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iosco county's economic development organization
MICHIGAN WORKS! REGION 7B AND DEVELOP IOSCO HIRE DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS SERVICES & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMEN
August 9, 2023
For Immediate Release:
IIOSCO COUNTY, MICH. –– Michigan Works! Region 7B and Develop Iosco (DI) have partnered to hire Christopher Martin, a Baldwin Township resident, as their new Director of Business Services & Economic Development for Iosco County. The partnership creates a dual role that will allow Martin to focus on both workforce development and economic development to help the businesses and the communities across Iosco County continue to grow and thrive.
Martin is currently the Baldwin Township Supervisor. In addition to also being a licensed residential builder, Martin serves on the 911 Central Dispatch Board, the Huron Shores Regional Utility Authority, and the Kiwanis Club.
Michigan Works! Region 7B is pleased with both the partnership with Develop Iosco and the addition of Chris Martin to their team.
“Michigan Works! Region 7B is excited to partner with Develop Iosco to provide economic development services as part of the valuable business services strategies we already offer in Iosco County,” said Mark L. Berdan, Executive Director. “With the addition of the Develop Iosco partnership, we now partner with economic development organizations in all six counties of our service area to help provide economic development services to our communities."
He added, “We are also happy to welcome Chris Martin to our Michigan Works! Region 7B Business Services team in Iosco County. We are confident that the experience he brings as a business owner, community leader, and veteran will serve him well in this new role.” Prior to being hired in this new position, Martin served on Develop Iosco’s Board of Directors in the membership chair position for the past year. His work in that capacity was instrumental in garnering financial support from within Iosco County which allowed DI to take this crucial step forward.
Gloria Brooks, President of the Board of Directors said that “Develop Iosco is excited about this new chapter in our organization’s history. To have the support of the community and local government to get us to the point of hiring an Executive Director is a significant accomplishment In the last two years.
The board of directors looks forward to Christopher’s leadership and vision to improve the quality of life for residents and employers in Iosco County.”
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. You can also follow DI on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Michigan Works! Region 7B serves individuals, businesses, and communities across six counties, including Arenac, Clare, Gladwin, Iosco, Ogemaw, and Roscommon counties. For more information about Michigan Works! Region 7B, visit their website at www.michworks4u.org. You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
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DI IN THE NEWS
QUAD COUNTIES AWARDED 15.4 MILLION FOR HIGH-SPEED INTERNET
June 22, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
IOSCO COUNTY, MICH. –– On June 20, Develop Iosco was notified by the Michigan Office of High Speed Internet (MIHI) that a project for the Quad Counties of Iosco, Arenac, Alcona and Ogemaw, was awarded $15.4m in funding to expand high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved locations across the communities. MIHI’s Realizing Opportunity with Broadband Infrastructure Networks (ROBIN) grant program will provide $238 million in federal funding through the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund to support the deployment of high-speed internet to approximately 100,000 unserved locations throughout the state.
Develop Iosco, in conjunction with the Iosco County Controller, made the initial recommendation to the Iosco County Board of Commissioners to hire an internet consultant to assist with high-speed internet expansion in April 2022. The County interviewed, vetted, and ultimately retained Chris Scharrer of DCS Technology Design LLC at a May 2022 Commissioners meeting. Through the consulting project, internet service provider (ISP) Point Broadband Fiber Holding LLC was identified and subsequently submitted the grant application. Out of 154 applications submitted by 40 unique applicants, 24 projects submitted by 11 applicants were selected to move forward as ROBIN Initial Grant Recommendations (IGRs).
“This award represents significant collaborative between units of government, residents, community organizations and business owners with Develop Iosco facilitating the process - underscoring the need for continued coordination for projects that impact economic development in Iosco County and the region,” said Gloria Brooks, President of Develop Iosco. Inc.
Jamie Carruthers-Soboleski, Iosco County Controller/Finance Director, said that “Iosco County is proud to have been able to leverage use of its American Rescue Plan Funds in the form of a $45,000 investment through the hiring of DCS Technology Design LLC which in turn brought to fruition an almost $15.4 million grant to provide high-speed internet services to northeast Michigan including a portion of the under/unserved areas of Iosco County.”
These initial ROBIN grant recommendations are subject to a 45-day comment and objection period where objections can be made to ensure grant funds do not overlap existing or planned service areas or areas funded by other state or federal programs. Final grant approval notifications are anticipated to be made in August 2023.
Additional information can be found on the MIHI website and the full list of grant recommendations at:
https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/mihi/funding-opportunities/robin-grant
Develop Iosco and Iosco County will hold its next High Speed Internet Advisory Committee meeting on Wednesday, July 12. Additional information will be shared at that time from project consultant, Chris Scharrer of DCS Technology Design.
Develop Iosco 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.
You can follow DI on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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DEVELOP IOSCO RECEIVES CONSUMERS ENERGY FOUNDATION GRANT
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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DEVELOP IOSCO AWARDED REGIONAL CHILD CARE PLANNING GRANT
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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Gov. Whitmer Announces Grants to Help Communities Expand Access to Low or No-Cost Child Care
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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13 HYDRO DAM COMMUNITIES CALL ON GOVERNOR WHITMER TO INVEST IN MICHIGAN'S RIVER HYDROELECTRIC RESOUR
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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