Meet Michigan's Economic Developers

Meet Amy Clickner, CEO, Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP)

How long have you worked in economic development?

21 years; I was the first employee when the LSCP was created as a public-private partnership after the closing of our Air Force base. Have been here ever since as the organization changed and grew. Was the first CEO and currently manage a staff of 10 working in three counties.

Tell us a little bit about your work history.

Prior to my 21 years at the LSCP I was in the telecommunications field (Superior Telecom) beginning out of college when the Michigan Bell breakup allowed for alternative long distance providers to enter the market. I held a variety of positions there but many in operations and marketing. Following that I worked as a consultant and assisted in the start up of another telecommunications company focusing on call center activity (Superior Spectrum). 

It was then that I started engaging in community service and eventually found my way to the Chamber of Commerce. During my time as Chamber President, discussions on the formation of an economic development entity started to take shape with the leadership in the county. That was when I started working through my consulting company with the new organization, the Lake Superior Community Partnership. Was eventually hired and have not left.

Tell us about your biggest accomplishments in the field.

In the last 21 years we have had two years with a billion dollars of investment in our county. Being able to be a part of those efforts and helping the community celebrate that success was a big deal for me. Keep in mind we are a county of 70,000 people in the rural Upper Peninsula, so this is no small feat.

Give us a snapshot of your workweek.

Jack of all trades, master of none? A generalist? As with most economic developers in smaller organizations, your workweek can take on a life of its own. From working with business clients, fundraising, relationship building to handling the media, my investors and staff … there is never a dull moment. Of course there is the pesky paperwork and forms that are needed to run a smooth operation that also take time. To me, if I am sitting at my desk I am not working to my fullest potential. Being in the community, talking with businesses and colleagues, and developing that next program or service is really what motivates me.

What did you study in college?

Management and Marketing. I am also a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and a Certified Fundraising Manager through Indiana University’s Center for Philanthropy.

If you could turn back time to your college years, what skills and studies would you have focused on to improve your ability to practice economic development?

More accounting and finance. Maybe paid better attention in economics too :)

How has MEDA helped in your economic development career?

The ability to build relationships with my colleagues across the state has been very valuable. Add to that the professional development opportunities and MEDA has been a go to for my organization. I was honored to have served as President of the organization in 2017 and have served on the board of directors for several terms which only enhanced my ability to engage.