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.

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.

Supporting Housing Development in Michigan: Key Tools from MSHDA

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 the state.

 

MI Neighborhood 2.0 Grant Program
This program, blending state and federal funding, is designed to respond to regional action plans aligned with Michigan’s Statewide Housing Plan. The grant supports various components of housing activity, such as strengthening neighborhood infrastructure and enhancing quality of life.

Why It Matters:
Strategic alignment with local needs
Flexible funding to address unique housing challenges
Opportunities for community-driven growth

Applications are open. Visit michigan.gov/mshda/neighborhoods for more information and to apply.

 

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for Housing
MSHDA’s TIF program empowers local brownfield redevelopment authorities to capture tax revenues and fund affordable housing initiatives. By leveraging this tool, communities can create and preserve essential housing infrastructure, meeting diverse regional needs.

Key Benefits:
Supports affordable housing projects in underutilized areas
Enhances local redevelopment efforts
Aligns with statewide housing priorities for a broader impact

Learn more: michigan.gov/mshda/tif

 

A Collaborative Future for Housing in Michigan
At the Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance, these tools provide invaluable opportunities for our region’s growth. MSHDA’s programs are not just about housing—they’re about building more robust, vibrant communities.

Stay informed and take action. Explore how these initiatives can benefit your projects and strengthen our region’s future.