Newsletter 
January 2021
Upcoming Meetings
Alliance Executive Committee Meeting
Tuesday, January 26
3:30 p.m.
Via Zoom Meeting
SAVE THE DATE
Annual Meeting of Investors (virtual)
Thursday, February 18
7:00 a.m.
2021 Board of Directors Changes
At the December Alliance Board meeting, the Board appointed two new Directors and reappointed four current Directors to serve three-year terms ending in 2023. The Board also unanimously approved the slate of Officers for 2021. A strong field of ten candidates submitted applications, and we thank them all for their interest in volunteering with our organization.

Congratulations!
New 2021 Directors:
Scott Cameron, Lake Shore Systems
Nikki Bowers, Systems Control

Re-elected Directors:
Alex Lindeman, CCI Systems
Joe Stevens, Dickinson County
Steve Verrette, Champion, Inc.
Gina Wollner, Bay College West

Chair - Russ Kassin, First National Bank & Trust
Vice-Chair - Tony Edlebeck, City of Kingsford
Secretary/Treasurer - Lee Lofstrom, Dickinson County Industrial Development Corp.

Thank You!
Finally, we share our appreciation to outgoing Board members, Brad Lebouef and Rich Mortl. We thank them both for their valuable contributions to our Board, along with the expertise and leadership they provided to many additional initiatives for the Alliance. 
Alliance Investors Invited to Annual Meeting
Thursday, February 18
7:00 am
Zoom Meeting

Mark your calendars! The Alliance Annual Meeting is Thursday, February 18 at 7:00 am via webinar. All Alliance Investors are encouraged to attend. The Annual Meeting provides an opportunity to reflect on the organization’s accomplishments in 2020 and to update the Investors on our plans for 2021. Please email Emily Tardiff at etardiff@marquette.org to register.
Legislative Updates
SBA has expanded and reopened the PPP and EIDL programs for applications. 
Consult your banker now for eligibility. 
Virtual State of the State Address
On January 27, Governor Whitmer will deliver her third State of the State message virtually, without the Capitol’s typical gathering.
DAEDA Social Audience 2020
Loyal to Local Updates
The program now has 125 participants with the recent addition of Midwest Mini Storage & Movers and Midwest Snow & Lawn Care. Participants are reporting that customers mention their increased efforts to support local businesses and organizations at this challenging time. Let’s keep the momentum going in 2021 and beyond. Always look locally first for your purchases!

Bulk Gift Card Program to Continue
During the holiday season, local employers were encouraged to purchase gift cards from Loyal to Local participants when giving their employees gifts. More than $38,000 in gift cards were purchased from more than a dozen area businesses. Loyal to Local will continue to promote the purchase of bulk gift cards throughout the year as employers look to reward or recognize their employees for performance, wellness, or safety awards. Thank you to all who supported this effort in 2020!

Loyal to Local Social Audience
Minneapolis Fed Seeking Business Input
The latest survey from The Minneapolis Fed starts on Tuesday, January 19th and runs through Monday, January 25th. The survey helps the Federal Reserve understand the pandemic’s impacts across the Upper Peninsula and throughout the Ninth Fed District. 
 
Once the survey is closed, the Fed will distribute the summary results within two weeks of the survey closing. Thank you for your help in sharing your experiences with our regional and national policymakers.
No-Cost Resources for Your Business
Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance | 906-360-4653 | info@daeda.org | www.daeda.org