Develop Iosco's third quarter meeting focuses on grant opportunities

 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 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

May 21, 2024 

TAWAS CITY – Quad County Childcare Coalition (QCCC) is hosting four information sessions for local employers to learn about two childcare services cost-sharing programs that can be an asset to recruit and retain today’s workforce.

According to Chris Young, Develop Iosco (DI) communications officer, by participating in a cost-sharing program, employers are able to offer employees assistance with affordable, reliable child care. As a result, employees can focus on their work and worry less about child care.

Young said one of the greatest barriers for people pursuing – or keeping – a great job is the cost of child care. He said the Quad County Childcare Coalition (QCCC), a visionary four-county Regional Child Care Planning project (encompassing Alcona, Arenac, Iosco, and Ogemaw counties) has worked extensively to identify solutions to these barriers and is now paving the way for access to new cost-sharing programs such as Tri-Share and DuoShare.

Tri-Share is a program in which the State of Michigan shares the cost of child care costs with employers and employees. There is an income limit for employees to participate in the program. Tri-Share had previously been available in other counties in Michigan and just recently added Iosco and Alcona counties to their service area. DuoShare is a brand-new cost-sharing program which allows all employees, regardless of income, to access a child-care cost sharing benefit.

In both programs, employers agree to cover a percentage of child care costs and create a new benefit. The employers set up employee payments using a payroll deduction. United Way of Northwest Michigan (UWNWMI) has the state-wide contract to administer the programs, and its staff manage the employer and employee contributions and pay childcare business owners directly.

Young said this program provides a new tool for employers to market a new benefit to potential and existing employees. UWNWMI will provide information about Tri-Share and DuoShare programs and how employers can engage employees in these services.

The sessions will be offered via Zoom on:

• Wednesday, May 22, 9:30-10 a.m.

• Wednesday, May 29, 1-1:30 p.m.

• Tuesday, June 11, 11-11:30 a.m.

• Thursday, June 20, 2:30–3 p.m.

The QCCC published its Childcare Innovation Grant Report in mid-January. The report (which can be found on the DI website) encapsulates strategic recommendations aimed at alleviating the hurdles faced by employers, employees, and childcare business owners.

Gloria Brooks, president of Develop Iosco Inc. and co-chair of the QCCC, explained how employers supporting cost-sharing strategies such as Tri-Share and DuoShare can positively impact all employees regardless of whether they have children using childcare services.

 “Employers may wonder if it is equitable to offer a child care benefit to employees when not all employees need such assistance,” Brooks said. “Even when employers offer a variety of healthcare benefits such as vision and dental, not all employees use the services. Offering a childcare cost-sharing benefit should be considered the same way – it is a benefit that can reduce absenteeism (impacting all employees), increase retention, and reduce the burden for employees who want to be a contributing part of the local workforce and economy.” 

Link to Iosco News online article: https://www.iosconews.com/news/article_997ba900-1473-11ef-a7d9-8bb0c80e24b2.html

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

February 13, 2024 

TAWAS CITY – Quad County Childcare Coalition (QCCC) is spearheading an exclusive Employer CEO Roundtable event, presenting an opportunity for businesses to discover pragmatic solutions addressing the workforce challenges posed by the shortage of quality and accessible childcare.

The event is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 29, at the Boathouse Beer Co. & Boozery in Tawas City, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.

The QCCC, a visionary four-county Regional Child Care Planning project encompassing Alcona, Arenac, Iosco, and Ogemaw counties, recently unveiled its transformative Childcare Innovation Grant Report in mid-January.

The report encapsulates strategic recommendations aimed at alleviating the hurdles faced by employers, employees, and childcare business owners.

Gloria Brooks, president of Develop Iosco Inc. and co-chair of the QCCC, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming event. “We are eager to disseminate the insights and recommendations from the report to local employers,” Brooks said. “It is crucial for employers to have tangible options that meet the needs of their employees, fostering heightened economic development throughout our communities.”

Brooks said the Employer CEO Roundtable promises an enlightening experience, featuring insightful video vignettes from state leaders and an aviation employer from West Michigan, sharing their successful strategies in overcoming childcare challenges within their organizations. Attendees will be presented with actionable options across quick wins, internal initiatives, and community investments.

Employers are encouraged to send up to two decision-makers from their business to gain comprehensive insights at the event.

Develop Iosco Inc.’s Regional Childcare Planning partner, the Northeast Michigan Council of Government (NEMCOG), covering 11 counties in Northeast Michigan, will host a parallel Employer CEO Roundtable event in Gaylord on March 12.

The event is generously funded by the Build Initiative: Strong Foundations for Our Youngest Children. 

Link to Iosco News online article: https://www.iosconews.com/news/article_3b5c26f0-c78f-11ee-acd1-c71a4e2efb08.html

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 

contact@develop-iosco.org 

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 

contact@develop-iosco.org 

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

contact@develop-iosco.org

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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