Economic Development Week in Alpena

Economic Development Week begins May 9 and proceeds until May 13. The international event spotlights neighborhood efforts to expand the quality of life in every community over the duration of the month.

The Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce has over 25 years of experience helping companies with business development.

“I think some of our companies out here are very successful and are growing ,and expanding, and they need more talent and help,” said Mike Mahler, Alpena Economic Development director. “So the challenge for us is to make this place more attractive enough to bring people here. That’s one of the elements about economic development that people probably don’t think about a lot.”

Economic Development Week strives to grow awareness for local programs that generate jobs,  further career development opportunities, and refine the quality of life in communities everywhere. “Chambers job generally is to increase economically. What we do is we work with our membership and try to figure out exactly what our members need and provide that for them,” said Adam Poll, president and CEO of Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce.

Residents can look   ahead to enjoying a Starbucks beverage, or shopping at Aldi or Marshalls if current development projects fall into place. “There are so many things going on that are so favorable for the area creating a lot more interest for the area for developers,” said Mahler. “There is an urgent care in a Starbucks being built right now .We got someone looking to build an Aldi here , someone to build a Marshalls here.”

Economic developers play important roles in advocating the economic health and liveliness of their communities. “My goal is to work for my membership and that were very close to the existing businesses making sure they get what they need and all the tools they need if they need to utilize them,” said Poll.

Economic development week will proceed till May 13.