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Economic Development Week 2026

Economic Development Week is a global initiative led by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). We participate locally by highlighting the economic advancements and opportunities in our region during Economic Development Week.


2026 Economic Development Week Logo and Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance Logo

Our working task force groups are comprised of subject-matter experts from our investor business. These individuals volunteer time and talent to help make our region a better place to live, work, and do business. In 2025, they donated an estimated 832 volunteer hours to support our mission and vision.


This year, Economic Development Week coincides with National Small Business Week. Small businesses are a crucial part of any economy, especially local economies. They drive job creation across a wider variety of businesses, support infrastructure, schools, and public services through tax revenue, support local fundraising efforts and community events, and create a vibrant atmosphere, attracting people to visit or move to a community.


Small Business Retention & Attraction Task Force


When our larger employers do well, our small business community grows and thrives. We support our small business community through our Small Business Retention and Attraction Task Force. Twice per year, we hold our Lunch Meet educational sessions for small business owners and employees on relevant and timely topics.


We also connect our small businesses with growth opportunities, including grants and other funding programs, such as the Central UP Small Business Hub Grant Program. The following businesses received funding through this program in 2026:


  • Preferred Power Sports

  • Moose Jackson Café

  • Print Blvd

  • Open Healing Space

  • Superior Genomics

  • Open Door Life Coach & Counseling LLC

  • Life Fit Brain Fit LLC

  • Lake State Land Surveying Inc.

  • Eureka Tire Company



Talent & Education Task Force


We work closely with our local school districts, employers, and community partners to raise awareness of career paths and opportunities for students upon graduation from high school. We regularly survey our local businesses to understand their hiring projections to ensure our education and community partners are aware of future needs.


Each year, we host two events to introduce high school students to careers in two of our larger employer bases - Manufacturing and Healthcare. In the winter, area 10th-grade students attend Healthcare Career Day, and in the fall, area 9th-grade students attend Manufacturing Day. Both events provide hands-on experiments and a glimpse into what a career in either industry looks like.


In the spring, we recognize DIISD Career & Technical Education (CTE) graduates entering the workforce upon graduation to begin a career in the skilled trades.


Whether completing a four-year degree, continuing education in a skilled trade, or entering the workforce upon graduation, our local businesses have excellent career opportunities no matter the path taken.


Government Relations & Advocacy Task Force


Ensuring our local, state, and federal elected officials understand the unique needs of our Dickinson-area economy is a top priority for The Alliance. In addition to regularly attending local board meetings, we also visit Lansing multiple times throughout the year to share progress and pain points with our state representatives, state senator, and their staff.


We also host tours of local businesses and infrastructure with our local, state and federal officials and their staff to give them a better understanding of how our businesses contribute to the larger Michigan and U.S. economies. We recently toured Ford Airport, Loadmaster, Norway Hydrodam, and LP Sagola.


Since Dickinson County is a border community, we collaborate on economic development with our neighbors in Florence and Marinette counties, which includes meeting with local elected officials and better understanding economic issues on the Wisconsin side of the border.


Infrastructure & Housing Task Force


Improving housing and infrastructure is another of our top priorities. Over the past five years, each Dickinson County municipality has made major investments in water and sewage upgrades within the city limits.


Affordable housing is a challenge nationwide, and it is no different here in Dickinson County. We work closely with local, regional and state programs to connect developers with housing programs and funding.


The Dickinson County Brownfield Authority recommended a Brownfield plan with Eden Properties for a maximum of $932,650 in property tax reductions over an estimated 17 years, which was approved by the City of Iron Mountain and the county board. The redevelopment of the former Appliance and Furniture Mart on the west side of Stephenson Avenue in downtown Iron Mountain will support a mixed-use property with commercial spaces and potentially 17 apartment units.


Arms of Angels received $315,000 in MSHDA MiNeighborhood funding, which will be utilized to rehab 3 single-family homes in Dickinson County.



Belong Dickinson: Living & Working in the Dickinson Area


Quality of life increases when individuals find community where they are united with

others through shared interests. It is also the result of having competitive career opportunities at large employers in communities that invest in small businesses, infrastructure and affordable housing.


The work of The Alliance focuses on improving the quality of life for our residents, which, in turn, helps retain and attract businesses and residents.


Belong Dickinson is our living and working initiative where we highlight employees from our investor businesses to share how they have found belonging through volunteerism and involvement within community organizations.



Get Involved


Our work is funded by our investors.


The Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance was established in 2017 to join business, industry, education, government and community organizations to increase awareness and better coordinate economic stimulus in the region.


We take a business-first approach to economic development and advocacy programs that cultivate a business-friendly environment to support businesses of all sizes.


Looking for ways to get involved? Consider becoming an investor and supporting our work in making the Dickinson area a robust place to do business, live and work.


Not ready to make the investment? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and stay informed on our programs and initiatives.

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