PROJECT:                ALPENA, MICHIGAN:

Regional Economic Strategy

WORK PROGRAM

AND ACHIEVEMENT: The Center for Economic Expansion called on TPA staff to assess the economic condition of 14 counties in northeast Michigan, and to prepare an economic, educational, and market strategy for this largely rural region. TPA's recommended strategy focused on policies and procedures to encourage the transfer of technology, the investment of capital, and the creation of jobs while maintaining the quality of rural life in the region.

Phase I of this four-phase study included an assessment of principal aspects of the regional economy with attention to economic conditions, infrastructure, organizational linkages, quality of life, industrial/technology dynamics, market image factors and industrial targeting. Following this phase, TPA determined the feasibility of an applied technology center and the critical items related to its operations. In Phase III, TPA recommended a regional marketing plan based on market targets and campaign themes to capitalize on the assets of the region while remaining responsive to its character. Finally, we worked with the economic development professionals in the region to create an action plan and implementation strategy.

TPA's action/implementation plans featured procedures for identification and prioritization of capital projects, measurable objectives, timetables, alternative financing strategies, roles and responsibilities of various political, educational and nonprofit organizations, and the creation of a clearinghouse procedure, a regional development fund, and an overall schedule of implementation.