Oceana County Economic Alliance

06/19/2026

📖 Economic Flashback Friday – April 1, 1980

At the April 1, 1980, meeting of the Economic Development Corporation of the County of Oceana, local leaders continued building the foundation for long-term economic growth throughout Oceana County.

🏗️ The Board approved the Project Plan for the Kurdziel Iron Industries expansion project, marking a significant step forward for one of the county's early industrial development initiatives.

💼 Members also reviewed a proposed expansion project for ICT Corporation in Shelby Industrial Park and discussed how economic development financing could help support business growth, land acquisition, facility construction, and equipment investment.

🤝 Beyond individual projects, the EDC focused on creating a comprehensive Community Profile and Buildings & Sites Inventory to market Oceana County to prospective employers and investors. Board members divided responsibilities for gathering data on population, workforce, transportation, education, housing, recreation, and local industry.

More than 45 years later, these discussions demonstrate how Oceana County's economic development efforts were built on a combination of business investment, community planning, and a shared vision for future growth.



Source: April 1, 1980 EDC Board Minutes

06/18/2026

Great to connect today with Nichole from City of Hart, Toby from Village of Pentwater, Phil from Village of Shelby, and Tracy from Oceana County. After lunch, we visited the Shelby Township Community Park Tiger Athletic & Community Center as they prepare for their official opening.

06/15/2026

Last week Vaughn White from Valley City Metals hosted OCEA, Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, and The Right Place on a tour of the Rothbury and Shelby facilities and insights on their future growth. Thanks to Peter Hungerford, Jeff Henkel, and Kevin Olds for supporting West Michigan manufacturers and joining Curtis Burdette on the visit!

06/05/2026

📖 Economic Flashback Friday – March 18, 1980

On March 18, 1980, the Economic Development Corporation of the County of Oceana took important steps toward shaping the county’s economic development strategy and prioritizing projects for federal funding consideration.

🏗️ Board members reviewed three proposed Economic Development Administration (EDA) projects, including improvements to 192nd Avenue in Colfax Township - which 200 jobs were dependent upon, Downtown Hart revitalization efforts, and a new vocational education facility.

💼 Discussion focused on the economic impact of each project, with members emphasizing job retention, future job creation, and long-term benefits to Oceana County communities.

🤝 The EDC also began laying the groundwork for countywide business attraction efforts by discussing the development of a community profile, a buildings and sites inventory, and a promotional brochure to market Oceana County to prospective industries and investors.

More than 45 years later, these conversations demonstrate the vision of local leaders who were already planning for infrastructure improvements, workforce development, and business growth throughout Oceana County.



Source: March 18, 1980 EDC Board Minutes

05/29/2026

The session "Oceana County: Low Population Communities... Huge Impacts" was presented by our Executive Director Curtis Burdette at Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities - CEC - Michigan in Fremont this morning. Community leaders from across the state learned about recent community successes in Oceana County and the history of long-term strategy from collaborative, forward-thinking leaders. Great conference organized by Michigan State University Extension.

So exciting to have so many success stories to share about Oceana County. Among those on the closing panel for the conference was Greg VanBoxel of Fiesta Grande. Thanks to all our friends who helped bring this event to Oceana County.

05/29/2026

📖 Economic Flashback Friday – February 25, 1980

On February 25, 1980, the Economic Development Corporation of the County of Oceana considered one of its first major industrial development projects—a proposed expansion of Kurdziel Iron Industries in Rothbury.

🏗️ The proposed $2.2 million investment included facility improvements, new overhead cranes, a sand reclamation system, and upgraded manufacturing equipment designed to increase production capacity and improve workplace safety.

💼 Company representatives indicated the expansion would help retain existing jobs while potentially creating 40–50 new positions in Oceana County. Board discussions also highlighted the project's potential to strengthen the local tax base, support local contractors, and generate additional economic activity throughout the county.

🤝 Beyond the expansion project, EDC members discussed the future role of the organization, including strategies to promote Oceana County, attract new investment, develop a community profile, and market the county as a destination for business growth.

More than 45 years later, this meeting reflects the same priorities that continue to drive economic development today: job creation, business investment, and building a stronger future for Oceana County.



Source: February 25, 1980 EDC Board Minutes

05/27/2026

Congrats to The Starting Block, Inc. for 20 years of supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs from Oceana County and beyond!

HART — The Starting Block, Michigan’s first kitchen incubator, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this October, marking two decades of helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into successful businesses. Since receiving its first state and federal grant in 2004, the nonprofit has played a pivotal role ...

05/26/2026

Great discussions at Oceana County Small Business Buzz Coffee Circle. Thanks to our host The Starting Block, Inc. and our sponsor Dark Water Coffee.

05/24/2026

Yum! Wishing you all some delicious asparagus!

FACT! Michigan is ranked first in the country in asparagus production... and it’s something we’re proud to celebrate every spring.​

Each year, Michigan farmers harvest 26 million pounds of fresh, flavorful asparagus, supplying markets far beyond our state lines. And this success isn’t by chance. Along the Lake Michigan shoreline, generations of growers have benefited from the region’s unique natural advantages: moderate temperatures, cooling breezes, and sandy, well‑drained soils that create the perfect environment for growing high‑quality asparagus.​

In the fields, each spear is carefully harvested by hand. Michigan’s asparagus farmers pour skill and dedication into producing a crop that’s both delicious and nutritious.​

Here’s to Michigan agriculture, our hardworking farm families, and the incredible growing conditions that help keep us at the top of the spear! 🌱

05/22/2026

📖 Economic Flashback Friday – January 29, 1980

On January 29, 1980, the Economic Development Corporation of the County of Oceana held its organizational meeting at the Pink Elephant Restaurant in Hart, officially setting the foundation for economic development efforts in Oceana County.

🏗️ Board members discussed regional economic development opportunities and how local communities could pursue Economic Development Administration (EDA) funding for projects focused on job creation and retention.

💼 During the meeting, EDC leaders emphasized that successful projects would need to demonstrate a strong impact on employment and long-term economic growth within Oceana County.

🤝 The newly formed board elected its first officers, assigned members to coordinate with local communities throughout the county, and began preparing for future industrial development projects — including early discussions surrounding Kurdziel Iron Industries.

More than four decades later, this meeting reflects the beginning of a coordinated effort to strengthen economic opportunity across Oceana County.



Source: January 29, 1980 EDC Board Minutes