𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭
🔥 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐁𝐐 & 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭
️ ❄️ 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐁𝐐 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫? 𝐖𝐞 𝐝𝐨— 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬!
Kick off 2026 with Develop Iosco at our Annual Networking Night & Indoor BBQ, held at the Whittemore Chamber of Commerce. This relaxed evening is all about warm food, great conversations, and connecting with fellow business owners, community leaders, and neighbors.
As in years past, we’ll include our popular speed networking activity — a fun, structured way to meet more people, share what you do, and make meaningful connections in a short amount of time.
We’ll also be unveiling our 2026 Annual Report, highlighting the progress, partnerships, and plans shaping the year ahead.
𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐁𝐐 🤝 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬!
𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟗; 𝟔:𝟎𝟎– 𝟖:𝟎𝟎 𝐩.𝐦. at 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞
𝟒𝟎𝟓 𝐄. 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧, 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞
𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐑𝐒𝐕𝐏 𝐛𝐲 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟐 𝐬𝐨 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐫.
Your response helps us make sure there’s plenty of BBQ for everyone!
✨ 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐦 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐬, 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞.
• 𝐀𝐥𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞, • 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 • 𝐃𝐓𝐄 • 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤
• 𝐇𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤 • 𝐌𝐲𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 • 𝐏𝐍𝐂 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤
quarterly community meetings
You're Invited
Develop Iosco hosts our quarterly Community Meetings for problem solvers, business owners, community members, government representatives, and other interested parties. These meetings include updates from Iosco County communities about ongoing economic development activities as well as updates from Develop Iosco regarding ongoing initiatives. Both guest and local speakers address topics pertinent to business owners. RSVPs open one month to each event.
Meetings rotate locations throughout the county and are scheduled the second Thursday of the month quarterly in March, June, September and December.
To suggest a topic or speaker for a community meeting, please email contact@develop-iosco.org.
Please note that meetings are no longer held virtually. However, they are recorded and will be posted afterward so you can watch at your convenience.
Dec 4 - 4th qtr. annual meeting (DINNER)
✨ Develop Iosco’s Q4 Community Meeting served as a countywide opportunity to reflect on progress, strengthen partnerships, and align priorities for the year ahead.
📅 Thursday, December 4, 2025 | 🕠 5:30 PM
📍 Sand Lake Community Center, 4059 Indian Lake Rd, National City, MI 48748
🍽 Hosted by Grant Township | Dinner provided by Up North Catering
The event featured:
- Iosco County & Grant Township Updates
- Develop Iosco & Child Care Back Office Updates
- Community Engagement Session – help shape Develop Iosco’s next strategic initiatives
- Plenary Discussion: “Harnessing Collaboration to Drive Rural Prosperity”
Jennifer Rigterink
Assistant Director, State and Federal Affairs | Michigan Municipal League (MML)
Jennifer Rigterink advocates on behalf of Michigan’s communities with a focus on economic development, land use, and municipal services. Before joining the League, Jennifer directed community development technical assistance at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and continues to serve on its Technical Assistance Advisory Council.
She previously managed the Genesee Institute, now known as the Center for Community Progress, where she advanced Michigan’s land bank authority model and vacant property initiatives. Jennifer was appointed by Governor Whitmer to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority’s Statewide Housing Partnership, helping execute Michigan’s first-ever Statewide Housing Plan. She also serves on the Executive Committee of the Housing Michigan Coalition.
Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Michigan State University. She lives in DeWitt with her husband, Chris, and their two children. Together, they own The Mattress Source in East Lansing and Lansing, Michigan—proudly selling locally made products that support Michigan’s economy.
Dakota Baker
Director | Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance
Dakota Baker serves as Director of the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance, where he leads advocacy, strategy, and policy initiatives to strengthen the region’s business community and advance long-term economic development. In this role, Dakota collaborates with federal, state, and local officials, as well as regulatory agencies, to champion policies that benefit Northern Michigan’s employers, entrepreneurs, and workforce.
A graduate of Lake Superior State University with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Dakota brings extensive experience in public service and government relations. His previous roles include Campaign Manager for Congressman Jack Bergman, Lower Peninsula District Liaisonin Bergman’s office, and Deputy Chief of Staff for State Senator John Damoose.
Deeply committed to community engagement, Dakota has served on the Grand Traverse County Commission on Aging Advisory Board and currently sits on the Board of Directors for Government for Tomorrow, a nonprofit that empowers high school students to participate in local government leadership.
Originally from Traverse City, Dakota enjoys hockey, hunting, hiking, DJ’ing events, and hosting game nights.
3rd qtr. community meeting
🗓 Thursday, September 11, 2025
📍 Warrior Pavilion, 6288 F41, Oscoda
🕘 Meeting: 9–11 AM | ☕Networking starts at 8:30
Presentation Highlights: SBA 101 – Programs & Services
✅ Free business counseling
💰 Access to capital for startups and existing businesses
🏛 Federal government contracting certifications
🌪 Disaster relief resources
🌟 PLUS:
- Meet our new Executive Director
- Updates from Oscoda Township & Iosco County
- NEMCOG Byways report
- DI Committee Spotlights: Child Care, Tourism, Grants
🎤 Featured Speaker: Brandon Adolph
Brandon Adolph is the Outreach & Marketing Specialist at the U.S. Small Business Administration's Michigan District Office (MDO) covering Genesee, Lake, Oakland and Washtenaw counties as well as the Northern Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula.
Adolph is charged with ecosystem building with chambers of commerce, downtown development authorities and economic development organizations.
Adolph joined the SBA in 2023 following a career in various marketing leadership roles. He is an alumnus of Eastern Michigan University where he received his B.B.A. and he holds a M.A. from Wayne State University.
june 12 - 2nd qtr. community meeting
TOPIC - Jobs: Upskill Your Workforce, Talent Attraction & Retention
Location: IRESA, 27 N. Rempert, Tawas MI 48763
Program:
- Welcome/Networking 8:30 - 9 a.m.
- Main Program 9 - 10:30 a.m.
- Networking 10:30 - 11 a.m.
LOCAL SPEAKERS: Christopher Martin, Baldwin Township Superintendent will share Baldwin updates; Jamie Cain, IRESA Superintendent will talk about their upcoming millage.
MAIN TOPIC: Jobs - Upskill Your Workforce, Talent Attraction & Retention
FEATURED SPEAKERS: Darin Lomason, Director of Business Services, MI Works! Region 7B will highlight MI Works services to include:
- Incumbent Worker
- Train someone who already works at your company
- OJT Program (on the job training)
- Train someone new to your company
- Youth Program
- 16-24 years old get to experience working at a business for 6 weeks while MiWorks! pays the youths wage
- Mentorship program
- Business Services
- Help with recruiting, resumes, the network, etc.
- Going Pro Talent Fund
- Application to get grant funding for training current employees as well as new hires
DI will also share updates on childcare, tourism, and grants.
Meeting Recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SU6DUJOdl0I
1st qtr. 2025 community meeting
TOPIC: The Future of Healthcare in Iosco County
Location: Whittemore Chamber of Commerce, 405 E. Sherman St., Whittemore 48770
Program:
- Welcome/Networking 8:30 - 11 a.m.
- Main Program 9 - 10:30 a.m.
- Networking 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Local Speaker: Bob Leslie, Whittemore Mayor
Keynote Speaker: Mike Erickson, President MyMichigan Health
(Saginaw, Standish & Tawas)
In August 2024, Mike was named President of MyMichigan Medical Centers in Saginaw, Standish, Tawas and Towne Center. Prior to that, Mike was the President of MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena. Mike joined MyMichigan Health in 2008. He held prior roles as System Vice President, Professional Services as well as System Vice President, Support Services.
Prior to joining MyMichigan Health, Mike was with Catholic Health Initiatives from 1997-2008, where he held several positions of increasing scope with his final being Assistant Vice President at St. Joseph Medical Center located in Towson, Maryland. Prior to that, Mike was at Pekin Hospital located in Pekin, Illinois from 1994-1997 as Director of Clinical Engineering. Mike also served in the U.S. Army for 14 years, 5 active duty and 7 years reserve and national guard, receiving an honorable discharge.
Event article (and photo) by Dr. Manuela Kress: https://www.iosconews.com/oscoda_press/news/article_caabf702-0412-11f0-8728-fb08434181e1.html
2024 Community meetings
1st Quarter 2024:
March 14
Location: Grant Township, Sand Lake Community Center (4059 Indian Lake Rd., National City)
Registration & Networking: 8:30 - 9 am
Program: 9 - 11am
TOPIC: Multiple topics including MEDC small business hub grants for Iosco County; the M-55 Pure Michigan Byway initiative; updates on current DI initiatives and much more.
Featured Speaker: Joe Carr, Target Alpena
2nd Quarter 2024:
June 13
Held in Tawas Township
Host Location: IRESA, https://www.ioscoresa.net/, 27 N. Rempert Rd., Tawas City MI 48763
Topic: Workforce Development’s Ties to Economic Development - Panel Discussion
The meeting agenda and highlights of speakers and topics was as follows:
· IRESA Superintendent, Jamie Cain, shared information related to educational impacts in Iosco County.
· Ken Cook, Executive Director of Iosco County’s Economic Development Commission (ioscoedc.org), presened information on how the EDC serves Iosco businesses.
· A Workforce Development Panel Discussion featuring Jamie Cain (IRESA Superintendent), Pam O’Loughlin (COO @ MI Works Region 7B) and Marvin Pichla (Alpena Community College, Oscoda Campus Director) addressed a number of questions on this very important topic.
· DI Initiatives & Committee Updates on childcare, tourism, small business development, high speed internet, environmental concerns and grant writing were presented.
3rd Quarter 2024:
September 19
Held in AuSable Township (https://ausabletwp-mi.gov/)
Location: AuSable Township Hall, 4420 North U.S. 23, Au Sable, MI 48750
Local Speaker: Eric Strayer, AuSable Superintendent
Featured Speaker: Lindsey Clark, MEDC
Senior Community Development Manager
Regional Development Region 3 & Eastern Upper Peninsula
Topic: Community Development/Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC)
Learn more about RRCs:
https://www.miplace.org/programs/redevelopment-ready-communities/
4th Quarter 2024: Annual Meeting
December 5
Host: City of Tawas CityLocation: Tawas Bay Beach Resort
Local Speaker: Annge Horning, Tawas City Manager
Featured Topic: Economic Development Advocacy
Featured Speakers: Nikki Devitt & Warren Call, NE Michigan Chamber Alliance
Networking/Breakfast: 8 – 9:00 amProgram: 9 – 11:00 am