Newsletter 
December 2019
Upcoming Meetings
Alliance Board of Directors Meeting
Thursday, December 19
7:15 a.m.
Systems Control
Alliance Executive Committee Meeting
Tuesday, January 7
3:30 p.m.
Kingsford City Hall
Alliance Annual Meeting
Thursday, February 20
7:30 a.m.
TBD
Tourism Roundtable Held
In collaboration with the Tourism Association of the Dickinson County Area (TADCA), the Alliance co-hosted a Tourism Roundtable with Representative Beau LaFave on December 13 at Pine Mountain Resort. The group discussed the overall impact of tourism on the region’s economy, which equates to a $65 million dollar industry annually. Other topics discussed included the Great Lakes Sports Commission support of Pine Mountain Ski Jump and the recent growth of local multi-use trails through the Dickinson Trail Network. Attendees also heard an update from Rep. LaFave on legislative activity in Lansing related to the tourism industry.
2020 Strategic Planning Update
In January, each of the five Alliance strategy groups will meet again to participate in our annual strategic planning sessions to identify priorities and activities for 2020. Alliance Investors are encouraged to join any of our strategy topic areas. Please contact Lois Ellis for specific dates and times of each session if you have an interest in any of the following areas.

  • Talent Development and Education Stimulus – recruit, retain and grow the talent needed to support our employers’ workforce needs
  • Infrastructure and Housing Development – improving access in infrastructure data and encouraging new development opportunities
  • Marketing and Branding – defining and communicating the benefits of living, working and investing in the Dickinson County area
  • Business Retention and Growth – promoting and acknowledging the value of businesses in our community
  • Government Relations and Advocacy – building relationships between business and local, state and federal government representatives
Census 2020 – Complete Count Committee
Steps are underway to form a Complete Count Committee for Dickinson County as a means to motivate residents to participate in the 2020 Census. The group intends to provide up-to-date information about the purpose of the Census, the methods available for responding to the Census and the confidentiality of the information gathered. 

Dickinson County area governmental representatives and non-profit organizations are stressing the importance of a complete and accurate Census count in order for the area to receive sufficient funding for many important programs for years to come. The group is asking for volunteers to participate on the Complete Count Committee. The group anticipates meeting monthly in January – July 2020 and encourages those who have an interest to get involved. Please contact Lois Ellis if you would like to be a part of the Census 2020 Complete Count Committee.
Site Redevelopment Tools Training Planned
With the recent reactivation of the Dickinson County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and the creation of the Dickinson County Land Bank Authority, the time is right to learn more about how these tools assist communities and developers in creating new investment opportunities. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, February 11 for this training at Bay College West with speakers from across the state sharing their knowledge and expertise. Details are being confirmed but it is anticipated to cover Brownfield Redevelopment Basics, What is a Land Bank, Combining Brownfield and Land Bank Tools and Success Stories using these redevelopment tools. All interested parties are encouraged to attend – developers, bankers, local elected officials and governmental staff, local planning and zoning board members. Please contact Lois Ellis if you have questions or are interested in attending.
Office of Rural Affairs Petition
There is an established effort to encourage Governor Whitmer to establish a Department of Rural Affairs and Development (RAAD) to support rural and micropolitan regions in the state. Now it is time to ask you to engage and add your voice to the conversation! There is a petition circulating with a number of businesses and organizations in support. Please consider supporting this petition and passing it on to your network, clients and staff to do so as well. The group hopes to draw broad support from across the state as we work to be the first state in the nation to raise rural affairs to this level. If you have questions about the effort, please contact Amy Clickner of the Lake Superior Community Partnership or Marty Fittante of InvestUP.
Operation Action U.P. Annual Meeting
Registration is now open for the Operation Action U.P. Annual Meeting on Thursday, February 13 in Marquette at Northern Michigan University’s Northern Center Ballrooms. Each year, the members of Operation Action U.P. and the business community from across the Upper Peninsula gather to celebrate business success in the region. For more information contact Emily Tardiff .
The Operation Action U.P. Excellence Awards recognize up to four outstanding businesses or major institutional employers that have contributed to the economic well-being of the Upper Peninsula. Last year’s awardees included Lake Shore Systems in recognition of their 160 years in business and the positive economic impact generated by their operations. The nomination deadline has been extended, nominate here !
Happy Holidays!
The Alliance Board of Directors and staff wishes all a Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year!
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Bay College Offers New Manager Skills Training
January 9, 16, 23, 30 & February 6  
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM CT
$347
4 more needed to run class - deadline to register is 12/20
Do you have employees new to a managerial role? Consider providing the opportunity for those employees to learn management skills and set the table for success. Bay College West is again offering this training that starts on January 9th. Visit the link below for details.
Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance | 906-360-4653 | info@daeda.org | www.daeda.org