Target Alpena Development Corporation

📢 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!

SBA Office of Advocacy Presents a Roundtable to Cut the Red Tape-Iosco Get ready to cut through the red tape and join us for a lively discussion on removing regulations - your voice matters!

📣 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!

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

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.”

🌟 Grant Opportunity for Local Businesses!

The Target Alpena Small Business Support Hub is now accepting applications for the Direct Grant Support Program — helping established businesses in Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Iosco, and Presque Isle Counties grow and thrive.

💼 Eligible uses include:
✅ Equipment purchases
✅ Marketing materials or services
✅ Inventory, hardware, or software
✅ Specialized consulting services

💰 Grants up to $4,999 (reimbursement-based)
🗓 Apply before December 31st!

Visit 👉 www.targethuron.com to learn more and apply.

Have questions? Contact us at [email protected] — we’re here to help!

💻 Ready to grow your business in the digital world?
Join us for Your Digital Health Check-Up, a free Rogers City United Business Roundtable where you’ll learn how to strengthen your online presence, explore new tools like AI, and connect with others working to make Rogers City thrive.

📅 October 15 | 🕕 6–7 PM
📍 Huron State Bank Annex

Everyone is welcome. Come be part of the conversation shaping the future of our community. 💙

Be one of the amazing people who gives a little time to leave a Google review for a Rogers City business!

Your review benefits all of us in the long run by promoting our community, supporting our business owners, and encouraging visitors to explore Rogers City.

Reviews help by:

• Increasing visibility on Google searches and maps when people later search specific words
• Encouraging new customers to visit
• Building trust through real experiences
• Boosting foot traffic in our community

When you write a review, share what stood out; friendly service, unique products, or a great meal. Those details show others what makes our businesses so special!

A quick, free review makes a big difference in keeping Rogers City the beautiful small city that it is. 💙
Here's how to do it...👇👇👇

🚨 Happening TOMORROW! 🚨
Small business owners — are you ready to tap into the world of government contracting? Don’t miss Contract Ready: Equip Your Business to Win Government Work — a FREE lunch-and-learn event designed to help you get started.

📅 Tomorrow – Tuesday, August 19th
🕦 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Alpena Events Complex – Lower Conference Room

Learn how to find government contract opportunities, navigate the registration process, and access free expert support. Lunch is provided — at no cost to you!

✅ Seats are limited, so be sure to register today: https://bit.ly/ContractReadyRegistration

Sponsored by Target Alpena, Northeast Michigan APEX Accelerator, Michigan SBDC, and Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce.