About KEDA
Who We Are
Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) is the private, 501c3 non-profit local economic development organization serving the Houghton, and Keweenaw County Region. KEDA is staffed by an Executive Director as well as a Business Retention Specialist. KEDA is supported by over 250 businesses, local governments, organizations, and individuals.
Our Vision
We are a community driven by our leaders to be the best at utilizing our technology, education and business assets to build a diverse economic base that leverages and develops the unique strengths of each county and its people.
Our Mission
Our mission is to engage community leadership to start, retain, grow and attract companies that will increase the wealth of the region through a holistic and collaborative strategy that builds on the assets and opportunities present in the region.
Our Primary Focus
Start, retain and expand regional companies through regular outreach and delivery of support services
Assist companies that need access to alternative financing including support through the KEDA and Houghton County revolving loan funds
Assist communities to plan and implement improvements that will support their growth and development and retain and attract talent
Provide information on issues and activities relevant to our region's development as well as networking opportunities through monthly member meetings
Assist companies looking to locate to the region including custom proposals, available site and demographic information, incentive packaging and facilitation of access to all available resources
Identify opportunity to improve infrastructure to support business and coordinate packaging of projects for funding
Collaborate with regional, state, and national partners and service providers to ensure effective support for regional businesses and communities
Lead and support to initiatives designed to advance the region's economy
Recent Accomplishments
Retention visits to 440+ area companies with follow up as well as referrals to SBDC, Michigan Works!, MEDC, PTAC, MDARD and others.
Three non-traditional developer assisted building rehab projects in downtown Calumet were completed totaling over $3 million; a fourth $738k assisted project had its funding approved and is under construction; a fifth $831k assisted redevelopment project in Hancock is in final stage of funding process and a $3.4 million assisted redevelopment project in Houghton in pre-application
review process for MEDC funding
Assisted the Houghton County Land Bank Authority to complete the $516k demolition of nine structures supported by a $200k SLB grant and Houghton County ARPA funding.
Assisted Calumet Electronics to secure $2.6 million in MEDC assistance for a $6.5 million expansion and 80 new jobs and assisted Royale, Inc. and Mohawk Technologies secure tax abatements for expansions totaling $4.1 million, 21,000 sq. ft. and at least 11 new jobs.
Raised $6,000 for the Copper Shores education endowment and High School CTE scholarships.
Assisted owners of the former Calumet Air Force Station at Mt. Horace Greeley, working with Eagle Harbor Township and Houghton Township, secure a $200k State Land Bank grant to cleanup and stabilize the historic military installation for redevelopment.
Keweenaw Economic Development Strategic Plan
Our strategic plan was completed in 2015 and updated in November of 2023.
KEDA's goals are to:
- Foster Business Growth
- Improve Infrastructure
- Revitalize Our Communities
- Develop and Attract Talent
- Enhance Cultural and Recreational Opportunities