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DELTA COUNTY -- Tourism is a big part of the U.P's economy.  Some businesses depend on the extra boost to stay afloat during the slow months.

But besides business from the tourists, officials feel building the industry locally is vital.  One Delta County group, with the help of Michigan Works, is doing just that.

Dobber's Pasties in Escanaba sees their sales double during the summer months, as tourists come through the U.P.  They produce anywhere from 400 to 500 pasties a day.

"In the summer, people are camping, visiting, and it's just, like I said, it's double the amount of business in the summer, which we like," explained owner, Brad Mantela.

There's no doubt that tourists help boost income, but the tourism industry also plays an important role.

A group of representatives from different businesses and agencies around the county, called the Delta County Tourism Regional Skills Alliance, started up a few years ago.  Their hopes are to work together to retain and build jobs locally in the industry.  

At their recent quarterly meeting, officials said their programs are showing promise.  Nearly 400 people went through their training last year.

"A lot of people in the tourism industry are entrepreneurs, so we're working on opening the doors so that people that are interested, can learn more about it," explained Alliance member, Steve Masters. "We've also been working with Bay College on a certification program."

The Alliance also hopes to spread knowledge of what the county has to offer among those they help train, which they say will help the local businesses.

If you'd like to become part of the Regional Skills Alliance or want to learn more, contact the Commerce center or Michigan Works, the Job Force Board.