AMY CLICKNER, LAKE SUPERIOR Community Partnership CEO, presents the organization’s 2019 Distinguished Service Award for business to William Verrette, president of Iron Mountain-based Champion Inc.

MARQUETTE — The Lake Superior Community Partnership recognized its 2019 Distinguished Service Award winners Feb. 20 at Northern Michigan University.

The business service award went to Champion Inc. of Iron Mountain. Having served the region for almost a century, Champion Inc. has expanded to three divisions, Champion Concrete, Champion Charter and Gundlach Champion. A few of their notable projects in the Marquette area include Thomas Theatre, Hampton Inn and the Humboldt Mill.

“Not only has Champion, Inc. been at the forefront of economic development throughout the region, the company is extremely involved in all the communities in which they serve,” said Amy Clickner, CEO of LSCP. “When Champion Inc.’s partners need anything or seek counsel in their industry, they are available.”

The individual award went to Tony Retaskie, executive director of the Upper Peninsula Construction Council. Retaskie is involved in education and training in the U.P., working to develop opportunities for young people to be exposed to skilled trades. He has assisted in developing programs such as the Skills Challenge and Hands-on Trades Career Fair at the Marquette County Fairgrounds.

The LSCP works in the Marquette County and the region to promote economic development by providing a variety of development services. It helps foster connections between businesses, organizations, leaders and legislators, and provides a legislative voice for programs and policies.

More information on the partnership can be found at www.marquette.org.