Marquette County Celebrates Successful Year for Lake Superior Community Partnership

Annual dinner honors community leaders and businesses for economic development efforts

Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:20am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a polished metal trophy or award object surrounded by premium business accessories, conveying the prestige and significance of the LSCP's annual awards ceremony.The LSCP's annual awards ceremony honors the community's most impactful business leaders and economic development champions.Marquette Today

The Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP), a regional economic development organization in Marquette County, Michigan, held its annual dinner, silent auction, and awards ceremony on Thursday evening. The event brought together business leaders and community partners to celebrate a successful year of collaboration and recognize standout contributions to economic growth across the Upper Peninsula.

Why it matters

The LSCP annual dinner is a premier event in Marquette County that showcases the power of teamwork and community-driven economic development initiatives. By honoring local businesses and leaders, the event highlights the region's commitment to tackling complex challenges like housing, childcare, and infrastructure through public-private partnerships.

The details

During the event, the LSCP presented its Distinguished Service Award to Anne Giroux of Invest U.P. for over 20 years of work supporting housing redevelopment and community initiatives. The Business of the Year Award went to Lake Superior Press, a family-owned company serving the region since 1973 that is known for its charitable giving and community involvement. The evening also marked a transition, as outgoing LSCP executive director Christopher Germain was honored and incoming director Natalie Chmiko was introduced to the community.

  • The Lake Superior Community Partnership held its annual dinner on Thursday, April 17, 2026.
  • Anne Giroux has worked at Invest U.P. for over 20 years.

The players

Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP)

A regional economic development organization serving Marquette County, Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.

Anne Giroux

The recipient of the LSCP's Distinguished Service Award, recognized for over 20 years of work supporting housing redevelopment and community initiatives at Invest U.P.

Lake Superior Press

The recipient of the LSCP's Business of the Year Award, a family-owned company serving the Marquette County region since 1973 that is known for its charitable giving and community involvement.

Christopher Germain

The outgoing executive director of the LSCP who was honored at the annual dinner.

Natalie Chmiko

The incoming executive director of the LSCP who was introduced to the community at the annual dinner.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We were working on housing, working on child care, working on air service, these bigger investments to economic development that are complex and nobody can solve alone. We do it as a team and bring the community together to tackle those issues.”

— Christopher Germain, CEO, Lake Superior Community Partnership

“You look at Ann Giroux and all the different positions that she's had, she's always made Marquette County a better place, and now she's making the entire U.P. a better place in her new role.”

— Christopher Germain, CEO, Lake Superior Community Partnership

“Those guys are really active in the community. They're charitable, they're giving. They really bring people into the fold, and so that's what you look for.”

— Christopher Germain, CEO, Lake Superior Community Partnership

“We try to give back to the community as much as possible. There are a lot of events. We support a lot of local nonprofits like Bay Cliff and The Steve Mariucci Beacon House.”

— Sam Jacques, Vice President, Lake Superior Press

What’s next

The LSCP will continue its work supporting economic development initiatives across Marquette County and the Upper Peninsula, with the new executive director Natalie Chmiko leading the organization's efforts.

The takeaway

The LSCP annual dinner showcases the power of collaboration and community-driven economic development in Marquette County. By honoring local businesses and leaders, the event highlights the region's commitment to tackling complex challenges through public-private partnerships and a shared vision for growth.