Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance Celebrates 2025 Economic Development Week

blue and orange graphic with text that reads 2025 economic development week May 12-16 Celebrating The Alliance and the economic activities of our investors.

Taking place from May 12 – 16, the week recognizes and honors the dedicated work of economic developers and their contributions to communities around the world.

Iron Mountain, Mich., (May 9, 2025) — The Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance is proud to announce its participation in the 2025 Economic Development Week, a global initiative led by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) to celebrate the contributions of positive economic development in our area over the past year.

“Economic Development Week is a time to reflect on our collective achievements and to plan for a future of sustainable growth,” said Mindy Meyers, executive director of the Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance. “This year, we will be reintroducing The Alliance and our task force groups as well as taking a look back and ahead at economic activities in our region on our social media pages to raise awareness of the investments being made in our community.”

The IEDC created Economic Development Week in 2016 to recognize the work that economic development organizations and professionals do in their communities. IEDC celebrates Economic Development Week every year, highlighting the programs, best practices, and exceptional individuals that positively impact life in their communities. In just a few years, the event has become one of the most widely recognized awareness weeks of its kind, validating the often unheralded work of the economic development profession.

About the Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance

The Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance (The Alliance) is the leader in stimulating economic development in the Dickinson County area of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The Alliance joins business, industry, education, government, and community organizations to grow the region’s economy by retaining, recruiting, and growing talent for our growing employer base as well as promoting business retention & expansion, government relations & advocacy, and infrastructure & housing development. The Alliance tells the unique story of a robust community in which to live and work. The Alliance is a 501c6 with 80% of its funding from private-sector employers. For more information about The Alliance, visit www.daeda.org.

About the International Economic Development Council (IEDC)

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization serving economic developers. With thousands of members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers typically work for cities, counties, states, public-private partnerships, and chambers of commerce to promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding high-quality jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth, and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members are engaged in the full range of economic development work to develop vibrant communities.

Sanford Health and Marshfield Clinic Health System Complete Merger, Advancing Rural Healthcare in the Midwest

Sanford & Marshfield: Advancing Rural Healthcare

The rural Midwest is entering a transformative era in healthcare with the merger of Sanford Health and Marshfield Clinic Health System. The two organizations, renowned for their commitment to accessible and innovative care, have united to form a single nonprofit integrated health system operating as Sanford Health. This historic development promises to reshape the delivery of healthcare across South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

A Bold Step for Rural Healthcare

As the largest rural health system in the United States, Sanford Health is taking a major step forward with this partnership. “Today’s historic milestone paves the way for us to advance world-class care across the rural Midwest and accelerate vital investments in the communities we have the privilege of serving,” said Bill Gassen, president and CEO of Sanford Health. The combined system aims to expand services, enhance access to care, and harness innovative technologies, ensuring that even the most rural communities can access high-quality, patient-centered healthcare.

Key Features of the Merger

The integration brings together nearly 56,000 employees, 56 hospitals, 4,500 providers, and two health plans serving more than 425,000 members. The newly established Marshfield Clinic region, now part of Sanford Health, will continue to serve Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, preserving its local identity while benefiting from the broader resources and expertise of Sanford Health. Notable aspects of the merger include:

• Leadership and Governance: Dr. Brian Hoerneman, a practicing emergency medicine physician and native of Marshfield, Wisconsin, will serve as the regional president and CEO of the Marshfield Clinic region. A regional board of community leaders will oversee operations and strategy for the area.

• Integrated Health Plans: Sanford Health Plan and Security Health Plan will continue to operate under a unified management and governance structure, ensuring seamless services for members.

• Physician Involvement: Physicians will play a vital role in shaping the direction of the unified organization through a robust governance structure that includes the Marshfield Clinic region’s Physician Executive Council and representation on Sanford Health’s Council of Governors.

Commitment to Continuity and Innovation

Patients will experience no immediate changes to their care. They will continue to see the same trusted providers at the same locations, with additional resources and innovations gradually enhancing their experience. “Our partnership brings together two organizations deeply committed to advancing healthcare for the people and communities we serve in rural America,” said Dr. Hoerneman.

A Bright Future for Rural Healthcare

With this merger, Sanford Health is positioned to address the unique challenges of rural healthcare, leveraging combined expertise to ensure that individuals, regardless of location, have access to exceptional care. This partnership reflects a shared legacy of community-focused care and a mutual vision of a healthier future for all.

For more information about this significant development, visit Sanford Health or Sanford Health News.

Navigating the Earned Sick Time Act: Insights from The Alliance’s January Roundtable with Legal and Financial Experts

Thanks to a generous grant from the DTE Foundation, The Alliance held a follow up roundtable event on January 7, 2025 with Attorney Jacob Lynch from Ryan & Lynch Law and Tony Flaminio, CPA from Fleury Singler & Co PC to answer questions concerning the Earned Sick Time Act that will go into effect on February 21, 2025. Here are some resources shared during the roundtable:

Key Resources for Understanding and Complying with ESTA

1. Earned Sick Time Worksheet
Download: Sick Time Accrual.pdf

2. Earned Sick Time Act Text
Michigan Legislature Reference: MCL – Act 338 of 2018

3. Informational Brochure
Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity:
Earned Sick Time Brochure (PDF)

4. FAQs
Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

5. Model Employee Handbook
National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB):
Download the Model Employee Handbook
Note: The NFIB model policy does not include ESTA-compliant language.

Recap of Previous Discussions
For those who missed the first roundtable on October 9, 2024, you can review a summary here:
Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA), Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act (IWOWA), and Increased Exempt Employee Salary Threshold Roundtable.

Upcoming Changes to Michigan Labor Laws: What Your Business Needs to Know

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 these updates, we invite you to join the Alliance Roundtable. This event features insights from local experts Jacob Lynch and Tony Flaminio, who will discuss the implications of the court ruling and what it means for employers.

Event Details:

When: Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Where: Pine Grove Country Club, 1520 W Hughitt St., Iron Mountain, MI

Why Attend?

Navigating legal changes can be challenging, but preparation is key. This roundtable will provide:

Expert Analysis: Gain insights from professionals familiar with Michigan’s labor laws.

Actionable Guidance: Learn practical steps to ensure your business complies with new requirements.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with other business leaders facing similar challenges.

RSVP Today!

Space is limited, so RSVP by Thursday, January 1, 2025, at bit.ly/ESTA-IWOWA.

Staying informed about legal changes is essential for protecting your business and employees. Take advantage of this opportunity to get ahead of the curve.