Ogemaw County EDC

06/03/2026

I have had the best time at the Small Town & Rural Development Conference with my collaborating partners, (friends):

Jennifer Riggs, Develop Iosco, Dusty Welsh, Gladwin County EDC/Michigan Works R7B, Heather Neuhaus, West Branch Chamber of Commerce, Penny Payea, Ogemaw County Economic Development Corp/Michigan Works R7B, Tim Rygwelski, Otsego Economic Alliance Association.

We connect in so many ways. It just makes sense.

We can't wait to keep the conversations going.

06/02/2026

Experts gathered at the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference to highlight the findings and recommendations of the newly released “Menopause Memorandum: Menopause, It’s a Movement!”

Some key findings from their Menopause in the Workplace Survey include:

❤️ 72% of respondents agreed that a menopause supportive workplace is important to them.
❤️ 52% of respondents indicate their workplace culture did not foster an environment where employees would be comfortable taking time off due to menopause.

This initiative will continue building on the momentum, created through statewide conversations, survey findings, and the release of the Menopause Memorandum by advancing education, advocacy, and systems changed across Michigan.

To learn more, visit LEO’s press release below. 👇

https://www.michigan.gov/leo/news/2026/05/28/state-leaders-push-policy-solutions-for-women-in-midlife-provide-recommendations-for-employers

06/01/2026

The Office of Rural Prosperity is excited to share an opportunity to support rural small business owners in Northeast Michigan through a Rural Readiness Grant-funded initiative focused on succession planning.

This intake form is part of a 14-county effort across the Northeast and Northwest Lower Peninsula to better understand the challenges, barriers, and resource gaps business owners face as they consider ownership transition, retirement, or succession. Input gathered will be used to shape more effective and locally relevant resources and support systems.

In Michigan’s rural communities, aging business owners are the backbone of local economies, but many are nearing retirement without clear succession plans. Our project will survey business owners across 14 rural counties to uncover real data on exit planning readiness, barriers, and opportunities ...

05/30/2026

Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity has been taking big strides this past month to continue working for Michigan’s businesses, communities, and people. 💙

AI job demand is growing across nearly every region and industry in Michigan. State and local leaders highlight strategies to optimize Michigan’s AI opportunities and workforce plan wins. 📈

Additionally, conversation highlights how menopause impacts, workforce participation, retention, and quality of life from Michigan women. LEO Director Susan Corbin was joined by members of Michigan women’s commission to discuss key recommendations aimed at improving support for midlife women. 💪

As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, LEO is proud to continue advancing workplace mental health efforts that support workers, strengthen business, and help build healthier communities. Leo remains committed to helping everyone build safer, healthier, and more supportive workplace year-round. 🧠

Read more about how LEO supports Michigan businesses, economic opportunities, and Michigan’s prosperity. 💚

https://www.michigan.gov/leo/news

05/25/2026

05/19/2026

With approximately 35,000 annual openings in the professional trades projected through the year 2032, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity to proclaim May as Professional Trades Month.

https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/proclamations/2026/05/01/may-2026-professional-trades-month?utm_campaign=Career-Connect&utm_medium=email-May-2026&utm_source=govdelivery

05/15/2026

Big things are happening in downtown West Branch! 🎉

After years of planning, dreaming, and hard work by the City Downtown Development Authority, construction has officially begun on “The Gathering Place” — and we couldn’t be more excited to see this vision finally coming to life! 🏗️✨

This beautiful new space will be a place to sit, connect, relax, and gather with friends, family, neighbors, and visitors in the heart of our community. It’s another exciting step forward for downtown West Branch and a reminder that great things happen when a community believes in its future. 💛

We can’t wait to watch the progress unfold and see people enjoying this special space for years to come!