KEWEENAW INDUSTRIAL COUNCIL

Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Keweenaw Industrial Council to take a leadership role in expanding and diversifying the area's economic base in order to create family- sustaining employment and to increase the economic well-being of Houghton and Keweenaw Counties. This is accomplished through implementing proactive, environmentally sensitive programs focused on the retention and expansion of existing firms, the start-up of new businesses, and initiatives that improve the overall business climate and quality of life.

Proposed 1997 Goals & Objectives

Goal 1: Provide hands-on assistance to businesses needing retention, expansion or start-up assistance.

1. Assist 10-15 small businesses to determine feasibility of expansion or start-up.

2. Assist 3-4 expansion or start-up businesses to complete business plans, obtain necessary financing, and successfully implement their business projects.

3. Assist 2-3 municipalities to apply for infrastructure grants in support of manufacturing expansion and start-ups.

4. Assist 2-3 businesses needing retention assistance.

Goal 2: Improve the local business climate by pursuing special projects that will increase the likelihood of economic growth and job creation.

1. Cooperate with Houghton County in having a Renaissance zone designated in the County; take the lead role in marketing the zone and assisting perspective companies.

2. Obtain grants to start up a Keweenaw Revolving Loan Fund for small business loans.

3. Pursue resumption of rail freight service to Houghton County.

Goal 3: Improve Local Area Attitudes toward Economic Development.

1. Increase communication with non-members and the public at large, and inform them of the Council's activities.

2. Promote business successes through radio and TV programs, newspaper ads, and press releases.

Goal 4: Strengthen the Industrial Council's Ability to Conduct Economic Development Activities.

1. Conduct an aggressive membership campaign to retain current members, enlist new members and increase membership dollars.

2. Form and begin marketing a KIC Foundation.

3. Increase members' morale and participation in Council activities through continued improvements in programming and member communications.

Return to: KIC HomePage

For more information - Email to: Phil Musser pmusser@mail.portup.com

Created by Bill Campbell (bill@nitrate.com)

Last Updated: 12 March 1997