SAULT STE. MARIE — Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO Quentin Messer, Jr. spoke at the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce's annual Fall Economic Luncheon on Friday, Oct. 28 about economic growth opportunities in Sault Ste. Marie.

Dozens of Soo businesses and students attended the luncheon at Lake Superior State University to learn about possible economic opportunities in the area.

Messer talked about the many ways that Sault Ste. Marie could improve to attract more young people who would then stay in the area and build their businesses. The main focus of his speech was to show that the Soo is in a good position to grow and expand, but it has to promote its strengths and encourage more people to come to the community.

"The Soo is well positioned to be champions when it comes to economic opportunity," said Messer. "You have everything you need to get to the next level, but you've got to come together first."

Messer mentioned several times that the best way to promote sustainable growth is to invest in the younger generation. During his speech, he asked several high school students and young professionals to stand up in front of the crowd. Messer then encouraged the community to bring these young people internships and other opportunities to build their futures.

He continually pointed out that in order to grow and expand, the community has to be a place that is welcoming to younger people and encourages them to move to the Soo and build their lives and businesses here.

“You have to give them a reason to build their hopes and dreams right here," said Messer. "They could go anywhere in the world, but you've got to come together to give them a reason to be here."

Messer said that in any great place that has economic growth and brings people to the area, there has to be at least one of four requirements, and Sault Ste. Marie fulfills all four categories.

"Most great places have one of four things: access to water, they're typically scenically beautiful, they have some access to learning, and they have a community spirit to elevate and promote their assets," said Messer.

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He added that these things mean the Soo has great opportunities for growth and development, but only if people are smart about promoting the area.

Messer also addressed some of the more immediate problems the area is facing, such as labor shortages. At the same time, he said many young people in the area don't feel encouraged to build careers in the area where they grew up, and the shortages will continue if people keep undervaluing young workers.

"The businessmen and businesswomen here are dealing with labor shortages, that's why it's critically important for these young people," Messer said, before asking high school students in the crowd to stand up and be seen by everyone. "You need to be recruiting them right now. Somebody needs to offer them an internship."

— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com

This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Sault Chamber of Commerce hosts annual fall economic luncheon