Iosco County
Business Tool Kit
Thank you for being a part of or considering Iosco County as a place to do business.
As those who live and work here know, Iosco County is fertile ground for growing your
business with low costs, a talented workforce and high quality of life. We are home to
the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base, now Oscoda Wurtsmith Airport Authority, with
5,221 acres of land, all-weather approach runway, fiber optic network, modern industrial
and commercial buildings. Of Iosco’s many assets, one of the greatest business assets
is tri-modal access via air, land and water. Iosco County boasts 36 miles of shoreline,
23 inland lakes, 259 miles of streams, more than 118,000 acres open to snowmobiling,
110 miles of cross country ski trails, and 6 public golf courses.
This toolkit is intended to be an interactive document that further provides a ‘snapshot’
of what Iosco has to offer and provides an easy reference to points of contact on vital
business issues. It is recommended that you access it electronically with an Internet
ready computer.
**Anyone with suggestions, changes, additions or modifications to this
document, should direct those to [email protected].***
This project was made possible through strong local collaboration between the Tawas Area Chamber of
Commerce, the Oscoda Area Chamber of Commerce, and Develop Iosco.
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MAPS OF IOSCO COUNTY 2
Profile Information
Iosco County is in the northeast quarter of the lower peninsula of Michigan in the heart of Lake
Huron’s "Sunrise Side." The county is bordered on the north by Alcona County, on the west by
Ogemaw County, on the south by Arenac County and on the east by Lake Huron. Iosco County
covers an area of 361,837, acres or about 565 square miles.
Iosco County is located on the northern end of Saginaw Bay in one of the state's most popular
areas for tourism and recreation. The major motor vehicle highway access is US-23, making the
county easily accessible from I-75 and the urban centers of southern Michigan. State highway
M-55 provides a major east-west route and connects the county with areas such as Houghton
Lake, Cadillac and Manistee. The combination of good highway access and an attractive natural
environment have helped to promote tourism as a major economic facet for the local
community.
Large portions of the total area are forested and or held in public ownership as national or state
forest lands. The majority of the local population resides along the Lake Huron shoreline near
US-23, East Tawas, Tawas City and Oscoda. The remaining population concentrations and
employment opportunities are found in the west, where M-65 connects Hale, Plainfield
Township and Whittemore. From the standpoint of political subdivisions, the county consists of
eleven townships and three cities.
According to 2010 Census data, Iosco County consists of 25,887 residents. The labor force is
approximately 10, 410. The 2007 Economic Census reflects that Iosco County encompasses a
diverse employment base. A selection of that data is listed below:
# of employer establishments
80
137
37
116
77
Type
Professional, Scientific, Technical Services
Retail Trade
Manufacturing
Healthcare
Accommodation & Food Service
Iosco County’s Largest Employers
#
Employed
Name
Location
Type of Business
550
395
Tawas City
Oscoda
Hospital/Healthcare
Avionics
361
St. Joseph Health System
Kalitta Staffing Contractors (STS, Airtecs,
SMART) Combined
Kalitta Air
Oscoda
250
230
155
150
140
140
105
Walmart Supercenter
Plastic Trim International (PTI)
CruseCom
Phoenix Composite Solutions
Iosco Medical Care Facility
Tendercare
Cooper Standard Automotive
Tawas City
East Tawas
Oscoda
Oscoda
Tawas City
Tawas City
East Tawas
Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and
Overhaul Services
Department Store
Automotive Stampings
Telecom/Technical
Industrial/Manufacturing
Residential Care Home
Rest Homes
Automobile Parts & Supplies
Manufacturing
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TRANSPORTATION
Ground
Points in Iosco County are easily accessible by major roads: US-23, M-55, M-65.
Mileage to Iosco County (Tawas City is County Seat): According to Michigan State Map Alpena, MI 64 Bay City, MI 65 West Branch, MI 36 Detroit, MI 169 Flint, MI 109 Grand Rapids, MI 189 Lansing, MI 146 Kalamazoo, MI 219 Midland, MI 81 Saginaw, MI 77 Traverse City, MI 131 Air
Tawas Area
Iosco County Airport is a publicly owned facility in the East Tawas area, with one 4,802 foot runway
available for use. For more information, please contact Airport Manager Marvin Poland at 989-362-0052.
GPS coordinates are: Lat/Long 4-18-46.1590N/083-25-20.2950W, 44-18.769317N / 083-25.338250W,
44.3128219 / -83.4223042 (estimated)
Oscoda/AuSable Area
The Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport opened as a public airport on December 1, 1993, following the closure of
Wurtsmith Air Force Base. On October 1, 1994, the Oscoda Wurtsmith Airport Authority assumed this
responsibility.
The Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport offers a 24-hour, all weather aircraft runway and airfield facilities for daily
access. The Airport's UNICOM frequency is 123.0 MHz, the VOR is transmitting on 116.1 MHz and the
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Automated Weather Observation System is available 118.7 MHz or by calling (989) 739-1310.
Aircraft fuel and maintenance services are provided by Phoenix Aviation Services and can be contacted
by calling (989) 739-8486.
The Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport is listed in all flight publications and for any additional information please
contact Gary W. Kellan, Airport Manager at (989)739-1111 or [email protected].
Commercial
Commercial passenger flights are available at nearby airports: Alpena County Regional Airport (APN),
Midland Bay City Saginaw International Airport (MBS), Bishop Airport in Flint (FNT), Cherry Capital
Airport in Traverse City (TVC), and Detroit Metro Airport in Romulus (DTW).
Rail
Lake State Railway services Iosco County. Visit www.lsrc.com for maps and more detailed company
information.
INDUSTRIAL PARKS & AVAILABLE LAND
Tawas Industrial Park
Located in Baldwin Township, the Tawas Industrial Park is overseen by the Tawas Area Industrial
Development Corporation. This Industrial Park is home to several key employers in the Tawas Area such
as: Cooper Standard, Even Flow Products, Red Bird Wood Products, Tawas Tool, Minth/Plastic Trim
International and more.
For additional information, call 800-55-TAWAS.
Tawas City
Tawas City also has limited industrial space available. For more information regarding availability,
contact Tawas City Hall at (989) 362-8688 or check out their website www.tawascity.org
Oscoda Township
Few places offer budding entrepreneurs and existing businesses with opportunities to grow and thrive like
Oscoda Township. From the influx of tourists enjoying a quaint, downtown business district, to major
manufacturing and aerospace service industries being established at the former Wurtsmith A.F.B.,
Oscoda offers businesses an environment for success.
Please visit www.oscodatwp.com or call 989-739-6999 to find out where and how you could begin or
expand your business in Oscoda.
Other available sites: Information regarding other available sites may be obtained through the Michigan
Real Estate Multi-list site at http://www.realestate-mls.com/ .
INFRASTRUCTURE CONTACTS:
Utilities & Telecommunications
Gas
DTE Energy
www.dteenergy.com
800-477-4747
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Electric
Consumers Energy
www.consumersenergy.com
800-477-5050
www.att.com
www.m33access.com
www.charter.com
800-222-0300
888-686-5999
877-728-3814
(989) 984-0404
www.easttawas.com
www.tawascity.org
www.baldwintownship.net
www.oscodatwp.com
(989) 362-6161
(989) 362-8688
(989) 362-3742
(989)739-7532
Communications (Internet & Phone)
AT & T
M-33 Access
Charter Communications
Ideal Wireless
Water/Sewer
East Tawas
Tawas City
Baldwin Township
Oscoda Township
WORKFORCE
Michigan Works!: In order to provide information, materials and support to entrepreneurs at any stage,
Michigan Works! offers a Small Business Resource Center located inside the Michigan Works! Service
Center in East Tawas. Through a partnership with the Michigan Small Business & Technology
Development Center (SBTDC), Michigan Works! provides free, confidential counseling for small business.
At the service center, you will also find a computer, printer, fax and written materials and books available
to assist in starting and maintaining a business.
To help your business get established with new employees, Michigan Works! offers the following services
at no cost to you:
 Advertising your job openings on the Michigan Talent Connect
 Receiving customized resume searches for qualified applicants
 Distributing and collecting applications/resumes and forwarding them to your office
 Free, professional space to conduct interviews
Other services provided by Michigan Works! include:
 Customized training
 Incumbent worker training
 Informational employer workshops
 On the Job Training programs offering reimbursement for training wages
 Apprenticeship programs
 Timely assistance to your staff in transition in the event lay off should occur
The Business Services staff is dedicated to providing business assistance. These services include help
with incentives, workforce development, financing and connections to public/private resources. Contact
Michigan Works! at 989-362-6407 or visit the Service Center in East Tawas (near US-23 & Tawas Beach
road intersection) for more information about these valuable services.
HEALTHCARE
Located at the epicenter of Iosco County, the Tawas St. Joseph Hospital has numerous health services to
offer. St. Joseph Hospital is a comprehensive healthcare system, serving a five-county Region of
Northeast Michigan. In addition to the hospital the county offers many general practices and specialty
medical practices. For more information, visit www.sjhsys.org. You can also reach them by phone at 1800-362-9404.
Alcona Health Center offers a clinic in Oscoda at:
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5671 N. Skeel Ave.
Oscoda, MI 48750
Phone: (989) 739-2550
http://alconahealthcenter.com/index.php
Alcona Health Center is a federally qualified healthcare center (FQHC). A network of healthcare and
dental clinics are situated in northeastern Michigan in Alpena, Alcona, and Iosco counties, and in
northwestern Michigan in Emmet County.
We are a designated Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH). A Patient Centered Medical Home is an
approach to providing comprehensive primary care for children, youth, and adults. The PCMH is a
healthcare setting that facilitates partnerships between individual patients, their personal healthcare
providers, and when appropriate, the patient's family.
District Health Department #2: http://www.dhd2.org/
EDUCATION
Traditional K – 12:
Hale
Oscoda
Tawas
Whittemore/Prescott
www.haleschools.net
www.oscodaschools.org
www.tawas.net
www.wpas.net
Non-Public Schools:
Emanuel Lutheran
Holy Family School
www.lutheransonline.com/emanueltawas
www.hfs-tawas.org
Preschool:
NEMSCA/Headstart
and GSRP
www.nemcsa.org
Iosco Regional Educational Service Agency
www.ioscoresa.net
Special Education
Vocational Education
Alternative Education
Drivers Education Training
Truck Driving School
Motorcycle Rider Course
License Testing for auto, CDL, and motorcycle
Alpena Community College maintains the Huron Shores Campus located at 5800 Skeel Avenue in
Oscoda. For more information, visit:
http://discover.alpenacc.edu/about_acc/location_information.php
Kirtland Community College offers some courses in the Iosco County area. Information regarding their
educational programs can be found at:
www.kirtland.edu
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Municipal Departments, Services & Contacts
It is important for businesses to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations. Be aware of zoning
regulations or else your business may be fined or closed down. Zoning ordinances encompass the types
of businesses allowed in certain zoned areas as well as signage and setbacks. The Iosco County Zoning
Ordinance is administered throughout the County. This ordinance encompasses the types of businesses
allowed n certain zoned areas as well as signage and setbacks. You may visit each municipality’s
website or office for further information, maps and planning documents.
Contacts for local government, including zoning, schools, and local area Chambers of Commerce can be
found at:
http://iosco.m33access.com/community.htm
The Building and Zoning Departments oversee all building and construction related permits as well as
zoning administration. The Building and Zoning Offices are housed within the Iosco County Annex
Building (immediately adjacent to the Iosco County Building). (989)362-6511 Fax: (989) 984-1119
[email protected]
The Building Department also maintains a satellite office in Oscoda. (989)739-9019
The Iosco County Building Department suggests you contact them before any site work is started to avoid
any problems with permits or zoning. They can assist you with obtaining the proper permits regarding any
new construction or modifications to current buildings, as well as provide direction for other steps you
may need to take to be compliant. Many building and zoning related forms and documents can be
accessed via:
http://iosco.m33access.com/building.htm .
County Clerk’s Office
The Iosco County Clerk’s office issues Assumed Name Certificates or what is more commonly known
as DBA’s (Doing Business under an Assumed Name). It is a legal document and is based on state law
(MCL 445.1). A sole proprietor or general partnership conducting business in Iosco County is required by
law to file its business name with the County Clerk’s Office. The Assumed Name Certificate protects the
name of the business. Generally, a DBA should be filed in every county where a business is transacting
business. The Assumed Name Certificate is valid for 5 years and the fee to file, renew, or amend the
certificate is $10.00. Once the certificate expires, the name that was registered by an individual is no
longer “protected” and may be registered by someone else. The County Clerk’s office sends out a notice
approximately 2 weeks before expiration of the certificate. Upon application for a DBA, the proposed
name will be checked to ensure it has not already been registered. You will receive two certified copies of
the certificate. You must be 18 years of age to file a DBA. The County Clerk’s office reserves the right to
refuse the registration of a proposed business name that is similar to an existing DBA that may cause
confusion or deception. If your business is incorporated you file at the state level. The following entities do
NOT file at the county level: Corporations, Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability companies, Assumed
names owned by corporations, Non-profit corporations.
If you fall within the list of corporate entities listed above, visit http://michigan.gov/business. This site will
walk you through the process of filing for one of the above listed designations. In order to file, you will
also need a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN or EIN). An Employer Identification Number
(EIN) is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, and is used to identify a business entity.
FEIN/EIN numbers are issued by the Internal Revenue Service. Online application can be accessed via
https://sa1.www4.irs.gov/modiein/individual/index.jsp
Other helpful websites in this regard include:
http://www.michiganadvantage.org/Grow-Your-Business/
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The County Clerk’s office location/contact information:
Iosco County Building
422 W. Lake Street, P.O. Box 838
Tawas City, MI 48764-0838
(989) 362-3497
Fax: (989)984-1012
http://iosco.m33access.com/clerk.htm
Treasurer’s Office The Iosco County Treasurer’s Office is a primary information center for property tax
collections and foreclosure proceedings, and can assist local businesses with current and past property
tax data, collection process, and mailing change of address requests.
The Treasurer’s Office is housed within the Iosco County Building.
422 W. Lake Street, P.O. Box 538
Tawas City, MI 48764-0538
(989) 362-4409
Fax: (989) 984-1102
http://iosco.m33access.com/treasurer.htm
The Iosco County Register of Deeds Office is the official recording and filing office for all legal
documents affecting real and personal property attached to real estate in Iosco County. The Register of
Deeds Office is housed within the County Building. Location/Contact information:
422 W. Lake Street, P.O. Box 367
Tawas City, MI 48764-0367
(989) 362-2021
Fax: (989) 984-1101
http://iosco.m33access.com/register.htm
Getting Your Business Started
A wealth of information including A Guide to Starting A Small Business, The Small Business Readiness
Assessment Tool, How to Write a Business Plan, Business Support Organizations, as well as links to
How to Finance your business, employer resources and tutorials can be accessed at:
http://www.michigan.gov/business/0,1607,7-255-52647---,00.html
The Small Business Representative works through the Michigan Small Business & Technology
Development Center (SBTDC) and provides free counseling, training, research and advocacy for new
ventures, existing small businesses and innovative technology companies.
Example of some services offered:
 Market Research
 Business Plans
 Assist in preparing for financing
 Fundamentals of Finance
 Financial statement creation and analysis
 How to start a small business
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The following link will provide the SBTDCs “Guide to Starting and Operating a Small Business”. This
guide is both general and Michigan-specific. It outlines the different forms of business organization to
establishment of a basic business plan to comply with federal, state and local tax obligations. Though the
guide is not a substitute for legal or financial counsel, it is an information resource and quick reference
designed to facilitate and expedite the process of starting a business in Michigan.
http://misbtdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/2011-Guide-to-Starting-and-Operating-a-Business-inMichigan.pdf
If your business involves food or agriculture, MSU Product Center can help you develop and
commercialize high value, consumer-responsive products and businesses in the agriculture and natural
resource sectors. Visit www.productcenter.msu.edu for more information.
Financial
Iosco County has many full service banks and credit unions that will provide your business with the tools
you need to operate efficiently. If you are looking for financing they offer personal and commercial loans,
lines of credit, and SBA guaranteed loans.
To view a listing of Michigan banks visit www.us-banks.net/us/michigan.
The Iosco County Economic Development Commission can also provide resources both practical and
financial. It’s revolving loan fund has a strong financial position and lends at very competitive rates to
help you start or expand your business. For information regarding the loan fund, please contact the Iosco
County Treasurer’s Office at 989-362-4409.
A great resource for information regarding business financing can be found at:
http://www.michiganadvantage.org/Access-to-Capital/
Where is my free money? The unfortunate truth about grant scams
Often, small business consultants hear, “I heard that the government has free grant money for
businesses’ or “a company has guaranteed me that they will secure grant money for me if I send some
startup money to them.” Is this legitimate? Unfortunately there is no such thing as free grant money,
regardless of guarantees made. These companies are legitimate only because they work within legal
guidelines. They use high pressure tactics or create a sense of urgency to get a business owner to
commit to sending money but do not actually secure grant money. For example, they say they will refund
your $1,000 minus expenses incurred if you aren’t 100% satisfied. So, when you complain they may tell
you they have incurred $900 in expenses and send you back $100 and have done nothing to help you.
It’s unfortunate but has happened. Remember - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Our local
lending institutions would be happy to meet with you and discuss legitimate financing and loan options.
City of East Tawas Urban Development Action Grant (UDAG) Funds Reuse Program
Low-interest loans are available to assist owners of existing businesses and industries wishing to
rehabilitate and/or expand their operations and to assist those individuals or other entities proposing to
construct new businesses or purchase and renovate existing businesses and industries in the City.
For more information, go to easttawas.com and click on “UDAG” or contact Clerk/Treasurer Blinda Baker
at [email protected] or at 989-362-6161.
City of East Tawas Urban Development Action Grant (UDAG) Reuse Board Façade Loan Program
Zero-interest loans are available for façade improvements for commercially and industrially used
properties in the City of East Tawas located in specific zoning districts. Eligible projects must visibly
improve the character of the building. Examples include, but are not limited to, appropriate signage;
awnings; exterior painting; and window, door and storefront restoration. The funds are available for
exterior improvements only and may be applied to a front, side or rear façade.
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For more information, go to easttawas.com and click on “UDAG” or contact Clerk/Treasurer Blinda Baker
at [email protected] or at 989-362-6161
More Iosco County Contacts
Downtowns, Main Street Programs, Chambers of Commerce
& Merchants Associations
Many agencies and organizations share in the commitment to develop, grow, and retain businesses in
Iosco County. Here is a quick snapshot of local resources:
Organizations/Key Responsibilities
The local Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations:
Hale Area Association
Kathy Alward
Secretary
989-728-2525
[email protected]
www.haleyes.org
Tawas Area Chamber of Commerce
Jamie Stout
Executive Director
989-362-8643
[email protected]
www.tawas.com
Oscoda-AuSable Chamber of Commerce
Leisa Sutton
Executive Director
989-739-7322
[email protected]
www.oscodachamber.com
East Tawas Business Association
The ETBA is an organization whose objectives are, without limitation, to facilitate cooperative efforts
regarding marketing, promotion and communication with the member businesses and coordinate and
maintain projects of beautification and decorations of Downtown streets, including but not limited to the
East Tawas Central Business District.
Membership includes business listings in the Business Guide and on the website, shopeasttawas.com; a
communication vehicle to disseminate accurate information about events and germane issues;
networking with other businesses; and a voice in what happens in the community.
For more information, contact ETBA President John Brummeler at [email protected].
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VISITORS SERVICES & THINGS TO DO
Iosco County invites you to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. We are the “Heart” of the Sunrise
Coast and where the Mighty AuSable River meets the sugar sand shores of Lake Huron.
Many riches of nature are found in Iosco County. Iosco County is home to pristine forests, pathways, and
a recreation area that invite recreationalists and nature lovers. A number of wilderness and natural areas
within our county provide the opportunity to observe wildlife and rare plants.
Water is abundant in Iosco County. Aside from being on 33 miles of Lake Huron, home to 38 miles of the
AuSable River there are 60+ inland lakes in western Iosco County alone. You can swim, sail boat, speed
boat, pontoon boat, canoe, kayak, jet-ski, water ski, fish, ice fish, Charter boat fish. When it comes to
water, we have it all!!
Travel the River Road National Scenic Byway to visit historic sites, trails, sand dunes, and spectacular
scenic view of the AuSable River. You can view the nest of a Trumpeter swan or a Bald Eagle in the
ponds of the river, or visit the 5,000 acre wildlife preserve at Tuttle March.
Jump on the bike path through Alabaster, Tawas City and East Tawas to Tawas Point State Park &
Lighthouse - one of the Midwest’s premier locations for viewing migratory birds. Hike or ski over 25 miles
of trails on the Corsair Trails deep in the heart of the majestic Huron Manistee National Forest. The crossstate Shore to Shore Trail, beginning in Oscoda/Au Sable, connects Huron to Lake Michigan.
The golf courses in Iosco County offer an opportunity to experience all that Michigan has become famous
for, quality golf at affordable prices. Whether it's the feel of the famed seaside courses in Scotland the
Gailes, the rugged classical Pine Valley C.C. feel of The Blackshire or The Serradella bursting with floral
gardens, golfers will enjoy the spirit of the game at Lakewood Shores Resort. . You can also experience
the undulating terrain and picturesque beauty of Red Hawk Golf Club, designed by Arthur Hill. Tawas
Creek Golf Club offers events open to the public. And the peaceful and serene natural setting of Wicker
Hills Golf Club is a jewel nestled in the Huron Manistee National Forest.
If you have a need for speed, Whittemore is home to Michigan’s oldest speedway. Located on M-65, 3.2
miles south of M-55 and 15 miles of US-23, the Whittemore Speedway is an entertaining attraction in
Iosco County. With grandstand seating for 1500 people, the quarter-mile paved race track is welcoming to
all race fans. For more information visit www.whittemorespeedway.net.
Iosco County, with its abundant trees is a must see in autumn. There is no better place to experience the
brilliant colors of fall than aboard the AuSable River Queen. It is a double-decker authentic paddle wheel
boat afloat on the AuSable River, providing safe passage for 44 years.
If shopping is part of your agenda, in Iosco County you can enjoy the quaintness of each town offering a
variety of specialty stores that carry a generous selection of gifts and necessities. We are also home to
national chain stores. From May until October you can shop the Farm Markets twice a week. The
freshest in produce, bakery and seasonal items are brought to us Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Plan a stay in Iosco County. We offer visitors a complete variety of accommodations from primitive
camping to the most luxurious Bed & Breakfasts. There are over a thousand campsites available. Quaint
cabins and cottages dot the entire coast line of Lake Huron and all the inland lakes. We have Motels,
Resorts, Inns, and Bed & Breakfasts offering everything possible to assure you enjoy your visit to Iosco
County.
From the Perchville Polar Bear Jump into Tawas Bay, Hot Air Balloons flying high over Hale, to Art on the
Beach in Oscoda/AuSable, our festivals are sure to entertain you. The contacts listed below can provide
calendars of the events in Iosco County.
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Come visit us, we look forward to having you as a guest……
To assist in planning your vacation contact:
Oscoda Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
P. O. Box 572
Oscoda, MI 48750
www.Oscoda.com
989-739-0900
877-8-Oscoda
Oscoda-AuSable Chamber of Commerce
4440 N US Hwy 23
Oscoda, MI 48750
www.OscodaChamber.com
989-739-7322
800-235-4625
Tawas Area Chamber of Commerce
402E Lake St P O Box 608
Tawas City, MI 48764
www.Tawas.com
989-362-8643
800-55-TAWAS
Tawas Bay Tourist & Convention Bureau
P O Box 10
Tawas City, Mi 48764
www.TawasBay.com
877-To-Tawas
Hale Area Association
P O Box 214
Hale, MI 48739
www.HaleYes.org
989-728-2525
National Scenic Byways
www.byways.org
US National Forest Campground Guide
www.ForestCamping.com
Huron Manistee National Forest
www.fs.usda.gov/hmnf
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