Lois Ellis
Lois Ellis joined the Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance as Executive Director in December 2017. Ellis began her career in economic development with the Lake Superior Community Partnership in Marquette County for 12 years and then served as the Business Development Manager for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation covering the Upper Peninsula region for two years.
New Organization Aims to Build Thriving Talent and Leadership in the UP
The Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance (DAEDA) recently launched a new personal development and networking organization called LINK U.P. that aims to help build talent and leadership in the Upper Peninsula.
Systems Control: Sixty Years of Growth, Innovation and Success
Systems Control is one of the Upper Peninsula’s most successful companies. In this article, Lois Ellis of the Dickinson Area Economic Alliance gives a great overview of the company’s history and accomplishments over the last 60 years.
Intern Programs Give Students a Preview of Living and Working in the Dickinson Area
Each summer, the Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance partners with local employers to host an intern social for young adults that are temporarily calling the Dickinson area home while getting real-world working experience.
Slagle Family Farm: Change Keeps Things Fresh on the Farm
Elsa Pontbriant recently spent some time getting to know Jennifer and Jason Slagle of the Slagle Family Farm, located in Felch, Michigan, in the northern part of Dickinson County. Slagle’s Farm is a diverse operation that has developed over a number of years and adapted to meet the needs of their customers.
A Place Where Everyone Belongs: Imagination Factory Children’s Museum and Community Center
Iron Mountain’s recently-completed Imagination Factory Children’s Museum provides a place where kids can have fun, learn, meet new friends, and take time to enjoy family, as well as providing a valuable community center where community and youth clubs can meet and grow.
Norway Michigan: A Classic Community
What’s going on in Norway? In this piece we feature an interview with Norway City Manager Ray Anderson, and highlight the news and current happenings of interest in this classic Upper Peninsula community.
Raising Awareness of Local Industry Needs Through Talent Initiatives
Talent is needed everywhere these days, and the Dickinson County area is experiencing a tight labor market like many communities, according to Lois Ellis, Director of Economic Development for the Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance. Read about the current programs they are offering to help raise awareness of the most in-demand careers.
Celebrating Dickinson County Achievements – Seven Things to Feel Good About in 2020
Lois Ellis, Executive Director of the Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance, reflects on the positive developments that occurred in the Dickinson County community over the past year.
October Celebration of Dickinson County Manufacturing
“Each year, the first Friday in October is celebrated nationally as Manufacturing Day (MFG Day). Over the past several years, a group of stakeholders in Dickinson County have come together to raise awareness of manufacturing by hosting a MFG Day event. This year the group is celebrating manufacturing throughout October in a new, virtual way.”
Dickinson area sees economic growth in multiple sectors
Executive Director of the Dickinson Area Economic Alliance Lois Ellis provides an update on the economic growth being seen in the Iron Mountain Micropolitan Statistical Area, which encompasses the area in and around Iron Mountain, Kingsford, and Norway.
