Newsletter 
November 2020
Upcoming Meetings
Alliance Executive Committee Meeting
Tuesday, November 24
3:30 p.m.
Via Zoom Meeting
Alliance Board of Directors Meeting
Thursday, December 17
7:00 a.m.
Via Zoom Meeting
The Alliance office will be closed November 26-27. Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Loyal to Local Reminders!
Holiday Gifts
Are you looking to purchase gifts or gift cards for family, friends, customers, or employees this holiday season? Please consider patronizing any of the Loyal to Local participants, where you will find an array of gift items or the perfect gift card to delight anyone on your list! Please visit the Loyal to Local gift card page to view a list of options.

Attention Large Employers: If you are purchasing gifts for your employees, please consider buying local gift cards for these gifts or rewards. We will assist you with a list of local options and take care of the leg work for you! Please contact Rich Mortl at 906-282-0966 or watch this short 18-minute video to learn more.

Loyal to Local now has 122 participants – the most in any one year since the program was created in 2018! Thank you to all who support this important program.
State Emergency Order Issued
In an effort to curb rapidly rising COVID-19 infection rates, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) enacted a new emergency order calling for a three-week pause targeting indoor social gatherings and other group activities beginning on November 18. Details are available at daeda.org/covid-19/, including an infographic showing the types of activities and businesses that are open and closed during the pause. Please support our local businesses as much as you can during this difficult time. Takeout orders, curbside pickup, and gift card purchases are excellent ways to support your favorite local options, helping them survive this crisis.

Work Where You Hunt Talent Campaign
A seasonal talent attraction campaign was undertaken this month, titled “Work Where You Hunt.” The effort aims to attract those that visit the Dickinson County area during deer hunting season and inform them of the job opportunities available. The campaign will use social media messages targeted to those visiting the area along with posters placed in grocery stores, convenience stores, gas stations, sports shops, restaurants, and bars throughout the area.  

While COVID-19 will likely impact the number of hunters reached by the campaign this year, we now have a framework to utilize again in the future.

Current job openings are posted on workwhereyouhunt.com
Hometown News

This electronic publication is sent to about 400 area alumni, former residents, and friends who may not be familiar with recent developments and changes in the area. You can view the November 2020 edition on our website here.
Board of Directors Applications for 2021

The Alliance is now accepting applications to serve on the Board of Directors. There are six seats available in January 2021 to interested Investors in good standing. The application and additional information can be accessed at the link below. Applications are due on December 1, 2020. The Nominating Committee will review applications for consideration, and those selected will be recommended for a 3-year term. The slate of Board nominations will be presented for consideration at the December 17 Board of Directors meeting. Please contact Lois Ellis with any questions.
Weatherization Grants Available
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) is providing federal CARES Act funds to help qualifying small businesses to expand their capacity by adding weatherized, temporary outdoor facilities. All funds must be used in support of the weatherization of outdoor capacity expansions. Construction of permanent structures is not an allowable use. The program is administered by the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM). The program opens for applications on November 18 and is first-come, first-served, while funds last.
MI SBDC Webinar Offered
Michigan’s Going Pro Talent Fund Available
EMPLOYERS: Application Period Open November 2 - 30
The Going PRO Talent Fund makes awards to employers to assist in training, developing, and retaining current and newly hired employees. Training funded by Going Pro must be short-term and fill a demonstrated talent need the employer is experiencing. Training must lead to a credential for a skill that is transferable and recognized by the industry.

The training amount requested cannot exceed $1,500 per person or $3,000 per first-year U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) Registered Apprentice. It must also meet at least one of the following criteria:
  • Classroom or customized training
  • New employee on-the-job training
  • Training for first-year USDOL Registered Apprentices

Interested Employers should connect with the Business Services staff their local Michigan Works! Agencies (MWA) to learn more and apply.
Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance | 906-360-4653 | info@daeda.org | www.daeda.org