Nate Heffron, city manager, city of Negaunee

NEGAUNEE — Sometimes individual honors remind us that projects to improve the community at large are never accomplished alone.

That was never more clear than at the inaugural Lake Superior Community Partnership’s Small Business Celebration for the west end of Marquette County recently.

The celebration was terrific, in part because it honored the tradition of its predecessor the Greater Ishpeming Negaunee Chamber of Commerce. The staff at LSCP and leader Christopher Germain are top notch!

During the event, small businesses and individuals who have made strides on the west end were celebrated by their peers.

I was proud to be recognized as this year’s Small Business Champion. I cannot thank everyone enough for their support.

However, this I believe this honor puts a finer point on my philosophy, that although an individual may receive an award like this, the gains we have seen cannot be attributed to one person or business.

It literally takes a team. This award is really for the city of Negaunee.

My team consists of many, starting with my wonderful city staff – who are always helpful, diligent, and professional, and the LSCP along with the Central Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Regional Commission, Northern Michigan University, Marquette County administration and several state agencies that have been an integral part of our success.

The Negaunee City Council trusted my advice and judgment, they stayed on the course.

I must also give credit to my wife, who keeps me grounded and is there to not only encourage my true nature, but help right the ship should I stray from the course I have set for myself and the city.

I think of the Negaunee businesses I have worked with and how Negaunee has changed its way of doing business.

Not just to support and build business, but attract investment in our community

This particular change has been proven to be the critical component of our success!

I also think of the awesome, once in a generation project, Negaunee’s Streetscape and how it will shape the downtown experience not just for businesses in the present, but for all Negaunee residents for generations to come.

I think of how all this is a positive agent of change, and I am very excited for the possibilities that await Negaunee because of it.

The West End is rising, Negaunee is the beginning, but not the end! Negaunee made this change because our community did not settle for what we had! We started to believe in ourselves.

We knew we could do better. We knew that deserved better. We knew we were worth the chance. We did not let others tell us who or what we are.

My advice, don’t stand in your own way for the chance of success, don’t stand idle, don’t settle. You deserve better, your community, no matter where you are, deserves better.

Be the change that is needed, you can do it, you will do it!

Negaunee stands ready to Forge her Adventure!

EDITOR’S NOTE: Nate Heffron is city manager of the city of Negaunee.