Michigan awards $1.3M in Rural Readiness Grants

Mar 3, 2025

LANSING – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s (LEO) Office of Rural Prosperity last week announced the recipients of $1.3M in Rural Readiness Grant Program funding.

The program is designed to help rural communities build capacity, drive economic development and improve quality of life for residents.

The Rural Readiness Grant Program provides critical resources to communities that often face unique economic challenges, ensuring they have the support needed to attract investment, create jobs and foster sustainable growth. This funding will enable local governments, nonprofits and economic development organizations to implement projects that enhance infrastructure, build housing and health initiatives, expand workforce development programs and promote long-term economic success.

by  Manuela Kress (photo credit: Kress)

March 21, 2025

WHITTEMORE – Develop Iosco (DI), Iosco County’s economic development organization held its first quarter meeting of 2025 at the Whittemore Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, March 13 at 8:30 a.m. Sixty-eight people attended the meeting that was available both in-person and virtually.

DI Executive Director Christopher Martin welcomed attendees and provided an update on new members and sponsorships. He showed a one minute video that DI communications officer Chris Young created with DI’s highlights in 2024. The video is available on the DI website.

Bob Leslie, mayor of the City of Whittemore, provided an update on the city’s economic development activities. Leslie reported that the city had finished paving its roads and that it is applying for grants for the parks.

 by  Tim Hissong

 February 24, 2025

TAWAS CITY – Develop Iosco, Inc. Executive Director Chris Martin delivered his organization’s annual report to the Iosco County Board of Commissioners at its regular meeting on Feb. 19.

Martin highlighted his group’s achievements, including a 93 percent increase in membership and an 81 percent renewal rate, as well as their childcare initiatives and grant writing workshops. Later in the same meeting, the board unanimously approved the service agreement and payment of annual dues in the amount of $25,175 between the county and Develop Iosco.

February 6, 2025

 Our Executive Director, Christopher Martin, represented Develop Iosco for the first time at the Northern Michigan Policy Conference last week. 

The conference was hosted by the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance (NMCA) which DI  joined in 2024, for this very reason; to get to the table and increase awareness of issues that we face in rural Iosco County and work collaboratively to find solutions.

We look forward to growing our relationship with the NMCA and harnessing all of their power for good here in Iosco County, where we work and play. 

 January 14, 2025

HALE – Develop Iosco (DI) is partnering with Plainfield Township to hold a Networking Event from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at Eagle Point Plaza in Hale.

At the heart of DI’s slogan (community, synergy, solutions) is the keen recognition that relationships drive the success of any organization, according to Chris Young DI’s communications officer. Plainfield Township Supervisor Fred Lewis asks “that business owners and entrepreneurs new and old, join us at the Eagle Point Conference and Community Center in Hale to bring together the non-coastal and coastal business communities to discuss our common grounds, needs and desires and how we can work together to meet the challenges we face in northeast Michigan.”

Leaders determined to have region become destination in coming years 

January 9, 2025

(EAST TAWAS, MI) – East Tawas area tourism leaders took another step forward in their mission to bring cruise ships to the region by joining an international cruise marketing program called Cruise the Great Lakes. Tawas Area Chamber of Commerce officially joined the organization in December.

Founded in 2018, Cruise the Great Lakes is the region’s cruise marketing program focused on attracting more passengers. It is a forum to bring together the states, provinces, cruise lines, ports, convention and visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce, associations, and others to work toward shared goals. The program is an initiative of the Chicago-based Council of Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers, which unites the chief executives from the eight states and two Canadian provinces bordering the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River.

 by  Manuela Kress

 December 20, 2024

EAST TAWAS – Develop Iosco (DI), Iosco County’s economic development organization, held its annual breakfast and meeting at the Tawas Bay Beach Resort on Thursday, Dec. 5.

Attendees braved the cold, snowy and blustery morning to enjoy a buffet breakfast that was served from 8-9 a.m.

At 9 a.m. DI Executive Director Chris Martin welcomed the 65 attendees that attended in person and virtually. During his welcome Martin introduced the DI board members.

Gloria Brooks, who has been serving as president for the past three years, gave her final update as board president. However, she noted that she will continue to serve on the board to spearhead its childcare initiatives.

November 7, 2024

EAST TAWAS – Develop Iosco (DI) has received a $1,000 grant from the DTE Energy Foundation to support its upcoming Community Meeting/Annual Breakfast and New Year’s Networking event for 2025.

“DI is excited to partner with the DTE Energy Foundation to help us continue our quarterly Community Meetings as well as other networking opportunities that build engagement in our community,” said DI Executive Director Chris Martin. “Their investment in Develop Iosco is greatly appreciated.”

DI hosts quarterly Community Meetings for 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 DI regarding ongoing projects. Guest speakers cover topics pertinent to business owners. Virtual and in-person attendance options are provided. Meetings rotate locations throughout the county.

 by  Manuela Kress

 October 8, 2024 

 AuSABLE Twp. – Develop Iosco (DI) held its third quarter meeting at AuSable Township hall on Thursday, Sept. 19.

The featured speaker was Lindsey Clark (formerly Miller) senior community development manager with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

Clark spoke about the importance of attaining Redevelopment Ready Community (RRC) status and funding available to municipalities that have attained the status through MEDC. According to Clark’s presentation, MEDC supports the “growth of vibrant, diverse, and resilient communities across Michigan.”

 by  Manuela Kress

 October 3, 2024 

AUSABLE Twp. – Develop Iosco (DI) held its third quarter meeting at AuSable Township Hall on Thursday, September 19.

DI Executive Director Chris Martin welcomed approximately 40 people who attended the meeting in person and via Zoom.

AuSable Township Superintendent Eric Strayer said there wasn’t much going on when he was hired three years ago and that he would have never dreamed that there would be so much work happening now.

 by  Gaylynn Brenoel

 September 12, 2024 

 EAST TAWAS – Officials heard from Rich Castle, chair of the Cruise and Recreation Committee (CC). He presented an update on a draft proposal which was submitted to Develop Iosco, and also sought a resolution from the ETCC to include in the proposal to entice cruise ships to come to East Tawas.

Castle elaborated on the utilization of the local State Harbor as an option for bringing tourists into East Tawas, via cruise ship.

NOTE:  The full proposal is on the DI website (initiatives page, tourism page)

 DI's contracted grantwriter, Dr. Manuela Kress, wrote the grant application for our DI Member PKL Cares, which resulted in a $250,000 check from Consumers Energy. 

Article by  Gaylynn Brenoel

August 13, 2024 

 AuSABLE Twp. – The founder and visionary of PKL Cares Food Pantry, Pam Loveless, was presented with a $250,000 check on Aug. 9, from Consumers Energy representatives Rich Castle and Cathy Wilson. The funds were made possible via a Consumers Energy 2024 People Award Grant.

“Iosco County is one of the highest counties in Michigan with food insecurity,” according to Wilson.

“Loveless is a visionary, she can execute a plan and can provide equality and accountability,” Wilson continued, praising Loveless for her dedication to the people of Iosco County.

 by Manuela Kress

 Jun 28, 2024 

TAWAS CITY – Develop Iosco (DI) held its second quarter meeting at the Iosco Regional Educational Service Agency (IRESA) on Thursday, June 13. Approximately 50 business owners and representatives from local nonprofit organizations, government and economic development organizations attended.

DI Executive Director Chris Martin welcomed attendees, reviewed the mission of DI and introduced the first speaker Jamie Cain, director of IRESA.

 by Manuela Kress

Jun 26, 2024 

EAST TAWAS – Catherine Wilson, secretary/treasurer of the Consumers Energy Foundation (CEF), traveled to East Tawas on Thursday, June 19 to present a $100,000 check to Develop Iosco (DI) to launch a Management Services Organization (MSO) to provide back office services to childcare providers in northeast Michigan.

“This is a really powerful example of collaboration,” Wilson told those who attended the check presentation. She added that the proposal was very specific and addressed local needs.

“This award is a direct reflection of the strong female leadership that has led to us making great strides in childcare equity. Gloria Brooks has brought us to this point with her selfless service to Develop Iosco. Without her we would not have made it this far,” said Chris Martin, DI executive director.

 “The grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation is instrumental in breaking down barriers for childcare providers in an 11-county region and eventually the entire state. We’re very grateful for Consumers’ support,” Martin added. 

Also attending the check presentation were Lisa Bolen, executive director for the Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency (NEMCSA); Chris Young, communications officer for DI; Rich Castle, community affairs manager for Consumers Energy; and DI vice chair and Sam Duvall, executive director of the Tawas Area Chamber of Commerce.

After the check presentation Wilson stayed to discuss the areas that DI is focusing on. She also detailed the application process for CEF.

The recommendation to create a MSO came out of the work and report completed by the Quad County Childcare Coalition (QCCC) in 2023 and 2024. DI President Gloria Brooks and Lisa Bolen co-chaired the QCCC.

Additional information about the QCCC, the full childcare report with recommendations and Develop Iosco can be found at https://develop-iosco.org/child-care-coalition

April 12,  2024 

TAWAS CITY – Highlighting their organization’s efforts to increase access to childcare services, Develop Iosco, Inc. (DI) President Gloria Brooks and Executive Director Chris Martin delivered the group’s 2023 annual report to the Iosco County Board of Commissioners at the board’s regular meeting on April 3.

Martin reported that DI’s membership has “grown exponentially,” and that DI has recruited all but two of Iosco County townships as members, noting active conversations with Oscoda Township to that end are progressing. “I think we can develop a good relationship with them,” he added.

Martin praised Brooks for her work on DI’s childcare initiative. Calling her efforts “unmatched in the State of Michigan,” Martin turned the presentation over to Brooks, who in turn lauded Iosco County Controller Jamie Carruthers-Soboleski and NEMCSA Executive Director/CEO Lisa Bolen for their active involvement in support of the program. 

According to Brooks, a $203,000 regional childcare planning grant was awarded to DI to initiate the Quad County Childcare Coalition (QCCC), which serves Iosco, Arenac, Ogemaw, and Alcona counties. Seeking to identify and implement new ways to access childcare for working families and employers, the QCCC published their Childcare Innovation Report in January 2024, and held an Employers CEO Roundtable the following month to provide employers options on how they can support community-based childcare for their employees.

“We keep hearing from businesses…with challenges in hiring and retaining employees because of challenges they have with finding quality childcare, not only during the week, but in the evenings, and then in the summer,” Brooks said.

Martin also provided information on other DI projects, including grant writing assistance, expanding access to high-speed internet services, and economic development.

Link to Iosco News online article: https://www.iosconews.com/news/article_99e807d8-f5e4-11ee-898e-9736427f0ff4.html

March 27, 2024 

NATIONAL CITY – Develop Iosco (DI) held its fourth half day grant writing workshop on Saturday afternoon, March 23 at the Sand Lake Community Center in National City.

Chris Martin, DI executive director, spent the afternoon teaching the basics of grant writing to attendees. Martin covered trends in grant writing and what differentiates a successful grant proposal. He also covered how to find funders, establish relationships with them, and make an appropriate ask. The workshop provided resources for grant writing and covered all of the sections of a grant proposal.

The free grant writing workshops are funded by a grant that DI received from the Michigan Office of Rural Prosperity in 2023. The four Basics of Grant Writing workshops have been attended by 80 people some of whom came from as far as Bay City, Gaylord and Johannesburg. Workshops were held in East Tawas, Oscoda, Whittemore and Sand Lake.

An upcoming day of grant writing workshops is scheduled for May 4, and will be held at Eagle Pointe Plaza in Hale. Workshops will provide an in-depth look at grants that were successfully funded, as well as funding opportunities for police and fire departments.

The grant writing workshops are part of an overall strategy to build the grant writing capacity in Iosco County to bring additional funding and resources into the county.

In addition to the workshops, municipalities, businesses and organizations that join DI receive up to 20 hours of grant writing assistance from Mid-Michigan Grant Writers and Consultants. As reported, AuSable Township was recently awarded a $750,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity for its Trailhead Market Place through the partnership with DI.

Link to Iosco News online article: https://www.iosconews.com/article_581f213e-ec60-11ee-b28c-6fd1c1918a27.html

December 29, 2023

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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