MTA U.P. Summit

Some 130 officials from all over the state gathered in Harris (just west of Escanaba) for the first-ever MTA U.P. Summit on Aug. 5-6. The two-day event was packed with educational sessions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities.

A pre-Summit TGA workshop addressing the fundamentals of assessing and taxation kicked off the event on Wednesday, Aug. 4.

Thursday's educational breakouts ranged from administrative policies to planning and zoning and included an evening general session on the environmental and financial impacts of bioeconomic projects in the U.P. "The morning general session, led by Larry Merrill, was really interesting and interactive," said Menominee Township (Menominee Co.) Trustee Darlene Nerat. "He always puts on a good show, but this session really got everyone talking." Download a copy of Larry's presentation here.

In addition to more educational breakouts, Friday offered a myriad of opportunities including roundtable discussions, Q&A with a panel of township experts and a legislative forum, featuring a panel of legislators. Special thanks to Rep. Mike Lahti, Rep. Judy Nerat, Rep. Steven Lindberg and Senate Majority Leader Mike Prusi for attending.

The Summit featured a mini-expo, where officials were given a chance to talk to several regional vendors.