Economic Development

The Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Target Alpena Economic Development Corporation has over 25 years of experience assisting companies with numerous business development initiatives including business start-ups, business expansion, and business relocation services. We also have the ability to provide services such as supply chain mapping and business cluster development. We own an industrial park, manage both USDA and EDA small business loan programs, and work closely with all regional governmental units as well as our workforce training partners to guarantee your project gets up and running as quickly and efficiently as possible.

In March 2014 the Presque Isle County Board of Commissioner’s teamed up with Target Alpena and Alpena Chamber of Commerce to bring a regional forum to our county, www.picedc.org. The County Board of Commissioners continue to work with the local EDC/CDC Board towards growth in our community and are able to have those needs met and served with the help of our partners at the Alpena Chamber.

So you want to start your own business…..that’s great. We can help. Through our internal expertise and our partners at the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) we can help to make your dream of owning your own business a reality and successful from day one. Don’t hesitate to contact us – it’s free.

Now you’re ready for step two…..expansion. So, you’ve outgrown your location – what a great problem to have and the economic development staff can help you. Whether it’s export assistance, additional staffing, a new location or financial assistance we can help point you in the right direction – just ask.

If you’ve decided that the Alpena or Presque Isle area would be a perfect place to move your business to – you’re right. Alpena and Presque Isle possess all the ingredients for a successful move. Northeast Michigan is a unique place in which the region’s natural beauty, recreational opportunities and our industrial heritage co-exist to provide boundless opportunities limited only by your imagination. We possess an industrial heritage and competitive educated workforce supported by a nationally acclaimed community college, a regional medical center, and commercial air service, and active deep-water ports, all of which provide us with economic stability even in rough times.

Please contact the Alpena Economic Development Director, Mike Mahler, at 989.354.4181 or Joe Hefele in Rogers City at 989.734.2191 for more information.

Economic Development Board of Directors

Loan Programs

Starting a Business in Alpena

Alpena and Presque Isle Unemployment Rates

Economic Development Partners

Partner Level – $1,600