GOVERNANCE

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For Immediate Release

August 18, 2022 

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. 

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