Join us for the 2026 NEMI Regional Food Summit on September 9, 2026!
Location: UAW Conference Center, Onaway, MI | Time: 9:30am-4:30pm, Farm Tour 4:30PM-6:30PM
This Summit brings together people who care deeply about food, land, health, and community - and who understand that none of these thrive on their own. Over a single day, you’ll connect with growers, health practitioners, community leaders, entrepreneurs, and neighbors who are shaping a future where regional food systems are resilient, equitable, and economically vibrant.
This is more than a chance to hear ideas; it's a chance to experience them. Participants will see how regenerative agriculture strengthens soil, farms, and communities; explore how community health reveals the strengths and gaps in our food access systems; and how improving local agriculture supports healthier families, circulates dollars locally instead of leaving the region, and contributes to long-term community stability. Together we will discover the innovative ways rural communities are supporting small businesses and building local wealth.
You’ll leave with new relationships, practical tools, and a renewed sense of what’s possible when communities collaborate with intention to strengthen both healthy food systems and local economies.
Register Here:https://forms.gle/jTTp3TYJivs6r7Cs9
Lunch Provided | Farmer travel/participation stipends available.
Lodging Information: The UAW Conference Center has lodging on-site. Guests should call (989)733-8521 and tell the reservationist that they are attending the NEMI-HFI Retreat so the staff person knows to access the room block.
Travel Tips:
Bring your own toiletries. The hotel rooms have Dial hand soap and a combo shampoo/shower gel but no conditioner or lotion. Hair dryers are available at the Front Desk but they do not have hair dryers in the hotel rooms.
Bring a swim suit. The indoor pool is heated and there is a sauna in both the Men’s and Women’s locker room. Pool towels are provided by the hotel.
Be aware of the Center’s Vehicle Policy. Links for union-made Vehicle models:
2026 Models https://uaw.org/2026-uaw-union-built-vehicle-guide/
2010-2023 Models https://aflcio.org/UnionCars
Agenda Overview
10:15am-11:10am: Opening Roundtable - State and regional leaders will discuss innovations, resources, and opportunities in local food and agriculture development that support a healthy diet, integrate with healthcare, and support stronger local economies.
Wendy Wieland, MSUE
Anne Gentry, Alpena DDA
Brent Mikkola, MyMichigan Health
Sam Bailey, Northern Lakes Economic Alliance
Kevin Donner, Mshko’Ode Farm
John Fisk, NEMI Healthy Food Initiative, Moderator
11:20am-12:20pm: Breakout Conversations (Round 1) - Choose from a range of topics with local and regional leaders:
Success with Livestock - Regenerative Agriculture
Brook Alloway, B&B Farms
Cyndi Apsey, Crazy Lady Farm
Laurie Szczesny, Regenerative Ag Network
Season Extension - Pest management, knowing your numbers, crop sequencing
Erin Caudell, Farmer, Educator, The Flint Ingredient Company, The Local Grocer
Jeff McCabe, Nifty Hoops
Adam Montri, MDARD
Business Development Strategies for Local and Regional Food
Wendy Wieland, MSU Extension, MSU Product Center
Cathy Bragg, Bragg Family Farm
& more!
Improving the Human Side of Businesses and Organizations
Kristine Ranger, HR Professional, NEMI Regional Food Initiative
12:30pm-1:45pm:Lunch & Networking
1:00pm-1:45pm: Curbside Consulting &Resource Tables
1:50pm-2:50pm: Breakout Conversations (Round 2)
Food as Medicine - Strategies and Local Food
Bella Pagogna, MIFMA
Ruth Ammons, UPCAP
Toward a Viable and Resilient Food and Farm Business
Dion Stepanski, Presque Isle Farm, Presque Isle Farm Cider
Farmers Market Management & Vendor Marketing
Jeff Shepard, Bonz Beach Farms
Laurie Szczesny, Harrisville Farmers Market
Ashley Hickel, Rogers City Farmers Market
Brianne Hickel, Rogers City Farmers Market
3:00pm-3:50pm: Closing Panel - We will be wrapping up the day with inspiration and a message of collaboration from local leaders
Molly Stepanski, Presque Isle Cider, Alpena
RJ Archambo, Michigan Good Food Fund
Nate Engle, MDARD
Donald Mulson, USDA Rural Development
Colleen Duflo, Northern Initiatives
4:30pm-6:30pm: Farm Tour of Bonz Beach Farms - Only 5 miles from the Conference Center, Bonz Beach Farms is a diversified farm with a sugarbush operation, hoop house production, field grown vegetables and fruit, farm stand and other innovations you won’t want to miss. Tour the farm and enjoy light food, beverages and good company!
This work is supported by the North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center, project award no. 2024-70027-42470 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture
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