DI in the News
2nd Quarter Community Meeting Featuring Employee Recruitment & Retention
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.
1st Quarter 2022 Community Meeting Highlights
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 additional information including the meeting handouts, click below.
Marketing Blueprint Project Launches
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.