CUPPAD Regional Commission

Exciting News for the Central Upper Peninsula! The CENTRAL UPPER PENINSULA PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT REGIONAL COMMISSION (CUPPAD) and Innovate Marquette (IMQT) have joined forces to launch the Outdoor Recreation Innovation Action Network (ORIAN)! This transformative initiative, targeting Alger, Delta, Dickinson, Marquette, Menominee, and Schoolcraft counties, is powered by a $320,000 grant from the federal U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). Through the ORIAN initiative, we will focus on helping the region adapt and diversify from its former reliance on coal industry jobs and develop a strategic framework for the growth of the outdoor recreation industry. Key highlights: 1. Development of a strategic framework for the outdoor recreation industry 2. Creation of an outdoor recreation business database 3. Business-to-business support 4. Annual Outdoor Recreation Summit We’re seeking innovative proposals to help shape this strategy. If you have expertise in economic development, outdoor innovation, EV charging infrastructure, and are passionate about environmental stewardship, cultural sustainability, and multi-modal connectivity, we want to hear from you! Together, we can build a thriving outdoor recreation economy in the Central Upper Peninsula and beyond. Click the link below to learn more. #UpperPeninsula #OutdoorRecreation #EconomicDevelopment #Innovation #Sustainability #CUPPAD #InnovateMarquette #ORIAN #EDA #CommunityGrowth #ProposalsWanted #RFP #Michigan #UP #LakeSuperior https://lnkd.in/gS4Y_fNY

We are pleased to share that our partners The Central Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Commission (CUPPAD) have secured a $320,000 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) as part of an overall $400,000, year-long project to further outdoor recreation innovation initiatives in the Central Upper Peninsula. The support for this project from the EDA will be integral to building a resilient regional economy to meet the future demand for outdoor innovation– an industry the U.P. is uniquely positioned to serve. The grant will initiate the formation of the Outdoor Recreation Innovation Action Network (ORIAN), a public-private industry collaborative to establish an network of relevant stakeholders of outdoor innovation in the Central Upper Peninsula. Additionally, the grant will fund the development of an Outdoor Recreation Industry Growth Master Plan, as well as an electrified trails feasibility study. This study will assess the current capabilities in the region to use electric outdoor recreation equipment, and the economic potential of attracting business to the region for the development and testing of electric powersports vehicles. We look forward to collaborating with CUPPAD and other regional partners to help grow the entrepreneurial ecosystem and support their vision to build opportunities for the future of the region through outdoor innovation. #technology #entrepreneurship #outdoorinnovation #upperpeninsula #michigan  #economicdevelopment