Heidemann resigns EDC/CDC to take job in Arenac County

Dr. Mary Ann Heidemann resigned from her joint post as director of the Economic Development Corporation and the Presque Isle County Development Corporation (PICDC) effective February 28 and will begin her new job as County Extension Director for the MSU Extension office in Arenac County on March 1. In her letter of resignation to the board of directors, Heidemann noted that it has been five years since she began working with the commission. During that time more than $25 million in public infrastructure projects have been completed.

“In some of these projects our organization has been a leader; in others, just a supportive partner. But all these projects have bettered our community and the life of our citizens,” she wrote. Her new job in Arenac County will bring more responsibilities and challenges. She noted that there are some similarities to Presque Isle County with rural farming communities facing the need to change with the times. The job description required economic development experience and skills, which is a change from past extension director positions.

EACH COUNTY in the state has an extension director but because of funding and staffing constraints, some of the support staff are shared between two or more counties and the director has to coordinate and manage those resources. The search for a new executive director will begin with a discussion between the MSU extension director, Dave Glenn, the county board of commissioners and the PICDC board of directors, according to Heidemann. “It will depend on what funding is available and the job description. What was appropriate five years ago when they created this position may not, in my opinion, be what is needed today,” she said. “It may be a good time to reassess what needs to be done in the next five years and then to sharpen the position description. There are a lot of good people out there and a lot of them are right here in our own county. “This is a relatively new organization and being the first executive director, I think what is needed is a commitment that the institution is much greater than any staff member. I know there are concerns about future funding for the county because of the loss of traditional revenue sharing and that will have an impact. They will have to look at that,” she concluded.

LOOKING BACK at the last five years, Heidemann said she was particularly proud of the infrastructure projects that have been completed such as the airport in Rogers City, two industrial parks, helping to push along the trail system, and several other major projects around the county. The other area she felt the organization was effective was in business communications and connections, helping to build stronger partnerships, assisting with small business plans and providing small business loans.

“Because we have contact with business people, they also come in for planning assistance that makes them more successful. On one hand you get your money back because they repay their loan, on the other hand you have a new business adding to the community,” she said. Asked if there were any missed opportunities or disappointments that she could do over again, Heidemann responded in a positive tone. “I really had a wonderful time over the past five years and while I suppose there are disappointments here and there, when something doesn’t work out, the beauty is you just try it another way.

“ANY PROBLEMS we have had, we have been able to work through them rather than bulldoze over them and I think that is a crucial decision, not just for the individual project but the next one you are trying to do. “All of our funding partners at the state and federal level are more likely to give further funding if you have done well the first time. It’s like a little bank account of good will and I think there is quite a lot of good will in our account right now,” she said.

Heidemann was asked if she had any advice for the new person who will take her place. She laughed heartily and said, “I don’t feel competent to offer advice, I am sure whoever is the next director will do things differently. They need to have confidence in their own approach and work closely with the board of directors. Everyone brings different strengths to his or her job. I am sure they will do well.”

GLENN SPOKE from his office in Rogers City about Heidemann’s contributions to the community. “Prior to Mary Ann taking on the role five years ago there were very few dollars tha

t came into this county from outside funding sources. With her skills and knowledge about where to go, how to get it, who to talk to, she was very methodical and efficient,” he said. “She built a foundation that will allow us to continue to grow. It’s very important to keep adding to that foundation for economic growth in the county. She was the right person at the right time for the job we needed done. When we set up the EDC organization about six years ago, we talked about economic development being a long term initiative. We knew it was going to take five to ten years just to get things going.

“Fortunately, we had someone who knew the area locally, knew the people, knew the requirements and was able to step in and run with it. Though we will miss her, we are also happy for her in her new role. She will have greater responsibility and recognition. We wish her all the best,” Glenn said.

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