IRON MOUNTAIN — In 2025, the Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance launched Belong Dickinson, a living and working initiative to raise awareness of the quality of life in the Dickinson County area.

Leading economic development requires providing resources and connecting businesses, community organizations, and governmental organizations, while also promoting the benefits of living and working in the region to retain and attract new businesses and residents.

Belong Dickinson fulfills the latter. Through multimedia storytelling, individuals considering calling the Dickinson area home get a peek at a slice of life. It also highlights both large and small businesses, community organizations, and municipalities.

“We know that quality of life improves when you find common interests with those around you,” said Tony Edlebeck, board chair of The Alliance. “People choose to live here because of our career and outdoor recreation opportunities, making finding common interests easier.”

The Alliance worked with local marketing and media consultants to find the best way to share the story of the community and all the communities within it, while featuring the leading employers.

“People want to live where they feel they have a connection to the community. Working with local marketing and media consultants allows us to tell the story of the Dickinson area with authenticity,” said Mindy Meyers, executive director of The Alliance. “We are grateful our investors understand the importance of visual storytelling and have invested in this initiative.”

Belong Dickinson is funded by investor members of The Alliance. The stories feature the work of individuals at local businesses and how they have found community outside of work — the quality of life found through friendships and finding purpose. The result demonstrates the wide variety of jobs available as well as the many ways to get involved with local organizations.

The Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance is funded by large industry and local businesses, along with municipalities and the county. The split is approximately 80% from private sources and 20% from governmental organizations. Learn more about The Alliance at daeda.org.

The featured stories and business profiles, as well as general information about the region, can be found at belongdickinson.org.