February 12, 2026
Each year, the members of Operation Action U.P. and the business community from across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula gather to review the accomplishments of the past year and cast the vision for the next. The Operation Action U.P Excellence Awards recognize up to four outstanding for-profit businesses that have contributed to the economic well-being of the Upper Peninsula. At the Annual Meeting, these award winners will have the opportunity to spotlight their business and say thanks to the individuals or organizations who nominated them in this competitive award process.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, February 12, 2026
Location: Northern Center Ballrooms at Northern Michigan University (1401 Presque Isle Ave in Marquette). Directions to NMU
8:30 a.m. Registration & Networking
9:00 a.m. Welcome
Joe Esbrook, President & Co-Chair, OAUP
David Paananen, Co-Chair, OAUP
Annual Report and Election of Board
9:15 a.m. Tracy Johnson, CEO InitiativeOne Leadership Institute
“Growing Through Fear. Leading Through Conflict.”
10:00 a.m. Networking Break
10:30 a.m. Award of Excellence Presentations
10:30 a.m. – G&J Site Solutions
10:45 a.m. – Great Lakes Sound & Vibration
11:00 a.m. Marty Fittante, CEO InvestUP
“Time to Step UP”
12:00 p.m. Networking, Lunch, & Award Recipient Photos
1:15 p.m. Award of Excellence Presentations
1:15 p.m. – Cloverland Electric Cooperative
1:30 p.m. – Burton EMS
1:45 p.m. Special Recognition
UPEDA Awardee – Great Lakes Recovery Center
2:00 – 2:30 p.m. Conclude / Open Networking
Operation Action U.P. Board Meeting to follow at 2:15 p.m.
Developed by Northern Initiatives / Home Events Partners Resources Annual Meeting