A Word From Our President

Happy April, Chamber members!


As we begin to wrap up the first quarter, we want to remind you to make the most of your Chamber membership this year!


From exclusive networking events to educational workshops, marketing opportunities, and advocacy support, our chamber offers a wide variety of resources designed to elevate your business. We encourage you to take advantage of our diverse range of services to expand your network, engage with fellow members, tap into expert knowledge, and leverage our platform to thrive.


Have questions or concerns about your membership? Reach out to Marketing & Membership Manager, Annabelle and she would be happy to assist.

Welcome New Members!

All The Things

All The Things has partnered up with various Michigan artists and ''makers'' to bring you unique, thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list! 


Bay County Hockey Association

Bay County Hockey Association promotes and teaches youth hockey within Bay County, Michigan. 


Blossom Into Health Chiropractic

Blossom Into Health Chiropractic is a cozy chiropractic office serving families and individuals in Bay City and beyond. Fourth generation chiropractor Dr. Sally Blossom Colosky is excited to bring 17 years experience to serve the Bay Area.


OEO Energy Solutions

OEO Energy Solutions is focused on providing commercial and industrial customers the latest in LED technology. OEO works directly with businesses to lower operating costs, improve light quality, and assist with utility rebates in order to deliver customer satisfaction second to none.

Visit Our Member Directory

Please make sure to welcome these businesses and support your fellow Chamber members!

Featured Content

Annual Meeting Recap

Thank you to our incredible Chamber members who joined us for our 141st Annual Meeting at the Great Hall! It brings us great joy to share the night with our community to reflect on the accomplishments of 2023, and look forward to what opportunities await us in 2024.


In reflection of the past year, we had the privilege of honoring and celebrating the excellence of outstanding individuals and businesses in the Bay Area:



Business Hall of Fame – Jerry Somalski, Bay Landscaping

ATHENA – Heather Gallegos, Dow

Leadership Bay County Alumni Community Service – Rob Clark, Michigan Sugar Company

Heart of the Chamber – BT Technologies

Bay Area Energize YPN – Grace Sayles, Hyatt Ewald Funeral Home and Cremation Society of Mid-Michigan

Ambassador of the Year – Beth Gehoski, Bay City Public Schools


We would like to send a HUGE thank you to our Event Sponsors:

Bay City Public Schools

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

Saginaw Valley State University

Weinlander Fitzhugh CPAs


Entertainment Sponsor:

Enbridge Energy


Video Sponsor:

Prost Wine Bar & Charcuterie

Click HERE to watch a recap of the event! 

Leadership Bay County Learns About Education!

The Leadership Bay County Class of 2024 spent their March session learning about Education in the Bay Area!


Students began their day with a tour and overview of Bay-Arenac Community High School, and then travelled to the Bay Arenac ISD Career Center for a tour and enjoyed a wonderful lunch served by the culinary students at Blooming Chefs!


The class then received an educational systems overview from the superintendents of Essexville-Hampton Public Schools, Bay City Public Schools, Bay-Arenac ISD, Bangor Township Schools, Pinconning Area School District, and Bay City Academy.


Following this presentation, students travelled to Saginaw Valley State University to hear from Shelly Raube, Dean of Students at Delta College and Executive Director of Communications at SVSU, JJ Boehm. They concluded the day with a campus tour.


Their April session will be focusing on Public Safety and the Legal System.


Interested in joining the next Leadership Bay County class that begins in the fall? Please reach out to Jodi LaMont.

Follow Leadership Bay County on Facebook

BACC President & CEO Speaks at WIL Luncheon

Bay Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, Magen Samyn was the featured speaker at Women In Leadership Great Lakes Bay's March Luncheon!


Magen spoke about Change Management, sharing strategies and perspectives on how to effectively lead through transitions, foster resilience, and drive organizational success.


Some key takeaways to take back to your own organization:



  • "Provide a culture where everyone feels comfortable to speak."
  • "Don’t negotiate your non-negotiables."
  • "Make the tough decisions even when it’s hard."


Great job, Magen!

Youth Leadership Bay County Graduates!

Congratulations to our Youth Leadership Bay County Class of 2024 on their graduation!


We had graduates participate in the program this year from:


Essexville Garber High School

John Glenn High School

Bay City Western High School

All Saints Central High School

Pinconning Area School District


We can't wait to see all the amazing things these local young leaders will do in our community!


Thank you to our YLBC Mentors: Anderson Beardon, Complete College Advising, Scott Trepkowski, Outdoor Adventures, Samantha Cain, Weinlander Fitzhugh, and Rebecca Smith, Bay-Arenac ISD. We would also like to thank Jodi LaMont for doing an amazing job leading the program!

Alpha Media Hosts Lunch & Learn

We’re thrilled to share that our Lunch & Learn program has been off to an exceptional start this year!


Mark Thomas and Tori Hummelle from Alpha Media were our speakers for March, showing Chamber members ‘How to Take Advantage of the Digital Marketing World.’


Thank you to our speakers for taking the time to share their skills and expertise with our members. We’re committed to continuously providing value and opportunities for growth and engagement!

Have an idea for a Lunch & Learn? Share it with us! 

Chamber Team Visits Stricker Cosmetology & Esthetics!

Thank you to Stricker Cosmetology & Esthetics for treating our staff members to a day of well deserved pampering!


Did you know that you can book services with their students at an affordable rate?! Their hands on training and instruction effectively prepares them to be salon-ready upon graduation.


Our team enjoyed manicures, pedicures and facials. This was a great day of team bonding and relaxation! We appreciate the time and talent of the students who worked with us!

The BACC Business & Education Partnership Hosts Mock Job Interviews

Mock Job Interviews were conducted at State Street Academy, Bay- Arenac Community High School and John Glenn High School in March!


At State Street Academy, eight 10th grade students received mock interviews. Nearly every student had the opportunity to practice interviewing several times, getting the chance to fine tune their skills and receive feedback. A total of 44 interviews were conducted during this session.


At Bay-Arenac Community High School, 18 students received a total of 37 interviews, allowing every student the opportunity to interview at least two times each.


At John Glenn High School, 96 11th grade students received mock interviews.


Thank you to all our Chamber members who volunteered their time to assist us with this program! It is a great way to invest in the youth in our community who will be joining the workforce.


Interested in being notified of upcoming Mock Job Interview volunteer opportunities? Contact Jodi LaMont at jodi@baycityarea.com

Blue Cross Blue Shield Shares How to Safely Store and Dispose of Prescription Drugs

Click HERE to Read the Full Article

Bring Your Children to Work Day!

ATTENTION MEMBERS!

 

Get ready to inspire the next generation of leaders on April 25, 2024!

 

Join the initiative for “Take Your Children to Work Day” and show our future leaders the diverse career opportunities available in our vibrant community. Let’s ignite their curiosity and passion for the workforce and work together to share a brighter future. Don’t miss this chance to make a meaningful impact on young minds!

 

Mark your calendars for April 25, 2024 and make sure to BRING YOUR CHILDREN TO WORK!

More Information & Resources 

Member Events & News

Blossom Into Health Chiropractic is offering a $90 (normally $125) adjustment for first-time clients.


The Bay Area Community Foundation is hosting their 24-Hour Day of Giving on May 7th.


Wildfire Credit Union is offering Workplace Perks for employers.


The City of Bay City is soliciting sealed bid proposals for Residential Roof Replacement Bid #24-0417.


Sponsors are needed for the 2024 Bay City Bass Tournament Series.


Volunteer registration is now open for the 2024 Dow Championship.


Lux Off Washington is now pre-leasing apartment units.


Blue Cross Blue Shield is continuing their Virtual Well Being webinars in April.


The Bay Future Inc. Annual Meeting will take place on April 17th.


The Shop/Hescott Design Co. is now open on 115 3rd St.


Bay City achieves MEDC’s Redevelopment Ready Communities “Essentials” status.


Great Lakes Dream Center is hosting a dinner & fundraising event on April 22nd.


The Great Lakes Bay Supplier Summit will take place on May 13th.


The Going PRO Talent Fund makes awards to employers to assist in training, developing and retaining current and newly hired employees. Applications are open until April 22nd.


Join Saginaw Valley State University for a Civility Project lecture on April 18th.

Do you have news or events you would like to share with other Chamber members? Email your events to Annabelle to be included in the next Bay Area Chamber Banter, and add them to our 'Community Events' calendar.

Chamber Events

Click HERE to read our April Events Notice!

Energize Young Professionals Network

Click HERE to read the Energize April Newsletter.

Ambassador Club

Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies

A ribbon cutting is a ceremonial opening of a new business, a recognition for newly renovated business, a celebration of an anniversary, or recognition for a major milestone. Ribbon cuttings are a great way to bring attention to your business!


In March, a Ribbon Cutting was done for Sanctuary Yoga,

Brick Awards

The Brick Award was developed by the Bay Area Chamber Ambassadors to recognize the investment a Bay County business makes to the community when it expands, renovates, or improves its facility. The awards for March were presented to the following businesses: Pure Medical Spa, Tri City Brewing Company and Isabella Bank.

Pure Medical Spa

Presented by Ambassador Jessica Gregory

Tri City Brewing Company

Presented by Ambassador Lyndsey O'Brien

Isabella Bank

Presented by Ambassador Hillary Stockel

In Case You Missed It!

Thank you to all who attended our March Eye Opener Breakfast and Business After Hours!


Please visit our Facebook Page to see photos from the events.

A Special Thank You to Our Sponsors!

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