The Osceola Economic Alliance (OEA) is a non-profit organization formed as the result of a partnership between Osceola County and Michigan State University Extension.  The mission of the OEA is to encourage and facilitate community and economic development in Osceola County, Michigan.

The OEA serves a broad customer base that includes industry, existing small businesses, start-up businesses, non-profits, and local units of government.  If you have questions or desire assistance please contact Dan Massy.  He is located in the lower level of the County Courthouse and can be reached by phone at (231) 832-7397.

The Osceola Economic Alliance (OEA) is on the Internet and there is plenty to keep your interest.  The site is comprised of six primary sections; OEA, Brownfield, Data Center, Manufacturing, Small Business, and Links.

The "OEA" section includes information all about the Osceola Economic Alliance.  Specifically, there is information concerning the OEA's Board of Directors, previous year's achievements, current year work plan, and the services the OEA provides. 

The "Brownfield" section includes information on the County's Brownfield program.  Specifically, there is information on the Board of Directors, meeting minutes, both grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and Brownfield properties.

The "Data Center" section is full of data related specifically to Osceola County in the categories of  business, demographics, land, employment, income, and housing.

The "Manufacturing" section includes a directory of the county's manufacturers, listings of available buildings, and information on the Evart Air-Industrial Park.

The "Small Business" section is sort of a tool kit for the small business owner or prospective owner.   It contains information concerning workshops & online training, financing, support organizations, and frequently asked questions.

The "Resource Links" section is your typical links page except almost all of the links go to other sites in Osceola County.  

Do you own a small business or are you thinking of starting a business?  Every year the OEA typically works with about forty current or perspective small businesses.  The services provided vary greatly because no two businesses are exactly the same.  The important point is that the assistance is tailored to meet the needs of each individual business. 

Examples include, but are by no means limited to; business plan development, license searches, demographic research, finding the right state agency, or general start-up assistance.  If you have any small business questions don't hesitate to call Dan Massy at (231) 832-7397. 

Do you own a home that needs repairs, but don't know how to afford them?  Would you like to own a home, but need a little help?  If the answer is yes to either question there MAY be a program for you!

Neither Michigan State University Extension nor the Osceola Economic Alliance has money for housing; however, we know who does.  There are a number of federal, state, and non-profit programs for current and prospective homeowners.  Please be aware that each program has eligibility requirements and these requirements vary from program to program.

If you have housing questions please contact Dan Massy at (231) 832-7397.

2007 - June 2009

Grants

Homeowner Rehabilitation Program  (2007)                                                     $   175,000
Used to assist low-income homeowners make necessary repairs
Source: Michigan State Housing Development Authority

Hazardous Substance Assessment Grant  (2007)           		     $   200,000
Used to identify contaminated and potentially contaminated sites
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

Petroleum Substance Assessment Grant  (2007)          		    $   200,000
Used to identify contaminated and potentially contaminated sites
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

Scrap Tire Cleanup Program  (2008)		                        $ 1,619,054
Used to remove approximately 1.6 million illegally dumped scrap tires	
Source: Michigan Department of Environmental Quality


Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant  (2008)                                 $   105,000
Will be used to help fund improvements at Marion Veterans Park
Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Great Lakes Energy People Fund  (2008)                                                        $       3,000
Will be used to help fund a building purchase by a non-profit
Source: Great Lakes Energy

Homeowner Rehabilitation Program  (2009)                                                 $   175,000
Used to assist low-income homeowners make necessary repairs
Source: Michigan State Housing Development Authority 
 
 
Scrap Tire Cleanup Program  (2009)			 $     11,150
Used to remove approximately 11,500 illegally dumped scrap tires	
Source: Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
 
Great Lakes Energy People Fund  (2009)                                                        $      3,000
Will be used to help fund a building purchase by a non-profit
Source: Great Lakes Energy

Rural Business Development Enterprise Grant (2009)                                 $   18,000
Will be used to help fund improvements at Marion Veterans Park
Source: United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development


Direct Customer Contacts

Small Business Counseling:		                      117
Housing Counseling:			         	   37
Manufacturing Retention Visits:		       	   24

Non-Direct Customer Contacts (Jan 2006 through Mar 2008)

Osceola County Website Visits	                                     over 160,000
(www.osceola-county.org)

Osceola Economic Alliance Website Visits                        over   25,000		  

(www.osceola-alliance.org) 

Represented County Interests on Regional Boards

• Michigan Works! West Central's, Workforce Development Board
• West Michigan Regional Planning Commission
• West Michigan Regional Planning Commission's, Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Committee

• Served as the project manager for the Orient Township Scrap Tire Cleanup Project (2008).  
• Served as Director of the Osceola County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (ongoing).
• Served as the local administrator for Osceola County's Housing Rehab Program (ongoing).
• Served as the webmaster for the Osceola County Township Association (OCTA) website (ongoing).
• Provided numerous community development related services to local units of government in Osceola County.  Projects included assisting Hartwick Township develop its Land Use Plan (2007) and assisting the Osceola Township Planning Commission develop it bylaws (2008).

The Osceola County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (Authority) was formed in September 2006.  The goal of the Authority is to return abandoned, idled, or under-used industrial and commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by either real or perceived environmental contamination back to productive use.

In May 2007 the Authority acquired  two important tools in which to accomplish its goal.  One was a $200,000 Brownfield Assessment grant for Petroleum Subtances and the other was a $200,000 Brownfield Assessment grant for Hazardous Substances.  Both grants were from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  The Authority is currently in the process of using these funds to identify and assess potentially contaminated sites throughout the County.

If you would like to know more about the Osceola County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority please contact Dan Massy at (231) 832-7397.