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Progress 2026

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Tourism making waves in Northeast Michigan

ALPENA — Tourism in Northeast Michigan since COVID-19 has been on the incline, Mary Beth Stutzman, president and CEO of the Alpena Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), said. While tourism was initially low in 2020, once restrictions started to loosen up, people wanted a place where ...

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Diversifying the agriculture industry in Northeast Michigan

ALPENA - Agritourism is just one form of farming that leverages the land and natural resources to support a local economy. In October, Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed the month as Agritourism Month to recognize farms and orchards across the state, which provide economic and social ...

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The history and future of manufacturing in Alpena

ALPENA – Alpena was founded in 1871, but its first settlement arrived in the area in the 1830s with a focus on local fishing, but over time, it became a manufacturing stronghold not only in Michigan, but around the globe. The earliest manufacturing businesses locally stemmed from fishing ...

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The economic pillars of Northeast Michigan

ALPENA — To have a healthy local economy, it must be diverse, flexible, and adapt to changes in public tastes and trends. For most rural communities, the pillars of the economy are manufacturing, agriculture, retail and service, and tourism. Currently, Northeast Michigan has a blend of all ...