WASHINGTON – On Monday, September 26, 2005, Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) will host the second annual U.P. Federal Economic Conference at Northern Michigan University. The event partners small businesses, local governments and non-profits organizations with federal agencies to learn about economic development opportunities.

“I had been hearing for some time that one of the biggest challenges for rural communities in turning their local economies around was the lack of information and awareness about economic development opportunities,” Stupak said. “Last year I brought the Federal Economic Conference to the U.P. to address some of these concerns. Based on the evaluations, I believe that it served as a great opportunity for businesses, local governments and non-profits to plan better economic strategies for their communities.”

Stupak is partnering with Operation Action U.P and the Upper Peninsula Economic Development Association to plan the conference. Both organizations are sponsoring the event along with Marquette General Hospital (MGH), Cleveland ‑Cliffs Company and Engineered Machined Products (EMP).

“The backbone for economic growth in the U.P. is small and mid‑size businesses. I want to ensure business owners, economic developers and local officials are armed with every tool available to succeed in a 21^st Century economy,” Stupak said.

The agencies presenting at the conference are the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, U.S. Department of Commerce, Small Business Administration, Homeland Security Procurement, U.S. Grants and Procurement on line, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporations.  The conference will include a presentation and an opportunity for one‑on‑one with the respective agency personnel.  

The conference will focus on federal loan and grant programs, import and export assistance, and procurement assistance from both the federal and state governments to both local governments and businesses. Agency staff will guide participants through the business planning process and assist them with the latest economic growth tools.

“I’m pleased to be able to host and help organize this conference again this year in the U.P. by bringing personnel from federal agencies to meet with U.P Citizens,” Stupak said.  “By inviting these experts to northern Michigan, we are enabling growth through accessible information and guidance.”

The conference will begin at 8 a.m. with registration and adjourn by 3 p.m.   The cost for participants is $30.00 which covers the registration fee and lunch. For more information and to register, please call the Lake Superior Community Partnership at 906‑225‑0089 or check the website at www.marquette.org.

###