Di + nmca = rural advocacy

 As a full member of the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance (NMCA), Develop Iosco is proud to bring the collective voice of Iosco County to the decision-making tables in Lansing and beyond.

This strategic partnership ensures that rural issues, economic development needs, and small business priorities from our region are heard loud and clear by state legislators and policy makers.

Through NMCA, we advocate for:

• Infrastructure investment (broadband, roads, water systems)
   
• Workforce development and housing solutions
   
• Childcare access and rural economic equity
   
• Business-friendly legislation and funding opportunities
   

What this means for you:

When you support Develop Iosco, you're not just investing locally—you’re backing a regional advocacy effort that’s driving results for northern Michigan communities like ours.

Together with the Alliance, we're making sure that Iosco County matters where decisions are made.

🤝 OUR LOCAL COLLABORATION MAKES THIS POSSIBLE

Both the Oscoda-AuSable Chamber of Commerce and the Tawas Area Chamber of Commerce contribute to Develop Iosco’s NMCA membership. As a result, they — and the communities they represent — gain access to the full benefits of this high-impact advocacy.

 📌 Coalition Scope & Mission

• NMCA is a coalition of 19 chambers and economic development organizations across northern Michigan, representing over 7,000 member businesses 

• Its stated policy priorities include regionally driven economic development, workforce attraction, rural prosperity, and policies that help reduce infrastructure and regulatory barriers to business growth in rural communities

 📰 RECENT ADVOCACY HIGHLIGHTS

• Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) amendments and preserving tipped wage credit
   
• Urged Michigan and federal officials to consider small‑business impacts of emerging tariffs and trade policies, especially in healthcare and manufacturing sectors
   
• Consistently advocating for state budget investments in:
   
  • Rural Readiness Grant Program
     
  • Affordable housing
     
  • Rural infrastructure funding (e.g., broadband, Office of Rural Prosperity)
     
• Leaders participated in high‑level events including the Mackinac Policy Conference and Michigan Chamber Day, meeting with state leaders to shape policy on economic development and rural talent retention