Newsletter  January 2022

Upcoming Meetings

Alliance Annual Meeting Thursday, February 24 7:30 a.m. CT Pine Grove Country Club

2022 Board of Directors Changes At the December Board meeting, the Board appointed one new Director and reappointed five current Directors to serve three-year terms ending in 2024. The Board also unanimously approved the slate of Officers for 2022 and welcomed Michelle Copley, CCI Systems, who is filling the remainder of a term previously appointed for the company. A strong field of ten candidates submitted applications, and we thank them all for their interest in volunteering with our organization. Congratulations to all! New 2022 Director Ryan Gordon, Stephens Real Estate Filling previously appointed seat, Michelle Copley, CCI Systems Re-elected Directors Luke Carey, Carey Contracting Tony Edlebeck, retired City of Kingsford Russ Kassin, First National Bank & Trust Lee Lofstrom, Dickinson County Industrial Development Corp. Linda Plumley, Leeds Real Estate Re-elected Officers Chair - Russ Kassin Vice-Chair - Tony Edlebeck Secretary/Treasurer - Lee Lofstrom Thank You! Finally, we share our appreciation to outgoing Board member Shana Thompson-Hegy for her valuable contributions to our Board over the past several years. We are grateful that Shana will continue to provide leadership to the Loyal 2 Local program as the Chair of the Planning Committee.

Alliance Investors Invited to Annual Meeting Thursday, February 24 7:30 – 9:00 am Pine Grove Country Club Mark your calendars! The Alliance Annual Meeting is Thursday, February 24, at 7:30 am at Pine Grove Country Club. All Alliance Investors are encouraged to attend. The Annual Meeting provides an opportunity to reflect on the organization’s accomplishments during 2021 and to update the Investors on our plans for 2022. Please watch for your email invitation and RSVP to info@daeda.org.

Business in Focus Feature Published In our second feature with Business In Focus magazine, we sat down with Brad Lebouef of Systems Control and Jody Christy of BOSS Snowplow to talk about our manufacturing legacy and the growing demand for manufacturing employees in Dickinson County. Read the full article here.

Dickinson County Geographic Information System Now Active The county-wide GIS system is now available and allows you to view parcel and land information for Dickinson County in one location. Visit their website and click on the Geographic Information System icon on the homepage.

Loyal 2 Local - First! The Loyal 2 Local movement has 119 participants and continues to grow awareness of the importance of supporting local businesses. We appreciate everyone who focused on shopping locally this holiday season. Let’s all look to keep the momentum going year-round by always looking first to local sources for your personal or business purchases. Join our growing Loyal 2 Local social media following by connecting with us on Facebook or Instagram.

2021 Alliance Social Engagement

Legislative Updates Office of Rural Development Moving Forward Governor Whitmer issued an Executive Directive on January 4 to create the Office of Rural Development. Housed within the state’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the office will coordinate across state government on rural policies and programs to ensure future success for the rural areas of Michigan. Read more here. Government Relations & Advocacy Task Force The Alliance Government Relations & Advocacy Task Force will host legislators and staff at the upcoming Continental Cup Ski Jumping Competition at Pine Mountain on February 4. A special thank you to First National Bank & Trust for again hosting the group at their booth. Virtual State of the State Address On January 26, Governor Whitmer will deliver her State of the State message virtually. Details here.

LEAN Training Offered in Iron Mountain Join the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) and Northern Initiatives for three sessions over three mornings in Iron Mountain to learn the methodology behind LEAN manufacturing principles that can be applied to all types of businesses. What: Three in-person classes over three mornings When: February 1, 2 and 3, 8 a.m.-noon CST Cost: $95 each; $200 for the series There will be interactive simulations and presenters include Richard Wolin, Regional Vice President of MMTC, and Ron Bertani, MMTC business advisor. February 1: Lean Manufacturing Simulation Learn about the origins of Lean manufacturing and how the methodology can drastically impact your organization's cultural and financial performance. February 2: 5S Workplace Organization Learn about the 5S system - Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain. February 3: Lean Office Learn how to identify waste, implement 5S, apply Lean tools and techniques to an office workflow simulation, and more. Register: here.

Operation Action U.P. Annual Meeting + Business Owner Strategy Summit - February 17 The Annual Meeting of Operation Action U.P. brings together the business community from across the U.P. to review accomplishments of the past year and share business stories of success. This year’s program also includes the Business Owners Strategy Summit and remarks from Brian Calley, CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan. For details and registration information click here.

Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance | 906-360-4653 | info@daeda.org | www.daeda.org

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