County Chamber of Commerce Business Partner of the Year Award, sponsored by Visit Escanaba, during the Chamber's Annual Dinner on October 8. Pictured from left to right are Tyler Johnson, DDA Board Member; Craig Woerpel, DDA Executive Director; Sue Parker, DDA President; Jarred Drown, Visit Escanaba President; Judy Schoeder, DDA Assistant Director; Peggy Berg, DDA Vice President; and Robert Micheau, Visit Escanaba CEO. (Courtesy photo)
Robert Micheau
The Escanaba Downtown Development Authority was recognized with the 2026 Delta County Chamber of Commerce Business Partner of the Year Award, sponsored by Visit Escanaba, during the Chamber's Annual Dinner on October 8. Pictured from left to right are Tyler Johnson, DDA Board Member; Craig Woerpel, DDA Executive Director; Sue Parker, DDA President; Jarred Drown, Visit Escanaba President; Judy Schoeder, DDA Assistant Director; Peggy Berg, DDA Vice President; and Robert Micheau, Visit Escanaba CEO. (Courtesy photo)
Robert Micheau
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Sometimes the greatest examples of community partnership emerge during the most challenging times.
For downtown Escanaba, 2026 was certainly one of those years.
The reconstruction of Ludington Street represented an important investment in downtown’s future, replacing aging infrastructure and creating a more accessible, welcoming environment. But for the more than 100 businesses that make up downtown Escanaba, the improvements also brought months of closed streets, changing access points and the challenge of reminding customers that businesses remained open.
Throughout it all, the Escanaba Downtown Development Authority (DDA) worked tirelessly to keep downtown businesses visible, supported and connected to the community.
Those efforts earned the DDA the 2026 Delta County Chamber of Commerce Business Partner of the Year Award, sponsored by Visit Escanaba, during the Chamber’s Annual Dinner on October 8 at the Island Resort & Casino.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Craig Woerpel and Board President Sue Parker, the DDA approached the challenges of construction with determination, creativity and optimism.
Rather than allowing construction to define downtown Escanaba, the DDA helped change the narrative.
Promotions and community events continued. New businesses were celebrated. Ribbon cuttings took place, even when reaching the front door required a little extra effort!
Most importantly, the DDA consistently reminded residents and visitors that downtown wasn’t closed. It was being rebuilt.
That message encouraged continued support for local businesses while building enthusiasm for the improvements ahead.
The DDA’s efforts demonstrated that supporting economic development means more than investing in infrastructure. It also means supporting the businesses and entrepreneurs who give a downtown its character and vitality.
Visit Escanaba’s sponsorship of the award was especially fitting. While Visit Escanaba works to attract visitors to our waterfront community, the DDA helps ensure those visitors discover a vibrant and welcoming downtown.
The Chamber’s Annual Dinner theme, United We Thrive, captured the spirit of that collaboration.
The Delta County Chamber of Commerce and Visit Escanaba proudly congratulate Craig Woerpel, Sue Parker and the entire Escanaba DDA team on this well-deserved recognition and thank them for helping our downtown businesses navigate a challenging year while building momentum for an even brighter future.