PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Chris Olson
chrisolson@chippewacountyedc.com
(906) 495-5631
The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners during the Organizational meeting on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, appointed Mr. Tony Haller and during the Regular meeting on Thursday, February 15th, Brien Hanna was also appointed as a Board of Directors of the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation. Mr. Haller and Mr. Hanna will replace both Don McLean, whose term ends this March, and Jack Frost who chose to resign. Haller and Hanna’s appointments are effective beginning April 1, 2024 and both will serve through March 31, 2030.
“We are very excited to welcome Mr. Tony Haller and Mr. Brien Hanna”, stated EDC President Chris Olson. “Tony and Brien bring a great deal of economic experience. I believe they both will bring considerable depth to the EDC, and I look forward to working with them to improve the economy of Chippewa County and the EUP region.”
Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Haller is a graduate of Sault Ste. Marie High School and attended Lake Superior State University. Currently the Executive Director of the Sault Area Chamber of Commerce.
“I am excited to help the Chippewa County EDC continue their mission of growing and developing Chippewa County and surrounding area” stated Tony Haller.
Hanna was also born in Sault Ste. Marie and spent his life in Chippewa County. He has been involved in the building materials industry for many years and is President and CEO of Tri County Building Centers with locations in Cedarville, DeTour, Paradise, Pickford, Sault Ste. Marie, and St. Ignace. These enterprises have been instrumental in the growth of the Eastern Upper Peninsula for years.
“I appreciate the opportunity to be part of the EDC. As a longtime resident and business owner, the continued economic growth and stability of the Eastern Upper Peninsula is very important to me. I’m looking forward to being part of the conversation to ensure our local economy continues to grow and meet future challenges.”
The shift brings excitement for the new appointments and appreciation to Mr. McLean and Mr. Frost. Don McLean has served as the Board Chairman since 2014 and has been a member since 2012.
The Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation’s mission is to encourage economic growth through strengthening the county’s competitive position and facilitating investments that build capacity, create jobs, generate economic opportunity, and improve quality of life. The Chippewa County EDC also manages the Chippewa County International Airport and the Kincheloe Industrial Park.
Chippewa County EDC
5019 W. Airport Dr., Kincheloe, MI 49788
