It is hard to believe August is here and back-to- school is just a few weeks away. And with back- to-school, we look forward to kicking off our next session of Leadership Bay County!

Since 1987, we have graduated 715 business and community members who want to understand the Bay Area better and become more active in moving our community forward. Speakers from businesses, government, education, law enforcement, natural resources, arts & culture and human services provide information at each session to truly engage with participants.

We are currently accepting applications for the upcoming class that kicks off in September.

Leadership Bay County is also seeking project proposals for the upcoming class to fund and complete as part of their community service in the program. Prior examples include public art, Infinity Skate Park, community beautification, time capsule, rail trail pavilion, community welcome sign, resource library, and so many more projects that impacted and improved the Bay Area. 

To learn more about joining LBC or to submit a project proposal form, click HERE.

Welcome New Members!

Aviator Cookie Company

Van Ness Family Agency

Veterans Homeless Solutions Inc.

Featured Content

Support Youth Leadership Bay County

The Youth Leadership Bay County class of 2023-2024 is seeking sponsorship.

For each $500 sponsorship, 1 high school student can enroll in the program.

Youth Leadership Bay County is a program offered to high school juniors. It provides opportunities to learn about leadership, team building and their own strengths. Graduates say that the program helped them:

• Gain college admission
• Earn scholarships
• Further interpersonal skills
• Understand our community
• Understand business
• Understand government

Please email or send completed forms to jodi@baycityarea.com.

Join Bay Area Energize!

Are you a young professional looking to get more involved in our community and meet new people in a fun way? Join Bay Area Energize!

The vision of Energize is to enhance the Great Lakes Bay Region by cultivating business relationships, developing leadership roles, and ultimately retaining young professionals for economic growth in the greater Bay County Area.

For more information and an application, email energize@baycityarea.com.

Michigan and Ontario Sign Agreement to Strengthen Economic Ties

Governor Whitmer and Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford signed an agreement of understanding between the two governments around shared economic priorities. This memorandum of understanding will strengthen the ties between Ontario and Michigan, increasing trade, attracting investment and promoting job creation.

The United Way of Bay County of Bay County will host The Longest Table event.

The United Way of Bay County launches 10-Day Unity Challenge.

The ROCK Center for Youth Development to host a cornhole tournament.

The Bay Area Community Foundation's grant application process is now open.

CAN Council will host their Ducky Derby & Fun Fest on August 12th.

The Rescue Ministries of Mid-Michigan is hosting a Charity Gala.

Financial Plus Credit Union launches free billboard contest supporting small minority-owned businesses.

The Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational opens up applications for the Sustainability Summit Grant.

Kidneys for Kids is hosting a fundraiser at a Great Lakes Loons game.

Do you have news you would like to share with other Chamber members? Email Annabelle to be included in the next Bay Area Chamber Banter.

August Business After Hours

Come Join us for our Business After Hours hosted by the Bay County Historical Society!

Thursday, August 17, 5pm-7pm

Bay County Historical Museum

​321 Washington Avenue

Bay City, MI 48708

For ease and speed at registration, PLEASE bring your business cards! 

No RSVP needed!

15th Annual Bay Area Energize Golf Outing

The BEST Non-Golfer Golf Outing! ⛳️

Friday, August 18, 2023

4:00 pm Check-In & 4:30 pm Shotgun Start

Maple Leaf Golf Course 

158 N. Mackinaw, Linwood

Cost to play is $40 per person and includes:

    -9 holes w/ cart

 -Giveaways

 -Dinner/ cash bar

Mark Your Calendars!

September Eye Opener Breakfast- Registration required

Friday, September 15, 7:15-9 AM, DoubleTree Hotel Bay City - Riverfront

September Business After Hours- No RSVP needed

Thursday, September 21, 5-7pm, CMURC

122 Uptown Drive, Ste. 204, Bay City, MI 48708

YPN Events

August Energize Coffee Social- No RSVP needed

Friday, August 18, 8am-9am, Populace Coffee

810 Saginaw St.

Bay City, MI 48708

15th Annual Bay Area Energize Golf Outing- Registration required

Friday, August 18, Maple Leaf Golf Course

158 N Mackinaw Rd,

Linwood, MI 48634

Bay Area Energize September Coffee Social- No RSVP needed

Friday, September 22, 8am-9am, Populace Coffee

810 Saginaw St.

Bay City, MI 48708

Bay Area Energize Luncheon- Registration required

Wednesday, September 27, DoubleTree Hotel Bay City - Riverfront

Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings

Bayfield Assisted Living

Thursday, August 10, 4pm

3932 Monitor Rd

Bay City, MI 48706

Download our 2023 calendar of events and make sure to add them to your calendar so you don't miss out! Please send it to all your colleagues as well!

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 July, Ribbon Cuttings were done for the following businesses: Biggby Coffee Bay City & Prost! Wine Bar & Charcuterie.

In Case You Missed It!

Thank you to all who attended our July Business After Hours with Tri-City Brewing Company and Bangor Township DDA.



Visit our Facebook page to see photos from the event.

A Special Thank You!