Target Alpena Development Corporation

07/28/2026

Do you know a child care provider? Then this is for you!

Child care is a major need in our region and providers deserve support.

That’s why the Small Business Association of Michigan created Child Care Business Essentials – to give providers the tools and support to manage and grow your business with confidence.

The application is quick and once you’re approved you’ll get one-on-one support with experts in funding, licensing, business practices, and so much more!

- Live + on-demand business training
- HR + compliance toolkits
- Ongoing resources built for you
- Support from a team that understands your challenges

Apply now: https://bit.ly/4v5l3DM

07/22/2026

Are you a child care provider with a great idea and could use some extra funds to make it happen?

Whether your vision is creating more child care slots, improving your learning environment, increasing safety, expanding services, investing in your business, developing your workforce, or something else entirely, Target Huron wants to support! If funding is the only thing standing between your idea and reality, we'd love to hear from you.

Target Huron is now accepting applications for Child Care Grants of up to $5,000 to support projects that strengthen, sustain, and expand child care across Northeast Michigan including Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Crawford, Iosco, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, and Roscommon Counties.

Interest forms will be accepted on a rolling basis through September 4, 2026, or until all available funding has been awarded.

Scan the QR code or apply here:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/5mMja4q2sN

Know a child care provider who could benefit from this opportunity? Share this post and help us spread the word!

Questions? Contact Jillian Ferguson at 989-590-6485 or [email protected]

02/20/2026

📢 Doing business in Iosco County? This is a must-attend event!

Develop Iosco and the SBA Michigan District Office are hosting a roundtable focused on cutting red tape and supporting small business success.
📅 Date: Wednesday, March 18
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM EDT
📍 Location: East Tawas Community Center,760 Newman Street
East Tawas, MI

While the event is taking place in Iosco County, it is open to all businesses who want to share feedback, learn more, and help shape a stronger business environment across the region.

This is a great opportunity to connect, ask questions, and make your voice heard!

Register today!

Get ready to cut through the red tape and join us for a lively discussion on removing regulations - your voice matters!

02/18/2026

📣 Calling All Businesses & Entrepreneurs in Northeast Michigan!
👉 Take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SJL2J6X
Local businesses know best what is needed to succeed in this region — and we want to hear from you.
Target Alpena Development Corporation is inviting businesses across Northeast Michigan to take part in a short survey to help shape future business support services and programming, including the potential development of a business incubator.
We’re looking for input from businesses of all sizes and stages. Your feedback will help us better understand what’s working well, where gaps exist, and what types of support would be most valuable for our local business community.
⏱️ The survey takes approximately 5–10 minutes to complete.
🔒 All responses will be kept confidential and shared only in aggregate.
🗓️ Survey closes: February 23
Thank you for helping us strengthen business resources across Northeast Michigan!

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

12/02/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Target Alpena Development Corporation has selected Lenny Avery as the new executive director.

All Media:
Contact: Ken Dragiewicz 989-766-3362

Alpena, Michigan – December 2, 2025 – Target Alpena Development Corporation (Target) has appointed Lenny Avery as its new Executive Director, effective Jan 1, 2026.

Lenny succeeds Michael W. Mahler who is retiring at the end of the year.

Target Board President Ken Dragiewicz led the search process for the Nominating Committee that chose Lenny to take on this role. Board president Dragiewicz acknowledged “there were several strong candidates but, in the end, the passion, hard work, and creative thinking Lenny has demonstrated were among the reasons for his selection. Lenny has been a key player in the pursuit of grant funding for Alpena and Presque Isle counties, along with tireless work to address the housing shortage across the broader region. We respect and appreciate his energy and get it done attitude to improving the quality of life for all who live in Northeast Michigan which is in direct alignment with Target’s mission statement.”

Mahler offered “Lenny knows how to open doors, pursue funding and is willing to undertake any challenge no matter how big or small. Those skills are unique and needed if we are going to get the attention we need from the leaders in Lansing.” Mahler continued, “Lenny has the relevant experience, and his background aligns with Target's mission. During Lenny’s three years with Target, he has undertaken and accomplished many important things all the while pursuing and gaining a master's degree in public administration from Central Michigan University. His capstone project in graduate school is the blueprint being used to help address the housing shortage regionally.”

Mr. Avery expressed “his honor and excitement for the role and looks forward to continuing to build on the regional momentum and looks forward to leveraging funding through the State and Federal agencies in support of our mission.” Avery further commented that he is “looking forward to Target leading the construction in 2026 of homes in Alpena and Presque Isle counties through our newly formed development subsidiary the Lake Huron Regional Housing Development Corporation (LHRDC) along with extending our support of small businesses through our small business development hub. We have many important things underway, and I look forward to carrying the mantle into the future.”