Growth News

For the past few months there has been a buzz on one of the Facebook pages touting items for sale in the Upper Peninsula. The reason? Beautiful, hand-made leather works being sold by a local artisan by the name of Ray Anthony.

Anthony, the owner of Benchmark Leather Works, knows what it takes to create art from quality leather. That's because he grew up watching his father do the very same thing. Of course, his father's workshop was at the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Dearborn. He was the resident leather smith, chosen by the Henry Ford Estate to create goods in the historic workshop on the grounds of the museum.

Anthony offers a wide variety of leather good items, ranging from barrettes to book binding to coin purses, journal covers, purses to wallets and wristbands.

"Or anything a client seeking leather goods can conceive of and commission me to replicate for them," Anthony says. "All my leather good items are created from U.S. tanneries in most cases, typically using a 'B' grade for general stock items and an 'A' grade for commissioned request leather goods."

Folks looking to take a gander at Anthony's goods can do so on his Facebook site, at least until he finishes his new website.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Ray Anthony, Benchmark Leather Works

Ashley Westlund walked into the Lofts of Ludington's commercial store front and knew that she had finally found a home for her company.

The location, right on Ludington Street in Escanaba, was simply perfect for Salon West & Spa, which opened its doors for business Feb. 2.

"We are an upscale salon with a big-city feel," says Westlund. "Our goal is to offer clients a relaxing and enjoyable experience."

To that end, Westlund and her eight employees--which include four stylists and two massage therapists, among others--offer colors, perms, cuts, styles, facial waxing and specialty styles, as well as treatments for hair and a relaxing hot towel service. The spa side of the business is slated to open in March and will include a variety of services, such as manicures, pedicures, facials, massage and couples massage.

Currently it is believed that Salon West & Spa is the only location in Escanaba that can offer more than one manicure and pedicure at a time, reducing wait times and scheduling difficulties for clients. There will be places for up to six clients at a time.

Westlund says the goal of her salon is to be something more than just your average stop for a haircut.

"Your standard haircut isn't going to just be a cut and go--it includes a hot towel service and a hand massage," she says.

In addition, there will be packages for the ladies who just want to be pampered and get away from it all. Not only will they get all the treatments they want, but they can surf the web on the complimentary Wi-Fi and even have breakfast, lunch or dinner delivered from Stones Deli. Bridal parties get the royal treatment, too, including a brunch and beverages.

The staff currently consists of receptionists Renee Westlund, Ashle Helman and Janie Wolfe, stylists Ashley Westlund, Maegan Carmody, Kathleen King and Paige Labonte as well as two massage therapists. The company is looking to add to their salon team, as well as one more massage therapist.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Ashley Westlund, Salon West & Spa

Let's be honest here--anyone who has moved to Houghton or Hancock from a larger metropolitan area didn't take long to find out that there isn't much of a night life in the area.

Jonathan Julien and the owners of the Continental Fire Company in Houghton are hoping to change that. That's exactly why they opened their new night club, built in a former fire hall that was home to the original Continental Fire Company in 1883--one of the first fire companies in the area. The building was also the birthplace of the Michigan School of Mining in 1885--now known as Michigan Technological University--which held its first classes in the upper level.

"One of the biggest reasons we chose the building we did was its historical significance," says Julien, who opened the club with Adam and Thomas Yeoman. They are currently the only three employees, though they are accepting applications for several open positions.

Those old firemen and mining school students wouldn't recognize the place these days. Julien and the Yeomans basically completely rebuilt the building, though they did try to keep as much of the original architecture as possible--including the 130-year-old flooring on the balcony level.

The trio, all hailing from Houghton, will open the doors full-time come March 1, starting with a Thursday, Friday and Saturday schedule.

"We will be slowly working into more nights, but those will be the days we will be open for the time being," Julien says.

The Continental Fire Company, located at 408 East Montezuma, will offer patrons a cocktail theme with quieter music until around 10 p.m., and then transition to a true night club.

"We are all from Houghton and really saw a need for an entertainment venue like we are doing--we all love living here and only thought this would improve the social life in Houghton," says Julien.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Jonathan Julien, Continental Fire Company

Fans of being fashionable at reasonable prices won't have to look farther than downtown Marquette now that Che Bello Boutique, located on Washington Street near the Delft Theater, has opened its doors.

The company, owned by Ljubitza Zecevich Ghiardi, opened its doors to men and women looking for fashion-forward clothing and accessories. The prices in the store range from $5 to $100.

"I really believe we have a little bit of everything for everyone," says Ghiardi, noting they don't, however, carry kids or baby clothing. "Most of our customers are mainly 20s to 40s, but we have teens that can find something, parents, grandparents, etc."

What the company also does is listen to their customers. Ghiardi says that she wants to hear what customers want and what their suggestion are. She'll make decision as to what to carry in Che Bello.

The company is currently run by Ghiardi with the occasional help from her husband. She said that if business picks up come summer they'll be looking to add an employee to the payroll.

Currently Che Bello is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. It is closed on Sunday and Mondays.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Ljubitza Zecevich Ghiardi, Che Bello Boutique

Redevelopments can seem like a never-ending process, starting with the paperwork, the funding and the actual redevelopment of the building itself. But when everything is finished--or close to being so--it sure makes for a job well done.

Beth and Matt Sviland can sit back and finally take a deep breath. Their project, the Lofts of Ludington, is finished, and the customers are pouring in.

"The Lofts are finished, and turned out extraordinarily cool," says Matt Sviland. "The transformation of this historic brewery into The Lofts is everything we hoped it would be."

The only thing really left to be finished is the secure and heated garage, which will be up and running by the end of the month.

What's more is that The Lofts have already leased out nine of the 15 apartments and just welcomed their first commercial tenant--Salon West and Spa, owned by Ashley Westlund.

There are two more commercial spaces available, right in the heart of downtown Escanaba.

"Each commercial suite is equipped with its own heat and air conditioning, a fire suppression system, and an ADA compliant restroom," notes Sviland. "The Ludington Street entrances are exact historic replicas of the original Richter Brewery door/sidelight combinations. There is ample private off-street parking to the East and West of the structure, as well as public on-street parking. The large expanse of sidewalk allows for outdoor tables or signage."

The Svilands say they feel "great" about where the project has come and how well it has all come together. The feeling, they say, is a mix of accomplishment and gratitude.

"Accomplitude or gratishment?" jokes Sviland. "Either way, we know that where have been many others involved in the journey, from Mark Lektzian at First Bank Upper Michigan, to the City of Escanaba Administration and various City of Escanaba Boards, to the employees of the federal and state government that have helped make this possible."

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Mark Sviland, The Lofts of Ludington

The U.P. Catholic Credit Union has expanded westward, with a new branch now open in Negaunee. The credit union bought the new building over the summer, and has remodeled the interior and exterior, including adding a new roof, before its opening.

The new branch is the credit union's third location, and is located at 487 U.S. Highway 41 East. It's a full-service location, with eight staff members including a member service representative and a loan officer. All of the credit union's products and services will be available there, including bank accounts, IRA's, CD's, safe deposit boxes, loans and mortgages.

Overseeing it all will be Julie Olson, the new branch manger. Olson, a graduate of Westwood High School, earned a degree in finance from Central Michigan University. She brings extensive banking experience to UPCCU, having served as the assistant VP for North Shore Bank in Green Bay for 13 years. She also has been an ambassador for the DePere Area Chamber of Commerce and a trustee for the Ashwaubenon Business Association.

U.P. Catholic Credit Union President Tom Blake says, "we're thrilled to have Julie lead our Negaunee branch. She has a great deal of experience and an energetic personality. We're excited to be able to offer our existing members another convenient location with a knowledgeable staff."  

The Negaunee branch is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Tom Blake, U.P. Catholic Credit Union

Confidential document destruction can be a pricey proposition for a company that is looking to take advantage of such services. That is, of course, unless you live or have a business in Marquette County.

The Marquette County Solid Waste Management Authority recently announced an expansion to the county recycling program that now includes confidential document destruction. This program, which is available by appointment only, is a free service in Marquette County. The only cost associated with it is a $25 fee if a company or person desires copies of all applicable processing documents, including individual certificates of destruction. The charge covers an unlimited number of boxes in a single appointment.

"Receipts indicating we received the documents for destruction are available at no charge," says authority director Rick Aho.

The new service came about after the authority purchased an insurance policy to guard them against identity theft liabilities. Included in the policy, says Aho, was insurance covering confidential document destruction.

"We decided it made sense to offer it to the constituents of Marquette County as a free service," says Aho.

Appointments must be scheduled by calling 906-249-4125 and all papers must be sealed in cardboard "copy paper" or banker's boxes. Unsealed containers will not be accepted. The documents will then be securely transported and destroyed in a secured, bonded facility. Those looking to use the service must remove all metal larger than a paperclip and minimize plastic. No media, such as CDs or DVDs, will be accepted.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Rick Aho, Marquette Solid Waste Management Authority

When Lauren Schwark awoke with a start from a nightmare, he knew two things--his heart was racing and he had the inner workings for a book he wanted to write.

That's how Schwark, a native of the Upper Peninsula, started the "Soul Reaver" trilogy of books that include the already published The Drifter and the recently published Ghost Town. The final book in the series, The Final Case, is on the horizon.

"At first this was a stand-alone novel, which it still is, but a character from my first book made an appearance," says Schwark when discussing Ghost Town. "I never wanted a sequel to my first novel. I had planned The Drifter only as a companion piece, or vice versa."

But, like so much writing, it took a life of its own. Schwark not only ended up with The Drifter being tied into Ghost Town, but both of them tying into the third novel of the series. However, each of the books also tells a complete story, start to finish, that can be read in any order without confusing the reader.

Ghost Town, the most recent release, is available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle form and will be released soon at Barnes & Noble and local bookstores. In the first week of sales, the Kindle version was downloaded over 3,000 times with a rising slope of sales in Europe--an unexpected, but not unwelcome, surprise.

Schwark says anyone who is a fan of suspense and thrillers would likely enjoy his book and stories, all of which have had covers designed by Schwark's wife and her design company, image2graphics.

"I have a niche in the 'splatter punk' category, but relate more of my stories to suspense horror," says Schwark. "I wish I could say everyone could read my stories, but I do write to an adult crowd and reader discretion is always advised."

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Lauren Schwark, Author

The construction project at Hospice of the EUP in Sault Ste. Marie is still ongoing; winter isn't going to stop the fundraising efforts on the new building, either.

The new Hospice House is being built by McGahey Construction, which finished the exterior walls and roof in late fall, just in time for the snow to fly, and now are working on the inside.

As for the fundraising, Hospice of the EUP is building the project solely through community donations, as a needed addition to the healthcare landscape in the eastern U.P. When done, the Hospice House will offer five hospice patients a home-style environment for end-of-life care, focusing on safety, caring and dignity.

The building is at the corner of Ryan and West 12th Avenue in Sault Ste. Marie and all total, will cost about $900,000 to build. Hospice of the EUP still is seeking about a half-million dollars to finish up the project.

"We are still $495,000 short of our goal that needs to be raised by July 1 if we are to meet our goal of opening for patients in August," says Tracey Holt, hospice director. "The support for Hospice House has been fantastic. From Christmas carolers to organized fundraisers throughout the tri-county area, our community has been extremely supportive."

Recent supporters have included the Drummond Island Homemakers, who held a January fundraising event; Parker's Ace Hardware, which donated all the paint; Dennis Bennette, who donated all the labor for flooring installation; Randy Maleport, who donated labor for stonework; Paul Perry and Custer Workplace Interiors donated furniture for the office; Ledy Cabinetry provided granite for interior use; Petals on Ashmun provided landscaping plants, and Steve Gregory donated labor for landscaping.

An upcoming event Feb. 25 is the Hospice House Family Fun Day and Ski race at the Sault's Algonquin Ski Trail, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"We are grateful for everyone's contributions," says Holt. "You are all helping to provide a great service to people in Chippewa, Mackinac and Luce counties."

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Tracey Holt, Hospice of the Eastern Upper Peninsula

If the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians is able to get all sides to agree, there could be a new casino in downtown Lansing eventually.

The tribe is proposing a 125,000-square-foot casino in the state's capital which will cost approximately $245 million to build.

"This exciting project is a game-changer for downtown Lansing and will provide another major boost to our efforts to revitalize Michigan’s capital city," Bernero says "It will create thousands of good jobs, attract tens of thousands of tourists to the region, and generate enough revenue to allow our city to send all of our school district graduates to college."

The proposed casino is tentatively being called the Lansing Kewadin and initial designs have it featuring as many as 3,000 slot machines and 48 table games. The casino, which would be located near the Cedar Street and Michigan Avenue intersection, would be owned and operated by the Sault Ste. Marie tribe. It is estimated the casino would create 1,500 permanent jobs as well as more than 700 construction jobs. Annual revenue predictions are approximately $250 million.

"Kewadin Lansing Casino will generate significant economic benefits for Sault Tribe members in addition to creating thousands of good jobs," says Sault Tribe chairman Joe Eitrem. "We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to join with the city and people of Lansing as we seek to exercise our sovereign government’s legal right to develop Kewadin Lansing Casino."

According to the Sault tribe, the project will be built on City of Lansing-owned land to be purchased by and transferred to the tribe, following approval from the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Bernero says the casino would generate about $6 million a year in revenue-sharing payments to the city, enough to create the Lansing Promise program. The program would be designed to guarantee four-year college scholarships for every graduate of the Lansing School District who resides in the district.

The Lansing City Council would need to approve the plan, as well at the Sault tribe’s Board of Directors.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Joe Eitrem, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians

If you're the type of individual who likes to display the beauty of body piercing, then you're probably going to want to check out Wicked 6's in Sault Ste. Marie.

The shop, owned by Eric Johnson, who is also known as Shadow, and Amanda Betka, recently opened its doors Jan. 5 at 224 Ashmun Street. The business specializes in body jewelry, rings, spiked and studded collars, necklaces, designer and duct tape wallets and much more.

"We are experts in body jewelry," says Johnson of opening the store. "So many people buy over-priced crap nowadays and don't even get exactly what they want--they just settle for what they can get. We intend to remedy that."

Which is why Wicked 6's is also specializing in custom ordering and exact quotes for that must-have piece of jewelry.

"We believe customers come first," says Johnson. "We take less profit in order to cut our prices so it is affordable for our customers. They are not only our customers, but some are our friends."

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Eric Johnson, Wicked 6's

There's an old joke basically stating that if you have more cars in your yard that don't run than the ones that do, you might be a Yooper.

While that's not as common of a sight as it once was, there are still plenty of people out there with junk or unwanted cars that have no idea what to do with them. John Manninen, the owner of J&J Recycling out of Gwinn, says they should just give him a call.

"We offer cash for unwanted, wrecked and junk vehicles," says Manninen, who recently began publicly advertising his business that he had run on the side for a few years. "We also buy batteries, aluminum rims and we offer a free pickup service for unwanted metal items such as old appliances, air conditioners and such."

What's more is their services are offered Upper Peninsula wide, not just in the area surrounding Gwinn.

As the company expands, Manninen said it will begin to offer more services, such as selling parts and tires--though he's able to do that on a limited basis right now and frequently advertises those sales on the company's Facebook page.

Manninen has two additional employees beyond himself and is looking to make a name for himself in the scrap business. To that end, he offers no charge for picking up vehicles or appliances that contain Freon.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: John Manninen, J&J Recycling

For those interested in getting affordable legal advice without the worry of what the final bill is going to be, they should consider setting up an appointment with Brandon Sayen of Legal Shield in Marquette.

Sayen, who opened the location after selling several Upper Peninsula policies out of his former offices in Florida, says the services provided by Legal Shield are impressive.

"This amazing company is making a difference," he says. "Have you ever wondered what it would be like to ask a lawyer for advice and not have to worry about the cost?"

Legal Shield offers pre-paid services through a nationwide network of provider law firms. In the event of an emergency, whatever the day or hour, members can receive legal advice through Legal Shield's services.

Sayen recently held a ribbon cutting for his new offices, which are located on Third Street in Marquette.

"I sold policies to a handful of people, mostly family, in the U.P. while I was living in Florida for the past seven years," Sayen says. "As a result, there are so many overwhelming testimonials that derived from family using this membership that I felt called to one day open an office here in the U.P."

For more information, visit the Legal Shield website.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Brandon Sayen, Legal Shield

The Keweenaw Brewing Company has made no qualms about keeping up with the demand that has been placed upon it by the beer-drinking public.

The company, which has a tap house in Houghton and cans beer at its brewing facility in South Range, has announced that it is in the process of expanding by adding a 4,500-square-foot building for dry storage, keg cleaning/storage and winter loading and unloading. Construction on the site has already started and is expected to help the company meet the need for increased supply thanks to its growing popularity.

Co-owner Richard Gray says the expansion is needed in the wholesale facility because it is where the growth factor is for KBC.

"It will provide additional room in the main brewery, so we can introduce another ale in a can," he says.

That news comes to the delight of KBC fans across Michigan, because the added room in their existing facility could also potentially mean additional tanks for brewing along with the introduction of a pale ale this spring to add to the lineup of five currently canned beers.

The addition will not only give them more space, but it will also allow Keweenaw Brewing Company, which has 19 employees, to load distribution trucks inside instead of having to haul their products outside and into the trucks--a big relief, especially when you consider the snowfall the area typically gets each winter.

The growth of their facilities is definitely warranted. KBC first began production in 2004 and made 406 barrels of beer. In 2011, the company produced 6,800 barrels of beer.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Richard Gray, Keweenaw Brewing Company

The news just keeps coming from Marquette-based Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc. The latest is that the biomedical company announced the grand opening of its Greenville, North Carolina facility, after an expansion that doubled it's size.

"Since the creation of our biologics business unit in 2007, Pioneer has seen robust sales growth for our spine, orthopedic, and biologic products. Expanding our biomanufacturing facility to increase our capacity will assist in our aggressive future growth plans within and outside the USA," says Shane Ray, Pioneer's general manager for biologics. "This expansion shows our commitment to the North Carolina area as well as our commitment to being a top tier provider of surgical products for bone and soft tissue procedures."

The N.C. plant produces Pioneer's biologics line, which include nanOss Bioactive and the newly launched nanOss Bioactive 3D, both advanced bone graft products. It is the main manufacturing location for Pioneer's biological devices sold in the U.S. and Europe.
    
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Shane Ray, Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc.