P3MQT Marquette County Local Economic Exchange 2026
Friday, October 9, 2026 (8:00 AM - 2:30 PM) (EDT)
Description
ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSED
Limited registration spots available at door.
Friday, October 9, 2026 | NMU Jacobetti Complex
Join local officials, business leaders, and community stakeholders for the second annual Marquette County Economic Development Exchange, P3MQT.
This day-long event will bring leaders from across Marquette County together to collaborate around key issues shaping our region’s future. Through engaging presentations and discussions, attendees will explore topics including workforce and talent, housing, community engagement, legislative advocacy, emerging issues, and regional collaboration.
Be part of the conversation and connect with others working to move Marquette County forward.
Registration
$35 | Special LSCP Partner Rate
$45 | Non-Members
Interested in sponsoring? For questions or to explore sponsorship opportunities, please contact Ashley Szczepanski at ashley@marquette.org. Find the sponsor benefits here.
Agenda
8:00 – 8:30 AM Registration & Networking
8:30 – 8:45 AM Welcome
8:45 – 9:30 AM Finding Common Ground: Engaging Communities on Complex Issues, Deb Muchmore, Deb Muchmore Consulting
Community projects can become challenging when there are different perspectives and concerns. This session will look at how communities can navigate difficult conversations, build trust, and engage residents early when working through complex projects.
9:30 – 9:45 AM Networking Break
9:45 – 10:30 AM Building Strong Teams in Our Rural Communities
Moderator: Jenna Smith, Manpower
Debb Brunell, Upper Peninsula Michigan Works!
Austin Morris, KMI Space
Nathan Clisch, Integrated Designs, Inc.
Finding employees is one challenge. Keeping them is another. This panel will focus on what employers are doing to build strong teams, improve workplace culture, and attract and retain talent in our rural communities.
10:30 – 11:15 AM Housing the Workforce: Creative Solutions for Employers
Moderator: Jennifer Tucker
John Madigan, Pictured Rocks Cruises
Jason Meneguzzo, Louie’s Fresh Markets
Nicki Basch, Great Lakes Housing Services
Housing continues to affect the ability of employers to attract and retain workers. This session will look at creative ways employers and community partners are addressing housing needs and give attendees an opportunity to think about solutions that could work in their own communities.
11:15 – 12:00 PM Lunch – Marquette County Data Update Presentation
Grace Freed, Marquette County Planning Division
12:00 –12:45 PM Legislative Advocacy
Moderator: Patricia Davis, Attorney at Law & Managing Partner, Kendricks Bordeau, P.C.
Rep. Karl Bohnak, Michigan State House of Representatives 109th District
Sen. Ed McBroom, Michigan State Senate 38th District
Jay Gage, Upper Peninsula Regional Manager for U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin
Jodi Ouellette, District Representative for U.S. Representative Jack Bergman, 1st District
Hear directly from legislative leaders about current issues and priorities affecting Marquette County and the Upper Peninsula. This session will provide updates and discussions around issues impacting our businesses, communities, and regional economy.
12:45 – 1:00 PM Networking Break
1:00 – 2:15 PM Beyond the Buzzword: Data Centers Explained for Local Leaders
Moderator: Natalie Chmiko, Lake Superior Community Partnership
Madeleine Krol, University of Michigan
Ron Akers, Charter Township of Van Buren
Dakota Baker, Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance
What does data center development actually mean for a community? This session will help local leaders better understand data centers, what goes into these projects, and what communities should consider when planning for potential development.
2:15 – 2:30 PM Closing & Regional Collaboration
Images
2296 Sugar Loaf Ave,
Marquette, 49855
