23 Marty Fittante - Building the Future of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

In this episode of Wealth Is a Choice, James sits down with Marty Fittante, CEO of InvestUP, to discuss the future of economic development, manufacturing, talent retention, and long-term growth in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Marty has spent years working at the intersection of business, policy, and regional development, first in the Michigan legislature and now leading InvestUP, the Upper Peninsula’s private sector-led economic development organization. Under his leadership, InvestUP has helped launch major housing initiatives, innovation funds, workforce partnerships, and some of the largest economic development projects in U.P. history. The conversation explores: Why population decline and workforce shortages are some of Michigan’s biggest long-term risks The challenge of keeping young talent in rural communities The importance of housing, infrastructure, and entrepreneurship in economic growth Why domestic manufacturing, mining, forestry, and innovation still matter deeply to America’s future How small communities can compete in a rapidly changing economy Marty also shares insights into the realities of regional leadership, balancing economic opportunity, environmental stewardship, and long-term sustainability in communities that are often overlooked in national conversations. From attracting investment to creating opportunity in rural America, this episode is ultimately about one thing: How do you build places where people actually want to stay, work, and build a life? As always, the conversation closes with the deeper theme behind the show what wealth really means. Beyond money, wealth can mean opportunity, purpose, community, freedom, and building something meaningful that lasts for future generations. Learn more about JP Studinger Wealth Advisors: https://www.jpstudinger.com/ Learn more about InvestUP: https://www.investupmi.com/ #michigan #upperpeninsula #economicdevelopment #manufacturing #ruralamerica #leadership #workforcedevelopment #smallbusiness #investup #entrepreneurship #wealthisachoice #economicgrowth #michiganbusiness #communitydevelopment