IEDC sets goals to help area businesses in 2016

By TOM STANKARD

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Ironwood — The Ironwood Economic Development Corporation approved a set of goals for the upcoming year to set a course for Ironwood’s future.

After a lengthy discussion, members agreed on several goals that community development director Michael Brown said should improve Ironwood’s local businesses. In order to make their vision a reality, each corporation member signed up to take on one or more of the goals.

On the list of goals, Brown said Ironwood needs to update its zoning ordinances to comply with state law and to be consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan.

“Updating our zoning ordinances will make Ironwood more business-friendly,” he said.

Brown said the IEDC should look into developing a local fund to go with the city’s existing regional revolving fund.

“It will improve how we help local businesses through financial assistance,” he said.

A couple years ago, Brown said the city developed a mentorship program for young adults and community members alike to learn from current business owners. Brown said he wants to improve upon the program next year.

“We want to take it to the next level,” he said. “We talked about bringing in speakers at the college, and eventually have connections made through a networking process to help people in the community.”

This past summer, Brown said Nancy Korpela, of Ironwood, started a business incubator, 906Boom!, to help locals develop their own small business. Brown said it has been a success. IEDC members signed up to take the business even further.

“The idea is they can eventually go on to bigger and better things in the area,” Brown said.

Brown said he and the chamber of commerce have been working with the Ironwood School District to try to get businesses and students to connect.

“We want to show that there are opportunities here for students and that they don’t have to leave our area,” he said. “This is something all business owners could participate in.”