CALUMET TOWNSHIP – There are many things happening in the Keweenaw Peninusla which have the potential to create a growing and lasting economic base, according to Jeff Ratcliffe.

Ratcliffe, executive director of the Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance, spoke during a presentation Monday at the Keweenaw Heritage Center in St. Anne’s Church, which included representatives of the government of the village of Calumet and Main Street Calumet.

Ratcliffe, who became the organization’s executive director in April 2014, said KEDA works with local governments and organizations, and state government to develop plans for economic growth.

“Our postion is in the middle to move things forward,” he said.

Ratcliffe said KEDA just completed a regional economic development plan, which surveyed local business and community leaders. Now, a vision statement and mission plan as well as a set of goals are being developed.

“We need to foster growth,” he said. “We have lots of opportunities.”

In order for growth to take place, Ratcliffe said infrastructure throughout the Keweenaw needs to improved.

In order to attract more business and more residents, Ratcliffe said communities need to be improved, and that includes more living space.

“Our communities are important,” he said. “We need to attract talent.”

Attracting more people includes improving and expanding cultural and recreational opportunities, also, Ratcliffe said.

“All of these goals go hand-in-hand with each other,” he said.

John Rosemurgy, Keweenaw National Historical Park historical architect, and advisor to the Calumet Historic District Commission, said Ratcliffe and KEDA are doing much to help the village, including working to find funds to fight blight in the community.

“He’s working really hard for the village,” Rosemurgy said.

Ratcliffe said many people are working to make improvements in the Keweenaw, but there are financial difficulties that have to be overcome.

“We’re all dealing with resource constraints,” he said. “We are all working to move forward.”