UPword was born in May 2010 of ‘UP’ (Upper Peninsula of Michigan) efforts to create a more cohesive story for the UP while strengthening the network of economic development organizations working across the UP.
A coalition, working in areas including housing, broadband, health, philanthropy, placemaking, entrepreneurship, and the arts, helped to launch RIX in November 2021, creating a unique statewide voice for rural Michigan.
Several stakeholders heard the IMG story, which led to the creation of a cross-sector coalition of funders to launch The Hub in 2020. Now, The Hub focuses on innovation, talent, entrepreneurship, and community development.