Cercone’s appointment as CDC director finalized by county board
by Peter Jakey, Managing Editor
Joe Cercone has accepted the position of executive director of Presque Isle County Development Commission/ Economic Development Corporation (CDC/EDC). Members of the Presque Isle County Board of Commissioners ratified the recommendation at the June 10 meeting. ?We felt with his experience, plus his background in his career, he would be the ideal candidate,? Andy Hayhoe, CDC chairman, told the county board before their unanimous vote.
?I SPENT A career in industry,? said Cercone. ?Saying that, I think I can speak the language of the kind of business people that we would like to see come here.? Cercone worked for Michigan Limestone Operations for 17 years and Besser Company of Alpena for 12 years before retiring. One of his top priorities will be providing Wolverine Power Cooperative with any type of assistance they need in the company?s pursuit of building a coal-fired power plant south of Rogers City.
?This is the biggest potential economic development project that has ever come to this county,? he said. ?When a person is working on economic development, you have to put that at the top of the list.? Cercone said it would be easier to attract other businesses to the area if Wolverine is able to move forward with their plans. ?That is the kind of anchor business that will make this area much more attractive to other employers,? said Cercone. His first public meeting with the entire CDC/EDC board is tonight.
?I?VE ALREADY provided them with an outline of what I see the priorities being,? said Cercone, ?and obviously the number one issue we have to deal with, and the reason that we are there, is to see an improvement in the economic conditions in Presque Isle County. That?s why we have a development commission, that?s why we have an E
Cercone has lived in Rogers City for more than 32 years and has worked with the Northeast Michigan Consortium and Rogers City Area Chamber of Commerce regarding business and economic development. The bulk of his working career was spent in the human resources field. “I am keenly aware that the work force available in this area is its most valuable asset. A successful economic development effort is critical to the well-being of this area and must emphasize the quality of the work force and quality of life available in Presque Isle County,” Cercone said.
HE RECEIVED his Bachelor of Science degree in industrial administration from Kettering University and a Master of Industrial Relations from Michigan State University. He retired in 2006 as senior corporate project manager at Besser. A few of his affiliations include the Northeast Michigan Private Industry Council, Thompson’s Harbor State Park Advisory Commission and Northeast Michigan Personnel Association. He has been an instructor for the Michigan Small Business Education Program. He and his wife, Sally, have three sons and one daughter. He is a certified official for the Michigan High School Athletic Association for basketball, football, baseball and softball.