MARQUETTE -- Wednesday morning, the Lake Superior Community Partnership announced it is now accredited by the International Economic Development Council.

The partnership joins 28 other economic development organizations nationally recognized by the council.

The partnership spent the past year seeking the distinction, which they feel brings credibility to business community in Marquette County.

"The accreditation provides a level of professionalism and recognition to the business community, to the nation," said Vice President of Economic Development, Lois Ellis.  "If someone were looking at our community for a project, it would assure them that we have an economic development plan and that we're trained and able to implement that plan."

Moving forward, Ellis says she is looking forward to networking with the other economic development organizations.  Through these means, the partnership hopes to turn out new strategies to sustain and grow the local economy.