Mike Mahler

ALPENA — Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Director Mike Mahler announced on Thursday that he intends to retire at the end of the year and a search for his replacement is already in the works.

Mahler, who took the position at the beginning of 2020, says he intends to spend more time with his family, but also offered his assistance if needed to help with the continuation of several large projects.

Mahler played a large role in bringing businesses such as Marshall’s, Aldi, the Hampton Hotel, and others to the Alpena area.

He also played a large role in helping businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic when many were forced to close or operate under restrictions.

Mahler explained his decision to retire and described his love for Alpena and the job he committed so much time to over the last six years.

“There are things I want to do on a personal level, like spend more time with my children and grandchildren,” he said. “I still love the job and it is the best job a person can ask for. I have loved every minute of it.”

Despite the challenges from the pandemic, inflation, and a large housing shortage, Mahler marketed Alpena and what it has to offer to help get deals across the finish line. He said there are still many projects in the works, including housing, and in his opinion the Alpena area is set up for much success and growth in the years ahead.

“There is a tremendous amount of interest in Alpena and the outlying areas and I feel good about where we are and where we are headed.”

Mahler said whoever becomes the new economic development director can count on him to help navigate the economic and developmental landscape locally.

Mahler said he would like to lend a hand on the ongoing redevelopment of the former Decorative Panel International property on the shore of Thunder Bay in Alpena, and to assist in the completion of the new Alpena Gardens housing facility on the Alpena owned property out on U.S. 23 South.

Mahler said he has a tight grasp on the history of those projects and the investors and his knowledge of the projects may help the new director when they take the helm, if Alpena officials allow it.

Mahler also is the president of Alpena’s Brownfield Authority Board and the Alpena Downtown Development Authority Board. He said he is undecided at this point on whether he will step down from them and his decision could boil down to the City’s verdict on letting him remain involved in the two large local projects.

Either way, he said, he believes he has a tremendous relationship with city officials and will respect what they decide.

“If the city wants me to continue in a limited role, then I will likely stay on those boards,” he said. “If not, then I will probably choose to step down. I have a great relationship with the city and I work well with everyone, so we’ll see what happens.”

Mahler said he will be able to rest easy knowing he did his best to improve the inventory of businesses in Alpena and will treasure the people he has met and worked with over the years. He said he worked as hard as he did so the people in the area would have more options in where they shop, eat, recreate, and live.

“I know I can go to bed at night and have a clear conscience,” Mahler said. “I never did anything for myself and I did it for the community. Like I said, this was the best job a guy can have and I wouldn’t trade a minute of it for anything.”