Marquette Man on MI Iron Industry Museum Board
A Marquette man has been appointed to the Michigan Iron Industry Museum Advisory Board. Charles Swanson is one of two appointees named by Governor Rick Snyder. The board advises the Michigan Department of Natural Resources on policies, plans and programs concerning the museum in Marquette.
“The years of experience and knowledge these two individuals bring to the board is impressive,” Snyder said. “I am confident they will use their extensive backgrounds to help the DNR ensure a strong Iron Industry Museum.”
Charles Swanson is president of Swanson, Mercier & Associates Inc., a real estate and consulting firm specializing in commercial, residential, recreation property, vacant land and special purpose properties. He previously served as vice president of commercial real estate lending for the former D & N Bank, now known as Citizen’s Bank, and served as vice president of Upper Michigan Operations. Swanson is a member of the Great Lakes Olympic Training Center Association and the Marquette Area Chamber of Commerce, and a past chairman of the Michigan State Board of Real Estate Appraisers. He earned an associate’s degree in real estate from Macomb Community College and a bachelor’s degree in business from Northern Michigan University. Swanson will represent the Marquette County Historical Society and replaces Rachel Crary.
The other appointee, Robert Niemela, is president of New Dimensions Technologies, LLC, a virtual manufacturer which will produce the first new line of crushing equipment in 70 years for worldwide distribution. He has worked for more than 40 years in the mineral industry and has 35 years of industrial experience, including operations management and engineering supervision, detailed and conceptual engineering, major and minor contract administrations, regulatory and environmental affairs and basic research with new technologies. Niemela earned a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering from Michigan Technological University. He will represent the mineral industry and replaces Allan Koski.
Appointees will serve four-year terms expiring Oct. 4, 2015, and are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.