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Baraga hears KEDA membership pitch

L’ANSE – The Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance is restructured and aiming toward growth. On Monday, they brought their membership pitch to the Baraga County Board of Commissioners.

Jeff Ratcliffe, KEDA Executive Director, said the group recently went through a strategic planning process, setting new economic development goals and restructuring with a larger board to include more stakeholders.

“We’ve set seats for each county, each chamber, other entities,” Ratcliffe said.

He said KEDA currently has more than 260 members, with 37 in Baraga County including a handful of startups.

“There are manufacturers here I try to get in touch with on a daily basis, see what kind of things they need,” he said.

Ratcliffe said KEDA’s new strategic goals are growing local companies, rebuilding infrastructure, revitalizing downtowns, retaining talent, and promoting cultural activities.

Achieving that will require broad collaboration, he said.

“We would like Baraga to appoint someone from your board to the KEDA board,” he said. “We’re continuing to raise funds, and would certainly welcome the county coming with a financial contribution, but I’m really talking to you to have you come on as part of our board.”

Asked the specific cost of membership, Ratcliffe said it would cost the county $1,500.

Dar Gronevelt, KEDA membership coordinator, said current members have been encouraged by KEDA’s recent efforts, and that collaboration is key to regional success.

“We want to make sure we don’t have economic silos,” she said.

KEDA board member Brian Donnelly said Baraga’s presence was important to Copper Country efforts to receive help from the state.

“I believe we’re a small area, and we’re not heard much in Lansing, so we have to speak with one voice,” he said.

The commission took no immediate action on the proposal.

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