Upper Peninsula regional businesses who would like to help their employees put out the welcome mat for visitors and customers who live in the area, are invited to take part in the Uppertunities professional development, business and tourism strategies conference Wednesday, May 22, at the Island Resort and Casino.

Vickie Micheau, executive director of the Delta Commerce Center, said the conference has been designed for both tourism and non-tourism businesses based on feedback from those who attended last year's conference.  "We are now focusing on professional development, and not only for tourism-based industry. This one-day conference will help companies that are hoping to improve customer service and help employees become more positive and service-oriented," Micheau said.

The day opens with a registration and breakfast at 8 a.m.   Followed by the opening session featuring Peggy Schumann, president of Positively! The Center for Success marketing company in Escanaba. Schumann has spent the last 24 years assisting business owners with their image through the creation of logos, slogans and advertising.  She trains small and large groups on sales, marketing, customer service and attitude. She has started two successful sign and marketing companies. "Sign Here, Inc." in Rochester, Minn., and "SignUP, Inc." in Escanaba.  She has also opened "Positively! The Center for Success" in Escanaba, a retail store with merchandise that is inspirational and motivational. She also presents seminars that focus on strategies to developing a positive attitude and contributing positively to society. Her specialties include public speaking, keynote presentations, seminars, and management and employee training for customer service representatives.  "My goal is to affect my community positively and share the possibilities that life has to offer," Schumann said. Several breakout sessions will be offered throughout the day, focusing on best practices. 

"These sessions have always received extremely high marks. This year's offerings will offer great information for all types of business people and their employees," Micheau said. 

Session topics and presenters include: 

• Customer service, Joe Constance, Constant Training
• Power of positive attitude, Peggy Schumann, Positively! 
• Technology and cloud computing, David Hoover, Michigan Broadband Services    (sponsored by the U.P. Travel and Recreation Association). 
• Affordable Care Act, George Kinnane, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan 
• Effective Media, Jim Beran, WLUC TV 6 and a panel of various media representatives.
• Business Marketing, Joanna Wilbee Amis, HobNob Communications.
• Health Department regulations, Joe Ranthum, Public Health of Delta and Menominee Counties.
• 2012 to 2017 Michigan Tourism Strategic Plan, Sarah Nicholls, Michigan State University.  

• The Digital Image, Michael Hall and Jacqueline Beach, Owners/Artists at Black Iris Studio

The keynote speaker during lunch will be Dave Lorenz, who will speak on "Leverage the Success." Lorenz is manager of Public & Industry Relations for Travel Michigan/Michigan Economic Development Corp.  Another highlight of the daylong event is the community showcase featuring successful business attractions and events from throughout the U.P. and best practice round-tables.

"This is an important aspect of the conference. Successful business people and leaders discuss tried and true success stories and real-life examples of how to set goals, overcome obstacles to create successful business plans," Micheau said.  

The event will open with an optional golf outing on May 21 and close with Business After Hours 5 p.m. May 22 at the Convention Center, which is open to all attendees and Chamber members.