Another couple of days, another couple of positive headlines out of Northeast Michigan.

On Wednesday, News staff writer Steve Schulwitz reported that Alpena developer Jeff Konczak had partnered with Gun Lake Investments to revive the long-dormant Hot ‘n’ Now fast food chain. The first restaurants are planned for Alpena and Gun Lake, but Konczak and his partners hope to take the chain national.

Also Wednesday, Schulwitz reported that an as-of-yet-unnamed developer had purchased the former Decorative Panels International property along the shores of Thunder Bay. We don’t yet know what the plans are for that property, but the Alpena Municipal Council had rezoned the land to prohibit heavy manufacturing and allow mixed-use developments that could include anything from retail to housing, so Alpena’s shoreline will likely look very different in the coming years.

Those headlines followed a booming 2024 for the Alpena area that included a new Ollie’s Bargain Outlet store, a new food court, a new Aldi grocery store, and more.

We should celebrate those developments, Northeast Michigan, but, in so doing, we should celebrate each of you.

Alpena booms because of her people.

We have entrepreneurs willing to start something new. We have investors and developers willing to take a chance on Northeast Michigan. We have workers upon which those entrepreneurs and investors can depend. And we have shoppers who support local endeavors.

So tip a hat to yourselves, Northeast Michigan, for building a better community over and over again.

We can’t wait to see what you come up with next.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)