Make a Difference in Ogemaw County

Dear Friends:

Thank you for supporting the Ogemaw County EDC during  it's 40th year!

Because your financial and organizational support is imperative to the EDC (especially since the millage did not pass, which resulted in a loss of $15,000-- HALF of our operating budget), we would like to update you on our recent actions and initiatives. In order to provide so many of the comprehensive services we all need and enjoy. this update is intended to let you know about the EDC's past-- and future-- objectives and goals.

A considerable amount of progress was made in 2016-- we hosted a dozen events to benefit our region in a variety of ways including:

-Our signature Community & Business Expo.
-The Economic Outlook forum to make people aware of what businesses are looking for in a commercial site.
-The EDC awarded the second annual Ogemaw County Business Professional of the Year.
-Organized and co-hosted the Co.Starters program for budding entrepreneurs.
-Provided several workshops covering topics including: business tax, social media, growing berries, cyber security, customer service, and food hubs.

Going into 2017, broadband/internet data transmission continues to be a top priority for the EDC. We are in the process of completing the Vertical Asset Inventory; this is critical information for service providers considering tower and network build-outs in our area.

Business retention remains a top priority as well. The Director of Business Services, Mandi Chasey, will continue to proactively visit area businesses to create and maintain those partnerships, which are very important to our region.

Mandi represents the EDC and all of Ogemaw County at a variety of organizational meetings. Mandi and the EDC serve as a primary contact for businesses seeking information about Ogemaw County.

The EDC also works with two overlapping authorities: EMCOG (Eastern Michigan Council on Government) and NEMCOG (Northeastern Michigan Council on Government). This means we benefit tremendously in a few different ways, including: receiving housing and unemployment reports, a regional study on forest product industries, inclusion in the Regional Fresh Food Guide, and placement on the website, www.upnorthtrails.org

The EDC's website continues to be an information powerhouse and is an ongoing initiative as we go into 2017. Please visit www.everythingogemaw.com for data about our community, an inventory of vacant commercial property, event updates, and more. In addition, Mandi uses social media to coordinate events and spread good information about Ogemaw County.

So what else is in store for 2017, Workshops are being developed including topics such as: "Fraud in Business," "How to Obtain Government Contracts," and more.

On behalf of the EDC, Mandi will continue working toward becoming a "Redevelopment Ready Community," making more online services and government process information easily available.

As you're considering which organizations to support in 2017, please consider contributing to the EDC, particularly if you want Ogemaw County to become an even better place to live, grow, work, and play.

We need a single point of contact for economic development in our county who can work to attract new business and grow our existing business and industry. Ogemaw County is experiencing job growth which we need to continue to nurture.

We need the EDC. We need your support, regardless of the amount, it is critical and your contribution will be reinvested in our community.