NLEA October News - Students get involved in local government

Catch up on the region's latest economic news.
Scroll to end for Core Partner Updates plus see videos you'll share!

Catch up on the region's latest economic news.

Scroll to end for Core Partner Updates plus videos you'll share!

Don't miss the videos at the end this month! We're dedicating "Never forget the coffee" to ADAM KENNEDY Adam is the husband of past NLEA Team Member Sherry Rhoads. They are both retired now and for those that know Adam, you will see what we mean. For those that don't know Adam... it's a great video!

David Emmel's first weeks as President

By David Emmel, NLEA President

It's been an exciting and eventful past three weeks so far. I have had daily calls and Zoom meetings with each Northern Lakes Economic Alliance Board of Directors. This has served as an ideal model to understand their roles in the community as well as their history with the NLEA.

I met with each staff member one-on-one to address what we're doing well, what could be better, and their ideas for the future.

As I move into the full capacity of my role as President of the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance I feel energized about the work being done in our community to further economic growth and I look forward to strengthening that progress.

If you have any concerns, ideas, or just want to say hello please reach out to me by email or phone: david@northernlakes.net / 231.582.6482

Great Lakes Energy expansion project begins construction

Great Lakes Energy expansion groundbreaking Sept 2020

A groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the expansion of the Great Lakes Energy headquarters was held Wednesday, September 23, in Boyne City. Last spring GLE purchased adjacent property, formerly a Carter’s Food Center, to accommodate the building expansion.

“This is a historic day for our cooperative and our employees. It symbolizes much more than the brick and mortar that go into the actual building itself,” GLE President & CEO (and NLEA Board of Director President) Bill Scott states. “This building symbolizes growth, prosperity, and dedication to the community. It will take us into the future as we continue to serve our members with pride.”

The new expansion will provide much-needed infrastructure and space for the growth the electric cooperative has experienced in recent years. Truestream, GLE’s new fiber internet and voice network, plays a vital role in the need to expand. Launched in 2018 in rural parts of Emmet, Charlevoix, and Cheboygan counties, Truestream brings high-speed internet, with speeds up to 1 Gig, and voice services to homes and businesses that have long been without broadband connectivity. Truestream has created local employment opportunities and with it a need for more office and warehouse space.

One to watch...

Up and coming Elk Rapids company SteelGrip SAMM^® offers a unique safety product - SAMM mats - safety assist magnetic mats for working on steel roofing. The company owners Neil and Lin Warner produce the mats. The business goal is to be safer with surer footing on steel surfaces, as SAMM^® is dedicated to Preventing Injuries and Saving Lives^®

The company is growing and ready to take the next step in production by adding equipment and staff.

SteelGrip SAMM Inc. has US and Canadian patents with more pending. The company saw the growing demand for steel roofing and found a way to provide more secure footing for roof work. SAMM mats help hold workers, tools and equipment within reach thus striving for reduced liability and insurance costs while improving safety.

Visit website

43 different sessions offered throughout the week. Each session is 45 minutes. Select any or all for the same price of $20 total. You can log into one session or all 45, depending on your schedule that week.

See the agenda, speaker line up, and REGISTER today!

Government for Tomorrow

By Jessica Lovay, NLEA Community Development & Grants and contributing Liam Dreyer

Government for Tomorrow is a program created by Charlevoix High School student Liam Dreyer after being appointed as the first student member of the City of Charlevoix’s Downtown Development Authority Board in hopes to inspire and involve other students in local government. The program is designed to help local government appoint area students as

non-voting members to boards or subcommittees to provide a new perspective and represent a demographic typically underrepresented in local government.

Non-voting student members would be able to voice their opinions and bring a different perspective on agenda items and a unique approach to problems within the community without the voting responsibility. It is also a way to bridge the age gap between those making community decisions and the local youth, making for a more well-rounded board. Another benefit is the student would act as a representative to their peers allowing for further collaboration between local government and the school system.

Other communities considering the addition of student board members and to take advantage of the program include the City of Boyne City and the City of East Jordan. This program is easily adaptable to different boards and subcommittees. Check out the video of Liam calling students to join the program and get involved.

Contact Liam Dreyer for additional information or questions at govfortomorrow@gmail.com or 231-675-9708.

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Michigan Dept. of Agriculture and Rural Development grant available

A MDARD Rural Development Grant is available and NLEA staff has reviewed and researched grant parameters easily laying them out for interested companies here. Application deadline is 11/19/20.

Funding will be focused on the following types of projects in rural areas:

Infrastructure Development - i.e.- roadways, bridges, renewable energy, wastewater, rural housing, etc.
Rural Capacity Building - i.e.- museums, local and regional tourism campaigns, feasibility studies, etc.
Business Development - i.e.- business expansion ensuring long-term creation or retention of jobs with a strong local and/or regional impact. This year, a focus on livestock processing are encouraged.
Talent Development and Training - i.e.- local and regional workforce development programs, workforce training, rural housing projects, etc.

The maximum limit on grant fund requests is $100,000. Applicants must provide a minimum 30% match.

LAND-BASED INDUSTRIES INCLUDED:

Food and Agriculture / Forestry / Mining / Oil and Gas Production / Tourism

Grant guidelines, program information, and project review criteria can be found by clicking below.

Investing in healthy homes

By Steve Schnell, Charlevoix County Housing Ready Program Director, Housing North

A lot has changed in the housing market in the last 10 years and the rate of change has only increased during the economic uncertainty of Covid-19. One thing we can say for sure is that it has never been more important to have a safe, healthy, stable home. The challenges for many people in achieving that goal have increased overall. On the positive side of the housing story, interest rates are at historic lows, mortgage applications are 33% higher, and refinancing applications are 111% higher. However, the supply of housing is not keeping up with the demand. This drives home prices up at a time when many have lost their jobs.

Eventually, with housing demand vastly exceeding supply, home prices will continue to rise beyond the reach of our workforce. To have economic growth we need healthy, stable homes. There are ways to help make homes more attainable, but local investment is needed. There are non-profit and government entities that are working together to make more housing available by investing in housing development. These community partnerships include business leaders and civic organizations. All must work together and take action to create more housing opportunities. This will require time and money invested in this effort. We will highlight these housing tools in the coming months. Many of these tools are listed at Homesforourfuture.org. If you want to get involved, please contact steve@housingnorth.org.

Crowdfunding campaign launched for Burt Lake Trail Phase III

Article provided by Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Photo courtesy of Burt Lake Trail Committee.

A vital link between two sections of the Burt Lake Trail System will be completed through a new crowdfunding campaign, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Burt Lake Trail Committee, and Top of Michigan Trails Council.

The Burt Lake Trail system plays a vital role in providing recreational opportunities such as walking, running, biking, and more in a safe environment. It also connects people and destinations within the Northern Michigan community. The Burt Lake Trail Committee of Burt Township, and Cheboygan County in cooperation with the Top of Michigan Trails Council, are leading this effort. The trail system has continued to grow, expand and improve in recent years, and this growth and expansion is set to continue with Phase III. Phases II and IV of the trail were completed in 2020 and this phase and campaign will provide the vital link between the two completed sections.

“Public recreation opportunities are key to great placemaking,” said Dan Gilmartin, CEO and executive director of the Michigan Municipal League. “This last section of the Burt Lake Trail will add a valuable recreation resource for residents and visitors alike.”

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $30,000 by December 11, the project will win a matching grant with funds made possible by MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places program.

Videos you will want to share

We like to motivate and educate with these videos, so good you'll pass them on! If you have one or see something inspirational, send it our way. We love sharing!

Never forget the coffee.

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How it's made- A homage to a Halloween favorite.

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