Happy New Year!

We look forward to bringing our members a strong year of programming in 2025, including our upcoming 25th Annual State of the Community presented by Consumers Energy, on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bay City-Riverfront. This is a key opportunity to connect with local municipal leaders and gain insights into the progress and future of Bay City, Townships, and Bay County.

Speakers include: Dana Muscott, City of Bay City Manager, Jim Barcia, Bay County Executive, and Glenn Rowley, Bay County Township Officers Association President/Bangor Township Supervisor.

Registration is now open and sponsorships are available! Please visit our website for more details.

Earthworm Drilling

Earthworm Drilling provides horizontal directional drilling for homeowners, businesses, and contractors who need to install or replace underground piping or cables

for gas, electric, fiber optics, water, and drain/sewer.

Great Lakes Roofing Solutions

Great Lakes Roofing Solutions is an independent sales/consulting group helping building owners navigate their commercial roofing needs. 

PADNOS

PADNOS offers real answers and real solutions to get you more value for your ferrous and nonferrous metals, plastics, paper and electronic scrap with their Michigan-based, industry leading scrap management services.

PridePint Brewing Essentials

PridePint Brewing Essentials is a brewing supply company with a passion to teach the community how to brew their own fermented beverages at home. They offer all of the needed ingredients, supplies and equipment to brew yourself.

We always encourage you to support your fellow Chamber members!

CALL TO ACTION - Earned Sick Time & Minimum Wage

The House Select Committee on Protecting Michigan Employees and Small Businesses will convene THIS WEEK to discuss House Bills 4001 and 4002, which aim to address key issues with Michigan’s tipped wage and earned sick time laws.

Legislation will take effect on February 21, 2025.

If you would like to provide testimony or submit a letter in support of these important bills, please reach out to Bay Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, Magen Samyn at magen@baycityarea.com immediately. Committee Hearings are scheduled for Tuesday at 10:30am and Thursday at 9am.

2025 Award Nominations

Nominations are open for the annual awards to be presented at the Chamber's 142nd Annual Meeting which will take place on March 27, 2025. This is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the outstanding individuals and businesses who have made significant contributions to the local community and economy.

To nominate a candidate for any of these prestigious awards, visit our website.

The deadline for nominations is January 31, 2025.

Volunteers Needed!

We are in need of Chamber member volunteers to assist with our Bite of Reality and Mock Job Interview programs!

We will be at Bay-Arenac Community High School, Bay City Central High School and Garber High School on February 5th and February 12th. Many shifts are available.

Please reach out to jodi@baycityarea.com to sign up.

Call for Donations

The Leadership Bay County Class of 2025 is seeking donations for the Silent Auction to take place at the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting on March 27, 2025.

All funds raised will be utilized toward their class project, collaborating with the Bay City Downtown Development Authority (DDA) on an impactful tree-planting project aimed at enhancing the community’s economic vitality, placemaking appeal, and environmental sustainability.

Please consider supporting the class through a monetary or item donation. Completed donation forms can be sent to leadershipbaycountyclass@gmail.com.

Thank you in advance for your support!

Call for Students for National Civics Bee® 

Applications for the 2025 National Civics Bee® are open!

Parents of 6th, 7th and 8th graders, this is the perfect opportunity for middle schoolers to engage in civics and contribute to their communities while developing writing and public speaking skills. Did we mention that participants are competing for trophies, cash prizes and a 529 plan?!?

Applications close February 4, 2025.

Do you know a business who would be a great addition to our Chamber family?

Share our Membership Application with them!

The Great Lakes Bay Region Mental Health Partnership will be hosting their Annual Fundraising Breakfast on January 31st.

Bay City Department of Public Safety announces new smartphone app.

Members First Credit Union donated $20,000 to nine United Way organizations as part of their team members’ annual pledge.

The Michigan SBDC created a guide to AI for small businesses.

Great Lakes Bay Business Hub awards grants and opens next round applications.

Future Insurance Agency welcomes Elizabeth Sturm to the team.

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.

House and Senate Introduce Differing Versions of Bills on earned Sick Time and Minimum Wage

What’s new: As the 103^rd Michigan Legislature convened for its first day Wednesday, the House and Senate introduced their own versions of bills to fix the onerous earned sick time (ESTA) and minimum wage laws that will go into effect Feb. 21.

• Because Republicans now control the House, and Democrats the Senate, how and when the two chambers will find common ground or send bills to the Governor’s desk remains unknown.
• We’re working tirelessly to ensure quick, commonsense policy changes that protect and work for businesses and workers alike.

Why it matters: With only 43 calendar days to find a landing spot, we were pleased to see that bills were introduced on the first two days of the 2024-25 legislative session. However, the starting details vary significantly, with the House versions being highly preferred.

What’s next: We expect both chambers to begin considering their versions of the legislation in the coming week or two and hopefully work to find a compromise that can be sent to the Governor’s desk.

Go deeper: View both chamber’s bill versions and what exact changes are proposed to earned sick time and minimum wage. Contact Wendy Block with questions.

MI Chamber Calls on Federal Lawmakers to Delay Damaging Small Business Law

What’s happening: The Michigan Chamber has joined a coalition led by the U.S. Chamber calling on federal lawmakers to delay implementation of a law. The law would mandate complex and burdensome reporting requirements by small business owners, with significant penalties for non-compliance.

Why it matters: The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) mandates that companies disclose and regularly update detailed beneficial ownership information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).

• It subjects covered entities and their “beneficial owners” to vague and complex reporting requirements while putting their sensitive personal information at risk. Failure to comply can result in fines of over $590 per day, as well as felony charges and up to two years imprisonment.

What MI Chamber is saying: The coalition letter calls for a one-year delay of the law’s 2024 year-end compliance deadline by supporting language included in the Further Continuing Appropriations and Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2025

.

What's next: The MI Chamber will continue to monitor this issue and is calling on Michigan’s Congressional delegation to work toward a reasonable solution and avoid costly unintended consequences for our state’s small business owners.



Go deeper: Read the full article here.

Click HERE to read our January Events Notice.

Click HERE to read the Energize January Newsletter.

Get Involved!

Energize is always accepting applications for general membership and to serve on a Sub-Committee!

Membership Application

Sub-Committee Application

Questions? Please reach out to energize@baycityarea.com.

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 December, a Ribbon Cutting was held for: The Ability Social Club.

Celebrating our Ambassador Club!

In December, we celebrated the hard work and dedication of our Ambassador Club with a holiday party at The Wanigan Eatery!

Are you interested in becoming a Chamber Ambassador? Reach out to annabelle@baycityarea.com for program requirements and an application.

Thank you to all who attended our events in December!

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

December Business After Hours

December Eye Opener Breakfast

December Lunch & Learn