While the national economy starts and stutters, it appears business is booming in Northeast Michigan.

In recent weeks, we have heard from reporter Steve Schulwitz that a local company plans to develop the long-vacant former Kmart property on U.S.-23 into an industrial startup hub. We’ve heard the former Alpena Power Co. property along the Thunder Bay River may be sold to a developer who plans a mix of commercial and residential operations at the site.

Earlier this summer, reporter Julie Riddle told us about John A. Lau’s reopening in Alpena, expansion at J.J.’s Steak & Pizza House, a new pizza joint, a new geocashing business, and a new gift shop.

And, earlier this month, reporter Crystal Nelson told us of a new brewpub, a new assisted living facility, and a new inn and cottage establishment in Rogers City.

We’re glad to see so much happening in our community, and we encourage our readers to make a point to visit as many of the new establishments as you can to help them prosper.

If each of those businesses take hold, Northeast Michigan will be well-positioned to weather whatever economic storms may blow across the nation.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)