DI in the News

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For Immediate Release: August 18, 2022 

CONTACT: Chris Young youngc@alpenacc.edu (989) 305-0365

IOSCO COUNTY, MICH. –– Develop Iosco (DI) approved four new board members at its May and August board meetings. The new members are Chris Martin, Chris Young, Angel Melendez and Julie Shellenbarger.

Chris Martin lives in East Tawas and 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.  When asked why he joined DI, Martin responded: “I joined Develop Iosco because I am a community leader that believes in the potential of Iosco County. I also have two young children that I want to be successful in our community. Rather than growing up and having to leave the area because of a lack of opportunities, I want to see my children, as well as other children, grow up to be successful in Iosco County. Being a member of DI is a big part of making that a reality.  After attending only one DI community meeting, I was able to see that this organization is the key to pulling together Iosco County’s potential for a brighter future.”

Chris Young lives in Tawas City and is currently the Assistant Director at the Oscoda Campus of Alpena Community College.  She holds an M.A. in Leadership, B.S. in Public Relations, A.A.S. in Marketing and will serve as the Communications Officer. When asked why she joined DI, Young responded: “I grew up in Tawas and returned after 24 years of traveling the world. I love my hometown and recognize the value and potential in Iosco County. While I don’t have all the answers, I’m confident that if problem solvers work together, we can find solutions to the major issues that impact our county. You can’t make a difference if you’re not at the table.”

Angel Melendez has been a resident of Oscoda for 35 years. He is currently the Apprentice Program Manager for Kalitta Air LLC. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, A.A.S. in Aircraft Maintenance Technology and is a Certified Occupational Instructor. In addition, Angel serves on the Workforce Development Board for Michigan Works.  When asked why he joined DI, Melendez responded: “I joined Develop Iosco because I see opportunities for improvement and continued growth in Iosco County. I’m eager to be part of the facilitation and development effort that will create these opportunities and lead us to success in our community.”

Julie Shellenbarger lives in East Tawas and is the owner of Proof Bakehouse. She also has over thirty years in Human Resources Management in both Professional Sports & Entertainment, as well as in Manufacturing.  When asked why she joined DI, Shellenbarger offered: “Passion for preservation and growth. Having spent a great portion of my life in rural-tourist communities, I’m keenly aware of the challenges it faces. My family and I spend a lot of time in our Huron National Forest and local waters; from recreation, to maintaining trails, to keeping a watchful eye on areas of deterioration. As a small business owner, the journey to a dream in a small town can be arduous, but small town doesn’t have to mean small opportunities. Our beautiful area has a plethora of unrealized options for development, but we have work to do; from addressing vacant buildings, homes, and blight, to cultivating ideas for new opportunities. I am excited be a part of this Board who shares this passion to Develop Iosco! 

DI invites problem solvers, business owners, civic leaders and community members interested in economic development to participate in community meetings either virtually or in person. Dates and locations can be found on DI’s website under “Community Meetings.” Quarterly meetings rotate from townships within Iosco County and feature important business topics and interactive work groups.

For more detailed DI information visit the DI website at www.develop-iosco.org  You can also follow DI on Facebook and LinkedIn. 

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 3, 2022  

East Tawas, MI – 

The Board of Directors of Develop Iosco, Inc. is preparing for its 2nd Quarter Community Meeting to be held on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, from 8:30 – 10:30 am at the Plainfield Township Hall, 415 E. Main Street, Hale, MI.    The main program will be “Fishing for Employees: How to Attract, Catch & Keep Employees” by Michael Nunneley, Associate Regional Director & Certified Business Consultant for the Small Business Development Center/Lake Huron Region from Saginaw Valley State University. A topic relevant to today’s business owners throughout the county, Mike will share creative ways to recruit and retain new hires in a challenging environment.   In addition to this presentation, Carole Bleau, Deputy Supervisor for Grant Township, will provide an update regarding economic development activities in that community.    DI will also provide an update on its broadband, housing and other projects as prioritized from its recent Marketing Blueprint survey and the first quarter community meeting participants.    Doors open at 8:30 am for networking and refreshments. Program runs from 9 - 10:30 am. All community members interested in economic development are invited either in-person or virtually.   To register, please visit www.develop-iosco.org and click the “Register” link.   

Develop Iosco (DI) hosted its first community meeting of the year at the Eagle Pointe Plaza in Hale on March 29, 2022. Nearly 40 attendees heard updates from Plainfield Township Supervisor Fred Lewis regarding how the township approaches economic development, including the reuse of the former High School that is now Eagle Pointe Plaza that includes a commercial revenue-generating wing and a community wing.  Lewis also talked about the Iosco Exploration Trail and its connection to the statewide Iron Belle trail.

The primary program for the meeting was the release of the recent Marketing Blueprint survey from Golden Shovel Agency. The survey, conducted in February 2022, provided feedback about the state of economic development in Iosco County, as well as recommendations for the future.  Approximately three dozen business owners, community leaders, and residents participated in the survey.  After the presentation, virtual and in-person attendees participated in small group breakout sessions to prioritize what Develop Iosco should focus on for the remainder of 2022 and beyond.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 4, 2022

East Tawas, MI– Develop Iosco (DI) has received a $5,000 grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation supporting a project to identify economic development needs and opportunities in Iosco County. 

“The Consumers Energy Foundation is dedicated to ensuring Michigan businesses and communities are growing and have world-class cultural resources,” said Carolyn Bloodworth, secretary/treasurer of the Consumers Energy Foundation. “We’re pleased to support Develop Iosco’s efforts to grow business and benefit Michigan residents for years to come.” 

The grant will support the Marketing Blueprint project facilitated by Golden Shovel Agency, a nationally recognized economic development marketing agency focused on helping community development organizations. This four-week project utilizes survey responses from residents, business and community stakeholders to build a customized strategy unique to Iosco County. This grant, in addition to grant funding already received from the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments (NEMCOG), renews DI’s activities in Iosco County, 

According to Develop Iosco Vice President, Terry Dutcher, “This grant is now energizing Develop Iosco and Golden Shovel Agency to engage business and community leaders to participate in the Marketing Blueprint. This project will bring synergy to Iosco County’s various Economic Development entities.”

DI will announce the Marketing Blueprint survey outcome and recommendations at its quarterly community meeting to be held on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 from 8:30 – 10 am at Eagle Pointe Plaza in Hale. There will be virtual and in-person attendance options. DI will recognize the Consumers Energy Foundation through a check presentation at this meeting as well. All community members interested in economic development are invited.