LP Building Solutions has more than 170 employees at its Sagola mill, which was converted in 2023 to the production of the company’s flagship home siding product, SmartSide.

Three Dickinson County businesses received Award of Excellence recognition at the 2024 annual meeting of Operation Action U.P. in Marquette.

Operation Action U.P. is a privately-funded economic development organization that embraces all types of industries and serves a 15-county area. Its mission is to bring together interested industrial corporations, financial institutions, utilities, institutions of higher learning, businesses and concerned citizens in a coalition that will work to create a favorable economic climate and a strong employment base for the region. For more, go to http://www.operationactionup.com/.

Each year, the Award of Excellence recognizes up to four outstanding businesses or major institutional employers that have contributed to the economic well being of the Upper Peninsula. The deadline to submit nominations for this year is Nov. 1.

Summaries provided by Operation Action U.P. for the three Dickinson County honorees are:

GUIDE STAR

Guide Star is a division of CCI Systems, based out of Iron Mountain. Specializing in virtual service-based IT and cybersecurity, Guide Star prides itself on being technology-agnostic, ensuring tailored solutions that meticulously analyze existing infrastructure while recommending enhancements to bolster systems and fortify data security.

Guide Star is dedicated to investing in the communities it serves, engaging with community leaders, supporting technical education for students, and providing insight on cybersecurity topics for community members. Guide Star believes that the people needed to grow the future of the business are right here at home and are committed to developing that pipeline for the future.

Whether amplifying an existing cyber program or spearheading the implementation of a new one, Guide Star is a trusted partner in navigating the dynamic landscape of technology solutions.

For more, go to guide-star.com, call 800-684-2115 or reach out via email to sales@guide-star.com.

KUBICK AVIATION SERVICES INC.

Kubick Aviation Services Inc., headquartered in Kingsford, has been a dynamic presence in the aviation industry since its inception in 2004 by founder Chad Kubick. Initially focusing on aircraft maintenance and repair, the company has broadened its scope significantly over the years to cater to a wide range of aviation needs in the Upper Peninsula and the Midwest.

In a significant expansion of its operations, Kubick Aviation acquired the majority of the fixed base operation assets from Superior Aviation in 2014. This strategic move enabled the company to relocate to a significantly larger hangar at Ford Airport in Kingsford, which was formerly occupied by Superior Aviation, thus enhancing its service capabilities.

Furthering its growth trajectory, in 2022 Kubick Aviation expanded to Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport and in August 2023 acquired the majority of assets from Boreal Aviation.

This recent expansion has not only extended the company’s reach but also improved the quality of aviation services available in the Upper Peninsula. Importantly, with the acquisition of Boreal Aviation’s assets, Kubick Aviation added eight employees to its team, bringing the total number of employees in the U.P. to 44.

An integral part of Kubick Aviation is Northern Airways, its charter air service division. Northern Airways offers personalized and flexible travel options for private and corporate clients, providing a unique and customizable flying experience. This service highlights Kubick Aviation’s commitment to delivering comprehensive aviation solutions and underscores its role as a key player in the regional aviation industry.

Today, Kubick Aviation Services offers a comprehensive suite of services that includes a certified avionics and aviation maintenance department, aircraft management services, self-service fueling, a 24-hour pilot’s lounges, and more. They also provide conference room facilities, private workspaces with wireless internet, pilot’s supplies, and rental aircraft.

These offerings cater not only to local aviation needs but also attract clients from across the Midwest. Kubick Aviation’s commitment to providing diverse and quality aviation services, along with its strategic location and team of 44 skilled professionals, positions it as a key player in the regional aviation industry, continuing to serve and grow in the Upper Peninsula.

LP BUILDING SOLUTIONS — SAGOLA

For more than 50 years, Louisiana-Pacific has been a leading provider of high-performance building solutions that meet the demands of builders, remodelers, and homeowners worldwide. Serving the new home construction, repair and remodeling, and outdoor structures markets, LP has leveraged its expertise to become an industry leader known for innovation, quality, reliability and sustainability.

LP is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, and operates 23 manufacturing facilities across North and South America.

LP’s Sagola facility was built in 1987 as an oriented strand board mill, producing its first board in 1988. After nearly 35 years in operation, LP announced that its Sagola mill would be converted to manufacture the company’s flagship home siding product, SmartSide, which is one of the fastest-growing siding brands in America.

The project added 134,000 square feet and $84 million in new machinery and equipment to the facility. The investment not only provided stability for LP team members but also created additional employment for local contractors and suppliers in the community.

Today, LP Sagola employs more than 170 team members from four surrounding counties. Supporting communities where LP has operations is a critical part of what this company is and how it works.

LP is well known for providing funding, resources, and volunteers for causes aligned with its missions and values, focusing on three key pillars: economic prosperity, fostering future talent, and community involvement and support. Over its 35 years, LP Sagola has donated tens of thousands of dollars to local public schools and nonprofits — most recently to Iron County Cancer Unit and Dickinson County Cancer Unit Loan Closet.

To foster future talent, the facility participates in Woodland Elementary School’s annual STEM Night, introducing young students to the wonderful world of careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Beyond its community involvement, LP also prioritizes environmental stewardship. The company responsibly manages its environmental footprint, from product innovation and sourcing to manufacturing. Its efficiently made, responsibly sourced and carbon-negative products help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and absorb carbon from the environment.

LP Sagola also provides local farmers with wood ash residuals, a byproduct of its manufacturing process, which provides nutrients for healthy crops.