DICKINSON AREA ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE
The Alliance is the leader in stimulating economic development in Dickinson County, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. We are a forward-looking economic development organization driving growth and creating opportunities for business, education, government, community organizations and residents in the Dickinson area.
Join us in driving growth and creating opportunities in our community.
Strengths of dickinson Area
Latest News
Supporting Housing Development in Mi
As Michigan communities grow, accessible and affordable housing remains essential for sustained economic development. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) offers innovative programs that can make a significant difference for developers, local authorities, and community planners. Two standout initiatives—MI Neighborhood 2.0 and Housing Tax Increment Financing (TIF)—are currently available to support housing projects across
Read More>>Upcoming Changes to Michigan Labor L
Significant legal changes are on the horizon for Michigan businesses. The Michigan Supreme Court has ruled on updates to the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) and the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act (IWOWA), which will affect all businesses operating in the state. Understanding these changes and preparing your business is crucial. To help you navigate
Read More>>Department of Labor’s Overtime Rul
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas vacated the Department of Labor’s overtime rule that significantly increased the salary threshold. This ruling applies nationwide. In its ruling, the court criticized the rule’s rise in the salary threshold level as displacing the duties test for white-collar exemptions by being too steep. In light
Read More>>Reconnect, Reimagine, Return: The 8t
In the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a unique annual event is bringing together job seekers, alums, and U.P. natives from near and far for a day of virtual networking and career exploration. The 8th Annual Return North Career Fair, proudly presented by MTEC SmartZone in partnership with Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! and Michigan Technological
Read More>>Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA), Improve
Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA), Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act (IWOWA), and Increased Exempt Employee Salary Threshold Roundtable On October 9, The Alliance hosted a roundtable with Attorney Jacob D. Lynch, Attorney Anthony E. Cavalieri, and Tony Flaminio, CPA, to review the changes businesses must comply with regarding IWOWA and ESTA beginning February 21, 2025.
Read More>>2024 Dickinson EDA Fall Update
Each year in September, we take the opportunity to share the progress of our various task force groups and initiatives thus far in the year. We are delighted to report that significant strides have been made, and there is a positive momentum that will keep us focused for the remainder of 2024. The update includes Read More>>Earned Sick Time Act and Improved Wo
August 2024 Quick Reference Guide The Alliance participated in a webinar for UP Economic Developers by Varnum, LLP regarding the changes coming to small businesses as it pertains to the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) and Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act (IWOWA) laws. The information below is a summary of the presentation by Stephanie
Read More>>Shift Next-Level Career Magazine 202
2024 Skilled Trade Career Paths Magazine The Dickinson County Talent & Education Taskforce is excited to release this year’s Next-Level Career Magazine! With the hope of reaching future professionals within and outside of Dickinson County, this magazine was designed for students, teachers, educators, and anyone interested in pursuing a career-oriented future. Learn about the different
Read More>>The Alliance celebrates graduates en
The Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance announces a call for nominations to recognize local high school graduates pursuing skilled trades career paths upon graduation. The Dickinson County area is home to many large companies in the manufacturing, construction, healthcare and technology sectors that offer meaningful careers in fields that align with Career and Technical
Read More>>Dickinson Area Economic Development
Iron Mountain, Mich., (March 27, 2024) – The Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance is pleased to announce its new executive director, Mindy Meyers. "Mindy has demonstrated leadership in community development during her tenure as program director of the Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority, paired with her knowledge of the local community and her enthusiasm for continued growth in the Read More>>ALLIANCE SEEKING NEXT EXECUTIVE DIRE
The Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance (The Alliance), an economic development organization, seeks a well-experienced and dynamic Executive Director to lead the organization in Dickinson County, Michigan. After six years in the position, the current Executive Director is retiring. POSITION SUMMARY The Executive Director is the administrative officer of the organization and is responsible to
Read More>>2023 Dickinson EDA Fall Update
Each year in September, we take the opportunity to share the progress of our various task force groups and initiatives thus far in the year. We are delighted to report that significant strides have been made, and there is a positive momentum that will keep us focused for the remainder of 2023. The update includes Read More>>Area students to gain insight from m
Manufacturing Day brings together ninth-grade students from area schools to interact with local manufacturers and learn about professional trade careers. “Our goal in bringing together students and area employers is to shift perceptions about what it means to work in the professional trades upon graduating high school,” shared Lois Ellis, director of the Dickinson Area
Read More>>Central UP Regional Housing Partners
Are you concerned about housing availability and affordability in the Central Upper Peninsula? The Central UP Regional Housing Partnership’s Draft Action Plan is available for public review. The draft action plan aligns with Michigan State Housing Development Authority’s Statewide Housing Plan to address this issue in Alger, Delta, Dickinson, Marquette, Menominee, and Schoolcraft Counties. Your
Read More>>A Tourist Treasure
Business in Focus features our downtown districts and trail networks of the Dickinson area in its April tourism issue. We sat down with Mindy Meyers of Downtown Iron Mountain, Dan Stoltman of the City of Norway, and Chad Susott of Dickinson Trail Network to talk about the abundance of economic opportunities, our thriving tourism industry,
Read More>>SHIFT: Next-Level Career Magazine 20
2023 Skilled Trade Career Paths Magazine The Dickinson County Talent & Education Taskforce is excited to release this year’s Next-Level Career Magazine! With the hope of reaching future professionals within and outside of Dickinson County, this magazine was designed for students, teachers, educators, and anyone interested in pursuing a career-oriented future. Learn about the different
Read More>>Manufacturing day at Bay College Wes
The Alliance’s new program SHIFT aims to raise awareness of professional trades careers Iron Mountain, Mich., (September 30, 2022) – The Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance joins Bay College West, the Dickinson-Iron ISD Tech Center, Michigan Works, and local manufacturers in marking Manufacturing Day on Friday, October 7. The event brings together ninth-grade students from
Read More>>Investor Highlight Series: Breitung
Breitung Township Schools (BTS) was founded in 1925 and was initially comprised of several local neighborhood schools. In the early 1920s, the construction phase of the schools was described as a ‘splendid cooperation’ within the community. The current Kingsford High School was completed in 1964 with several changes since, while Woodland Elementary and Kingsford Middle
Read More>>Gov. Whitmer Announces 50 New Jobs a
Gov. Whitmer announced the expansion of LP Building Solutions with the MEDC today. This $194 million expansion will create 50 jobs while retaining the current 151 jobs already at the site and it will be one of the largest projects supported by the MSF in the upper peninsula. With the support of a Michigan Business
Read More>>Employer-Based Childcare Solutions
Lake Superior Community Partnership and U.P. Michigan Works! have just recently released an Employer-Based Childcare Solutions handout to aid the U.P.-wide childcare crisis. An interactive version of the Employer-Based Childcare Solutions handout can be downloaded here. If you would like the infographic version, you can download that by clicking here.
Read More>>2022 Next-Level Career & Techni
After months of planning and hard work, the Dickinson County Talent & Education Taskforce is excited to release this year’s Next-Level Career & Technical Education Magazine! With the hope of reaching future professionals within and outside of Dickinson County, this magazine was designed for students, teachers, educators, and anyone interested in pursuing a career-oriented future.
Read More>>DCH Expands Heart Care Services for
Dr. Edgar Massabni Brings Vascular Interventional Services Closer to Home IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. – Dickinson County Healthcare is expanding heart care services for the community with the addition of Edgar Massabni, MD, to the Regional Heart Care Clinic.
Read More>>A Proud Manufacturing Heritage
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 manufacturing legacy and growing demand for manufacturing employees in Dickinson County.
Read More>>Lake Shore Systems #KeepUPWorking in
About Lake Shore Systems Lake Shore Systems has been designing and manufacturing heavy machinery for the maritime and mining industries for 163 years. Founded in the U.P. in 1858, we are still striving to be the premier provider of innovative products and solutions for our customers.
Read More>>Dickinson Area Economic Development
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 1, 2021 Iron Mountain, Michigan (October 1, 2021) The Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance joins Bay College West, Northern Initiatives-MMTC, DIISD, Michigan Works, and local manufacturers in marking Manufacturing Day on Friday, October 1, and celebrating the entire month of October. The goal of Manufacturing Day is to raise awareness about skilled
Read More>>Loadmaster #KeepUPWorking in Dickins
About Loadmaster Loadmaster is a leading manufacturer of high-quality refuse equipment. Located in Norway Michigan, our equipment is made in the USA with pride! We are a family owned and operated company with a legacy in the waste industry. Loadmaster prides itself in listening to the customer and providing a product based on their needs.
Read More>>Louisiana-Pacific #KeepUPWorking in
About Louisiana-Pacific Corporation As a leader in high-performance building solutions, Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (LP Building Solutions, NYSE: LPX) manufactures engineered wood building products that meet the demands of builders worldwide. Its extensive offerings include innovative and dependable building products and accessories, such as: LP® SmartSide® Trim & Siding LP Structural Solutions portfolio LP WeatherLogic® Air &
Read More>>M.J. Electric #KeepUPWorking in Dick
About M.J. Electric For over 60 years, M. J. Electric has built long-standing working relationships and an industry-wide reputation as the single source solution to our customer’s construction and maintenance needs. Our culture is a product of our core values and operating principles which unite our personnel. Their professional competence and intelligent innovation result in
Read More>>BOSS Snowplow #KeepUPWorking in Dick
About BOSS Snowplow BOSS began manufacturing snowplow in Iron Mountain, MI in 1985. In the early years, the company was focused on taking a revolutionary and untested product design and improving it to meet the quality and durability expectations of the commercial snow removal professional. Today, BOSS is a leader in the snow and ice
Read More>>Click here to see all Featured Employers. Bay College #KeepUPWorking in Dickinson County About Bay College Since the early 1970’s, Bay College has had a presence in Dickinson County, dedicating itself to offering academically excellent and affordable public education in our region. The college prepares students to be continuous learners who succeed upon transfer, work
Read More>>41 Lumber #KeepUPWorking in Dickinso
About 41 Lumber 41 Lumber is a full-service building material supply and design company. We have a retail store and distribution center in Quinnesec, and our kitchen and design center in downtown Iron Mountain will open in April 2021. We have five additional retail locations outside of Dickinson County. Building Dreams, One Project at a
Read More>>DCH Expands Orthopedic Team with the
IRON MOUNTAIN — Dickinson County Healthcare is increasing bone and joint care for the community with the addition of Jack Sproul, MD, to the area’s largest orthopedic team. As a board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Sproul brings high bone and joint expertise levels, including arthroscopy, to the Iron Mountain community. He provides care and healing to
Read More>>CCI Systems #KeepUPWorking in Dickin
About CCI Systems For more than 65 years, CCI Systems has been a leading provider of Telecommunications Solutions and Services. Headquartered in Iron Mountain Michigan, CCI Sytems is one of the largest employers in town, employing over 500 of our 850 employees in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We deliver across the network solutions for
Read More>>MSF Approves Funding for Sandstone S
The Michigan Strategic Fund approved a Michigan Community Revitalization Program performance-based grant of $414,950 in support of Eden Property Collection’s Sandstone Studio Projects. Lois Ellis was quoted in the announcement. “There is an acute need for new housing options in the area due to growth of the area’s employment base,” said Dickinson Area Economic Development
Read More>>Dickinson County Healthcare System #
Dickinson County Healthcare System (DCHS) is one of the largest employers in the Dickinson Area. Having earned its 3rd Consecutive “A” Grade for Patient Safety, DCHS one of the most consistently recognized rural hospitals nationally for patient safety, and was named as a 2020 Top Rural Hospital in the United States by Leapfrog. DCHS is
Read More>>Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center #
Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center has hired 163 individuals in the Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here for a video from the Iron Mountain VA recognizing and honoring their employees. About Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center (OGJVAMC) is celebrating 70 years
Read More>>Systems Control #KeepUPWorking in Di
Systems Control has hired more than 100 individuals in Dickinson county in 2020 and they are not slowing down. Click here for more information. About Systems Control Systems Control designs and manufactures customized, turnkey systems that protect, transmit and distribute energy from source to grid to consumer. Our approach is simple: design, optimize, manufacture, and
Read More>>#KeepUPWorking Dickinson County –
Now is a great time to be looking for work in Dickinson County. With one of the lowest unemployment rates in all of Michigan, our major employers are still hiring. Each month we will be featuring an area employer and information about why It Pays to Work Now in our community. If your company wants
Read More>>Webinar Available to Upper Peninsula
Upper Peninsula — As Upper Peninsula businesses look to engage with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) through contracts, there is a new model that all vendors for the DoD will need to follow. Suppliers without a Request for Proposal (RFP) required Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) will not be able to win new DoD
Read More>>BOSS Snowplow Expands Operations in
IRON MOUNTAIN — BOSS Snowplow, a leader in snow and ice management, today announced that it is expanding its facility in Iron Mountain, Michigan. The project will add approximately 44,000 square feet of additional manufacturing space to the existing facility, which will include a new paint line and improvements to its R&D facility to increase
Read More>>Dickinson Area 2020 Housing Market A
IRON MOUNTAIN — The Central Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Regional Commission (CUPPAD) released the 2020 Housing Marketing Assessment for Dickinson County. Key findings highlight opportunities for real estate developers and property owners, some of which are already in action in downtown Iron Mountain. For the full press release, click here.
Read More>>Michigan Small Business Restart Prog
IRON MOUNTAIN — A second round of grant funding is being made available by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) through the Michigan Small Business Restart Program which is intended to infuse an additional $100 million in grant funding to small businesses throughout the State. The funds were appropriated via the federal CARES Act funding
Read More>>Dickinson Area Economic Development
IRON MOUNTAIN — The Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance (DAEDA) is marking National Economic Development Week from May 4-9, 2020 to celebrate the contributions of positive economic development and explain the role of the profession in our local community. For the full press release, click here.
Read More>>The Alliance is Hiring!
IRON MOUNTAIN — The Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance is growing. We are looking for a talented individual to join the team as a part time Marketing and Communications Coordinator. For the full job description, click here.
Read More>>Lake Antoine Park Partners Receive G
IRON MOUNTAIN — The Lake Antoine Park Partners are recipients of the 2018 Land.Water.Thrive Greenspace Enhancement Grant from The Toro Company and BOSS Snowplow. The $40,000 grant will be used to revitalize the beach and lawn areas of Lake Antoine Park. Congratulations! We are looking forward to seeing the improvements! For more information, click here.
Read More>>YMCA to offer child care with System
IRON MOUNTAIN — The Northern Lights YMCA Dickinson Center, in partnership with Systems Control, plans to open the Little Sparks Child Care Center in the spring. Read The Daily News article here.
Read More>>Villringer returns to raise family i
Lisa Villringer was born in Iron Mountain, MI, raised in Kingsford, MI and currently serves as the Human Resources Assistant at First National Bank & Trust (FNB&T) in Kingsford, MI. As a wife, mother of two and a full-time employee, Villringer also devotes her time to improving the community. She has brought positive energy and
Read More>>Manufacturing Day is October 12 in D
Education, community and industry partners are coming together to coordinate a Manufacturing Day event on Friday, October 12 at Bay College West Campus (Bay West) as a part of a campaign titled “Heavy Metal Tours.” The purpose of this campaign is to proactively educate students and the community about the skilled trades and technical career
Read More>>Big Investment at Pine Mountain Reso
Under New Ownership, Four Seasons Resort to Reopen, Pine Mountain/Timberstone to Receive Multi-Million Dollar Renovations IRON MOUNTAIN With new ownership in place, an iconic Wisconsin resort is set to reopen after being closed for several years while a popular ski and golf resort in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula will receive a multi-million dollar facelift. The Four
Read More>>Support your local Healthcare System
It is important to support our local Healthcare System. Check out the DCHS Community Flyer to find out how you can help! DCHS is… – DCHS is a County not-for-profit Hospital. We receive no tax dollars through a local millage and our future depends on our Community staying local and utilizing the services we offer.
Read More>>RESIDENTIAL HOUSING TARGET MARKET AN
Residential Housing Target Market Analysis Dickinson County Michigan 2016 Executive Summary Through a collaborative effort among public and private stakeholders, LandUse|USA has been engaged to conduct this Residential Target Market Analysis (TMA) for the Upper Peninsula Prosperity Regions 1a, 1b, and 1c. The West Region 1a includes six counties; the Central Region 1b includes
Read More>>Dickinson County Healthcare System e
(Dickinson County, MI) The Leapfrog Group released its 2018 Spring Hospital Safety Grades and once again, Dickinson County Healthcare System (DCHS) has received an “A”. The Hospital Safety Grade scores hospitals on how safe they keep their patients from errors, injuries, accidents, and infections. In “A” grade hospitals, patient safety is a top priority. For
Read More>>Loyal to Local Presentation
DICKINSON- On Tuesday, March 27, the Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance hosted a Loyal to Local kick-off event. The event took place from 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. at Bay College West Fornetti Hall in Iron Mountain. The Alliance’s Small Business Retention & Growth Committee has been working hard for numerous months, creating a plan to
Read More>>The Alliance hosts Careers & Ch
DICKINSON- On Saturday, December 23, the Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance will be hosting a Careers & Cheers event. It will take place from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Bimbo’s Wine Press in Iron Mountain. There is no cost to attend! The Alliance is inviting professionals that may be interested in moving back or currently
Read More>>The Alliance Hires Director of Econo
Dickinson County – The Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance recently hired Lois Ellis as the Director of Economic Development. Ellis has an extensive background in Economic Development in the Upper Peninsula. Her experience in economic development started in 2002, when she was hired at the Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP). After 11 years at the
Read More>>The LSCP and The Alliance Announce C
The Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP) and Dickinson Area EDA (DAEDA) are pleased to announce the signing of a formal collaborative agreement between the two entities that will have the LSCP providing economic development services and support to the DAEDA staff and board of directors. “Our board and community stakeholders have worked diligently over the
Read More>>