Kaitlin Ryan The cut-stone train depot in Harrisville was completed in January 1902, and passenger service from Bay City to Alpena was available until March 31, 1951.

HARRISVILLE — The Alcona County Chamber of Commerce held its monthly meeting on Wednesday and discussed potential business opportunities that could benefit the area.

In a county where tourism drives much of the local economy, area businesses play a pivotal role in attracting people and revenue, officials said. It is especially relevant in Alcona, where the county itself is facing a budget shortfall after the defeat of a property tax millage during the August primaries.

At Wednesday’s chamber meeting, Mark Miller, a consultant from Miller and Associates in Oscoda, brought to the table some new ideas that could aide local business owners and bring more revenue to the area.

Miller discussed a loan program offered through the Economic Development Commission (EDC) located in Tawas that is working to provide loans to businesses in Iosco and Alcona counties.

The handouts he offered detailed a program that can potentially provide loans for a variety of businesses, regardless of the size. Miller went on to say that, in order to qualify, the business must not be able to qualify for a traditional loan.

“You have to fail normal underwriting requirements,” Miller said. “Once you get rejected by a bank, they will look at your business plan.”

There are loans available from $5,000 to $660,000.

He also said that the EDC was looking to include a representative from Alcona on their board.

Miller discussed another new idea that came up at the last meeting of North Eastern Michigan Council of Governments (NEMCOG) about a tech room provided by the Sawmill Rural Business Center in Roscommon. Miller said they have made available a professional space for people who work from home. The tech room offers internet service, desks, printing, and a conference room, all for a monthly membership. It gives people a professional area to conduct business when they might otherwise lack resources such as internet.

In a state that ranks 30th in the nation for broadband availability with more than 350,000 homes without broadband, according to a press release from Gov. Rick Snyder. The lack of internet causes major problems for many residents, as well as summer tourists.

Miller suggested those who run seasonal local businesses, such as a tax firm, could use their empty space to rent out desks to people who need a workspace outside the home but cannot afford to pay for an office. Those who do freelance work or work from home, or tourists who need a small amount of time to conduct business while on vacation, could utilize the space for a fee.

Kym Johnson, a Curtisville resident, said at the meeting that may be something that would be helpful in Alcona.

“I know it is very successful in downtown Detroit…,” Johnson said. “It’s something that could probably work in this area, especially with the problem of no WiFi.”

Miller also talked about the railroad track in Alcona that is not currently passenger-rated, but could be an untapped source of additional income for the area.

There are a handful of passenger-rated rails around the state that provide trips for fall color tours, Halloween events, and other excursions. He said it might be possible to create trips that start in Tawas and go up to Alpena, providing an attraction to draw people to the area. Miller said that the passenger-rated rails are owned by the state and are often contracted out by Short Line Railroad, and there may be a way to work with the state to bring in money for development of the rail in Alcona.

“When you see your elected officials at the state, say, ‘How can we channel some of the development money?'” Miller said.

For more information on the EDC loans, call 989-362-4212.

The Alcona Chamber of Commerce meets at 6 p.m. on the second Wednesday each month at the Alcona Library in Harrisville.

Kaitlin Ryan can be reached at kryan@thealpenanews.com or at 358-5693.