January 18, 2024
IOSCO COUNTY, MICH. –– The Quad County Childcare Coalition (QCCC), a four-county Regional Child Care Planning Coalition which includes Alcona, Arenac, Iosco and Ogemaw Counties, has released their Childcare Innovation Grant Report.
In March 2023, Develop Iosco (DI) was awarded a $203,000 regional childcare planning grant from the Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC). Subsequently, a four-county Regional Child Care Planning Coalition which includes Alcona, Arenac, Iosco and Ogemaw Counties was formed and met quarterly to address the lack of childcare options in Northeast Michigan.
“It is striking that, for many of us parents whose children are now adults, we found during the course of the work in 2023 that the childcare situation has not improved in thirty years”, said Gloria Brooks, President of Develop Iosco Inc. and co-chair of the QCCC. “It’s actually harder for parents today to access childcare services so they can be confident that their children are well cared for as parents work outside the home to support their families. If our counties plan to offer businesses the opportunity for expansion and reap the benefit of local economic development, we must solve the childcare deserts in our communities.”
The Coalition includes parent and grandparent primary caregivers and child care provider representatives from across the County. Other coalition members also include Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency (NEMCSA), Bay-Arenac Intermediate School District, Hale Area Schools, Plainfield Township, MichiganWorks! Region 7B offices from Iosco, Arenac, and Ogemaw Counties, MichiganWorks! Northeast Consortium office in Alcona County, and Iosco County government.
Lisa Bolen, CEO of NEMCSA and co-chair of the QCCC, agreed. “We were honored to partner with Develop Iosco on this vital project. Pleased with the conclusions, we were able to shed light on a major dilemma for Northeast Michigan parents. This collaboration showcased our commitment to impactful solutions for the communities we serve.”
The Coalition’s extensive research and study included interviews with 7 childcare providers, 29 families and 25 employers representing 1,395 employees from manufacturers, school systems, non-profits, government, and for-profit retail agencies.
In culmination of their work, the QCCC has recommended the following solutions:
1. Unified Advocacy Voice: Create a unified advocacy voice for childcare providers to facilitate communication and support when interacting with Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs representatives.
2. Community Liaison: Appoint a community liaison for prospective and current childcare providers to provide information, education and assistance in childcare startup and operation.
3. Childcare Capacity Expansion: Offer funding to support in-home childcare startup or expansion efforts to address the lack of available quality childcare in the region.
4. Streamlined Zoning: Make recommendations to local units of government to streamline and define zoning regulations to make childcare startup and operation more accessible.
5. Employer Engagement: Encourage employers to view the lack of childcare as a shared problem, potentially supporting childcare services for their employees.
6. Explore creation of a joint venture Management Services Organization: The MSO would function as one-stop shop for back-office administrative services such as billing, finance, regulatory and compliance, as well as a staffing company for childcare providers to recruit, train, certify and provide healthcare benefits (which could be a step toward dealing with equity in pay for childcare workers).
The QCCC concluded that childcare challenges in Northeastern Michigan effect providers, parents, and employers; impacting both the workforce and the community’s economic well-being. Addressing these challenges with strategic recommendations can lead to a more sustainable and supportive childcare system in the region leading to economic development investments from the business communities.
The QCCC plans to formally share the report and solutions for employers at an Employers CEO Roundtable event on Thursday, February 29, 2024 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm at the Boathouse Beer Co. & Boozery in Tawas City. Invitations and additional information will be forthcoming.
The full report can be read on the DI website: https://develop-iosco.org/child-care-coalition
The Regional Child Care Planning Grant is supported by funding provided from the Michigan Department of Education utilizing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, from the Office of Child Care, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
DI is a 501-(c)-(3) nonprofit volunteer organization serving as a convener and facilitator for economic development activities within Iosco County related to business development. As an economic development organization, DI promotes Iosco County as a place for business growth to improve the quality of life for current and new residents.
Link to Iosco News online article: https://www.iosconews.com/article_46686460-b640-11ee-9e72-7b806ffe3b6a.html
December 29, 20233
By Manuela Kress
EAST TAWAS – Develop Iosco (DI) honored longtime board member Blinda Baker at its annual/4th quarter meeting held on Dec. 14 at the East Tawas Community Center.
Baker had served on the board of DI since 2015. DI Executive Director Chris Martin and DI President Gloria Brooks presented the award to Baker.
Baker was presented with the inaugural Blinda Baker Volunteer of the Year Award recognizing her many years of service to DI as well as other organizations in Iosco County including the Friends of the East Tawas Library, Iosco County Right to Life, Tawas-Whittemore-Hale United Fund, Holy Family Catholic Church in the Council of Catholic Women, Holy Family Education Foundation and the Gaylord Diocese Council of Catholic Women.
Baker is a 1970 graduate of Tawas Area High School and 1974 graduate of Michigan State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in education. She taught at Tawas Area High School and was elected as the City of East Tawas treasurer in 1985. Baker was appointed as the clerk/treasurer in 1989 and the city manager in 2015. She retired from her position as city manager in June 2018 and was elected to the city council in November of the same year.
Criteria for receiving the award include the following:
An Iosco County resident who:
• Champions quality of life for residents, visitors and businesses across the county.
• Understands the need for economic development to retain youth, support families and attract businesses.
• Selflessly volunteers time, talent and treasure in a variety of areas that impact economic development.
• Represents DI’s mission and vision in the community.
Iosco County News Herald Article: https://www.iosconews.com/news/article_06427c90-a10a-11ee-9b03-6385c6d8c23b.html
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December 8, 2023
IOSCO, MICH. –– Develop Iosco (DI) approved five new board members at its November and December board meetings. The new members are Samantha Duvall, Jamie Cain, Pam O’Loughlin, Frances Ommani and Scott Peters.
Jamie Cain lives in Oscoda and is currently the Superintendent of Iosco RESA. He has close to 30 years of experience in the public education field and brings a visionary and innovative mindset to DI.
When asked why he wanted to join the DI Board, Cain said “I want to help serve and meet authentic needs within our county and region and leverage possible education solutions where applicable.”
Samantha Duvall lives in East Tawas and is currently the Executive Director of the Tawas Area Chamber of Commerce. Duvall brings events and fundraising experience to the board and will be involved in initiatives related to tourism, travel and recreation.
When asked why she joined DI, Duvall responded: “I joined Develop Iosco so I can help promote not just the Tawas Area but Iosco County as a whole. A large part of my job at the TACC is to help foster growth in the Tawases. When tourists spend money within the local economy, it creates jobs and stimulates economic growth. This support is vital for our small businesses in the community.”
Pam O’Laughlin is the Chief Operations Officer for Workforce Development at MI Works! Region 7B and has more than 10 years of experience in Community and Economic Development and more than 28 years of experience in Healthcare Management. She will be serving on the Quad County Childcare Coalition (QCCC).
When asked why she wanted to join the DI Board, O’Laughlin responded that she wanted “to help provide resources and connect workforce development to Economic Development and be a good partner to DI.”
Frances Ommani lives in Oscoda and is the Strategy & Development Director for NEMSCA. She is a Certified Poverty Educator and holds multiple leadership certifications. Ommani will be involved in initiatives related to communications, membership, governance and the Quad County Childcare Coalition.
When asked why she was interested in joining the DI Board, Ommani said that “it offers the chance to foster the growth and prosperity of a community or region, cultivating a sense of civic responsibility and making a positive impact on the local economy.”
Scott Peterslives in Tawas City and is the Senior Vice President, Market Manager (Michigan) for Grand Ridge National Bank. Peters has an extensive lending background with concentration in commercial and residential real estate, land development, construction, and manufacturing. He is also proficient in financial and risk analysis and will employ those skills in his new role as DI Treasurer.
When asked why he was interested in joining the DI Board, Peters said that he wanted “to help with the overall economic growth and prosperity of our community and region.”
Iosco County News Herald Article: https://www.iosconews.com/article_c05238d4-9aa5-11ee-95aa-f74ab03e55f3.html
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November 1, 2023
TAWAS CITY – Develop Iosco, Inc. (DI), in partnership with Iosco County, was recently awarded $50,000 from the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) Office of Rural Development to expand the economic development capacity of Iosco County through enhanced grant writing capacity and education.
“Iosco County is looking forward to this partnership with Develop Iosco to bring much needed resources to Iosco County units of government to assist with grant writing and training,” said Jamie Carruthers Soboleski, Iosco County controller/finance director. “Often it seems our communities are at a disadvantage and miss opportunities related to funding due to time constraints of local government officials and employees who often carry more responsibilities than those in similar positions in larger communities.”
Chris Young, Develop Iosco communications director, said DI is consistently asked to assist organizations and units of government with increasing grant writing skills, provide letters of support, and facilitate collaborations on county-wide projects.
The grant award will be used to hire Dr. Manuela Kress, grant writer and owner of Mid-Michigan Grant Writers & Consultants, to build the grant writing capacity of DI, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and local units of government.
Kress has been successfully writing grants for more than 30 years. She lives in AuSable Township and is familiar with DI, Iosco County, and local townships and municipalities. She will be contracted to provide professional services including conducting grant writing workshops and grant learning sessions, distributing grant information, and assisting with grant writing.
DI Executive Director Chris Martin took the opportunity to highlight that grant writing assistance is a specific benefit to units of government and business membership levels of DI.
“Develop Iosco is looking forward to this outstanding opportunity to expand grant writing and training resources in Iosco County,” Martin said. “This is just another benefit of being a member of our organization.”
Martin said with these funds and Dr. Kress’ expertise, DI and Iosco County will continue to build on their recent track record of successfully bringing grant funds into the county and region.
Iosco County News Herald Article: https://www.iosconews.com/news/article_1fe4b508-7439-11ee-a21c-c3373684752a.html
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March 27, 2023
For Immediate Release:
IOSCO COUNTY, MICH. –– Develop Iosco (DI) has received a $2000 grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation which further enables DI to advance their mission which is to promote economic development in Iosco County.
Gloria Brooks, President of the Board of Directors emphasized that the "Consumers Energy Foundation has been a strong partner to Develop Iosco during the past two years. It previously funded the Marketing Blueprint community survey in February 2022, which helped DI prioritize its community projects."
The $2,000 grant is timely in that DI has recently begun asking governmental organizations, businesses and individuals to financially invest in DI so that they would have the resources to do more for Iosco residents, namely hire an Executive Director.
Brooks further stated that "We look forward to leveraging this grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation to successfully complete our community initiatives in 2023, including countywide tourism, small businesses vendor opportunities through the DI Winter Market, and increased collaboration between residents, county and local leaders, and community organizations."
“We thrive as a state when every community has the resources that they need to support local businesses, promote opportunity, and invest in their people,” said Carolyn Bloodworth, secretary/treasurer of the Consumers Energy Foundation. “The Consumers Energy Foundation is proud to provide this grant to help Develop Iosco in their work to further those goals.”
The Consumers Energy Foundation is the charitable arm of Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider. The Foundation contributes to the growth and strengthening of Michigan communities by investing in what’s most important — our people, our planet and Michigan’s prosperity. In 2022, the Consumers Energy Foundation, Consumers Energy, its employees and retirees contributed more than $18.5 million to Michigan nonprofits.
DI is a 501-(c)-(3) nonprofit volunteer organization serving as a convener and facilitator for economic development activities within Iosco County related to business development. As an economic development organization, DI promotes Iosco County as a place for business growth to improve the quality of life for current and new residents.
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March 10, 2023
For Immediate Release:
IOSCO COUNTY, MICH. –– The Early Childhood Investment Corporation’s (ECIC) – Child Care Innovation Fund has awarded a Regional Child Care Planning Grant to Develop Iosco (DI) in the amount of $150,000. The grant enables DI to facilitate a newly formed four-county Regional Child Care Planning Coalition which includes Alcona, Arenac, Iosco and Ogemaw Counties. This announcement follows Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s statewide announcement earlier today.
“Develop Iosco believes that a diverse coalition of individuals will create a stronger solution to the child care dilemma in our four-county area,” stated Gloria Brooks, President of DI’s Board of Directors. “We are excited to have been selected to bring these grant dollars to the communities and develop solutions for working families”. This is the first time DI has successfully applied and received state grant dollars of this size of a grant award.
The Coalition includes parent and grandparent primary caregivers and child care provider representatives from across the County. Other coalition members also include NEMSCA, Bay-Arenac Intermediate School District, Hale Area Schools, Plainfield and Oscoda Townships, MIWorks! Region 7B offices from Iosco, Arenac, Ogemaw and Alcona, and Iosco County government.
The 18-month grant period will focus on better understanding the needs of families with children age 12 and younger and learn new ways to expand access to child care including 2nd and 3rdshift and weekend care availability. The Regional Child Care Planning project is supported by funding provided from the Michigan Department of Education within the Caring for MI Future initiative, utilizing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, from the Office of Child Care, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Develop Iosco will facilitate the Coalition meetings and coordinate data collection leading to a roadmap for the implementation of the plan by June 30, 2024. Community meetings will be held to keep working families, employers and others informed of the project’s progress and to provide feedback on potential solutions.
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Investments will benefit children, families, and small businesses in 81 counties, every region
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2023
Contact: press@michigan.gov
LANSING, MI. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that 16 organizations serving Michiganders in 81 counties are receiving $2.4 million in Regional Child Care Planning Grants from the Early Childhood Investment Corporation’s (ECIC) Child Care Innovation Fund, helping them expand child care options, serving more families, and lowering costs for parents.
“Child care is the backbone of our economy,” said Governor Whitmer. “Access to quality, affordable child care supports parents as they work, ensures kids have the support they need to grow into their best selves, and helps businesses hire, recruit, and retain talent. To achieve these big goals, we need everyone to pitch in. Today, I’m proud to announce that 16 organizations across the state are stepping up to make child care more affordable and accessible for Michiganders in 81 counties and every region of the state. Together, we will build on our vision to ensure every family has access to child care that meets their needs.”
16 Regional Child Care Planning Grant recipients will each receive $150,000. The grantees, by MEDC Region, are:
· Region 1: Upper Peninsula - UPWARD Talent Council
· Region 2: Northwest - Networks Northwest
· Region 3: Northeast - Northeast Michigan Council of Governments
· Region 3: Northeast - Develop Iosco, Inc.
· Region 4: West Michigan- The Right Place, Inc. & Vibrant Futures
· Region 4: West Michigan - United Way of the Lakeshore
· Region 4: West Michigan - Ottawa Area Intermediate School District.
· Region 5: East Central Michigan - Middle Michigan Development Corporation.
· Region 6: East Michigan - Flint and Genesee Chamber Foundation
· Region 6: East Michigan - Huron County Economic Development Corporation.
· Region 7: South Central - Lansing Economic Area Partnership
· Region 8: Southwest - Pulse @ W.E. Upjohn Institute of Employment Research
· Region 9: Southeast Michigan - Lenawee Economic Development Corporation.
· Region 9: Southeast Michigan - Ann Arbor SPARK
· Region 10: Detroit Metro - Macomb County Planning and Economic Development
· Region 10: Detroit Metro - IFF & Hope Starts Here
“This is an exciting time as for the first time ever, in many communities across Michigan, economic development leaders are coming together with early childhood leaders to work alongside municipalities and major employers on solving their community’s child care crisis,” said Dawne Bell, CEO of the Early Childhood Investment Corporation. “We are so thankful for this investment from the MI Dept. of Education and our strategic partnership with MEDC to be able to support regions across Michigan to accelerate investments in child care.”
“Vibrant Futures and The Right Place are thrilled to be teaming up for this game-changing opportunity to lead the regional planning in the western region,” says Chana Edmond-Verley, CEO of Vibrant Futures. “We know that child care is an essential and strategic component to 21st century talent efforts, especially when the aim is business attraction. Business growth is simply stifled without it. The regional planning effort will prove to be a gateway to increased child care supply, and economic alignment; and a critical accelerator for all Michigan families needing child care to get to work.”
Caring for MI Future
ECIC received $12.5 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding in August, awarded by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) as part of Caring for MI Future— a $100 million investment to help more Michigan families find quality, affordable child care in their community. Today, too many communities do not have enough child care options to meet demand. To respond, the state is investing $100 million to dramatically increase access to child care across the state and open 1,000 new, or expanded, child care programs by the end of 2024. This strategy responds to the most pressing needs facing child care entrepreneurs and creates sustainable systems to support the current and next generation of child care business owners.
To learn more about Caring for MI Future, visit www.michigan.gov/caringformifuture.
About ECIC
Created in 2005 to serve as a statewide leader in early childhood, ECIC collaborates to increase public and private investment in the earliest years, elevate issues affecting young children and their families, and continuously improve Michigan’s comprehensive early childhood system. Our aim is to create a future where all young children in Michigan and their families thrive. To learn more about ECIC and the Child Care Innovation Fund, please visit ecic4kids.org.
Through the Regional Child Care Planning Grant, ECIC, in partnership with MDE and MEDC, will bring economic development, employers, municipalities, parents, and early childhood leaders together in regional coalitions to understand child care facilities and workforce needs and develop a plan that meets the needs and preferences of working families, and address Michigan’s pressing need for high-quality, affordable child care.
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February 22, 2023
For Immediate Release:
IOSCO COUNTY, MICH. –– Today, Develop Iosco, Inc. joins dozens of Michigan organizations, local government officials, and residents in releasing an open letter to Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The letter calls on the governor to turn her clean-energy policy into practice by investing in hydroelectric power.
Fred Lewis, president of the Iosco Exploration Trail and chair of Develop Iosco’s Hydroelectric Dams Response Team, says the governor’s signature MI Healthy Climate Plan omits any mention of Michigan’s river hydroelectric power resources. “The lack of a river hydro strategy is not consistent with recommendations from both environmental advocacy groups and the hydro industry to ramp up hydropower’s role in a clean energy future. They agree that new technology means hydro dams can and should provide climate-ready, river-friendly power.”
Develop Iosco is one of a handful of groups responding to Consumers Energy’s announcement concerning possible removal of its 13 Michigan hydroelectric dams. Their letter calls on Governor Whitmer to work with the company to protect the dams. The groups point out that not only is dam removal contrary to Michigan’s ambitious clean-energy goals, but it would also remove recreational waters and related dollars that anchor local economies.
Read the full letter to Governor Whitmer below.
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Develop Iosco
PO Box 9
East Tawas MI 48730
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