A Word From Our President

We're excited to announce that our 40th Annual Golf Outing, set to take place on July 15th at Maple Leaf Golf Course is coming up, promising a day of fun, networking, and friendly competition for Chamber members!


This event is not only a fantastic way to enjoy a day of golf, but its also an invaluable opportunity for our members to come together, build relationships, and support each other in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.


We encourage you to register for the event and consider becoming a sponsor. Your participation and sponsorship help support our ongoing efforts to promote and strengthen the local business community.


Mark your calendars, and we hope to see you there!

Welcome New Members!

Auburn Optical

Auburn Optical is a local, optometrist-owned practice, dedicated to providing the highest quality eye care for you and your family. They are located in Auburn, serving the Tri-City and surrounding areas. 


Modern Realty

Modern Realty is a real estate brokerage with a fresh and responsive approach to real estate that enables their clients to enjoy a higher level of customer service through talented agents, team-based systems, and cutting edge technology.


Saginaw Bay Yacht Club

The Saginaw Bay Yacht Club is the premier yacht club on the Saginaw River and Bay. The club continues to add to its rich history in the Bay City/Essexville community by offering first-class nautical facilities for both power and sail along with many social activities and full dining facilities for the enjoyment of both boating and non-boating members.


Storage of America

Storage of America offers a wide selection of storage unit sizes and types to accommodate your storage needs. Whether you’re a business owner, college student, or need to downsize your home, they have a solution at Storage of America. When you rent with them, you can have peace of mind with a stress-free storage experience to solve your storage needs. 

Visit Our Member Directory

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

Featured Content

Save the Date- Regional Chamber Summit

Chamber President Visits Lansing for Chamber Day!

BACC President & CEO, Magen Samyn, attended the Michigan Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Chamber Day at the Capitol!


During her time in Lansing, Magen engaged in discussions about top issues with legislative leaders, learned what dynamics are currently influencing our economic and political environment and connected with fellow Chamber professionals, stakeholders and leaders in our great state of Michigan.


Education and involvement in advocacy are essential to building a stronger community, and our Chamber is dedicated to looking out for the best interests of our members and business owners.

Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Policy Positions

Leadership Bay County Learns About Arts & Culture!

Leadership Bay County Class of 2024 kicked off the month of May by learning about Arts & Culture in the community!


The class began their session at Delta College Planetarium. After watching a demonstration of the shows and features of their incredible Dome360, students got a view of Downtown Bay City from the roof of the planetarium.

Students then went to Studio 23/The Arts Center to learn about their programs and receive a tour of the facility. They also practiced their Neurographic Art skills! Who knew there were so many talented artists in the class?!


Bay City Players was the next stop of the day, where board members shared the organization’s history and gave the class a back stage tour! LBC participant, Kristin, then shared the hidden gems of the Bay County Library System, showcasing its history and the great things they do in our community. They wrapped up their visit with a tour of the Alice and Jack Wirt Public Library.



The class finished the day with a tour of the Historic Masonic Temple of Bay City and the Scottish Rite, experiencing all the historical beauty the buildings have to offer.


Their last session of the program will be focusing on Natural Resources.


Are you interested in joining the LBC class of 2025? Click HERE for more information and apply below.


Completed applications are due to jodi@baycityarea.com by August 9th.

Apply to Leadership Bay County Class of 2025

2024 Bay City Bass Tournament Series

Bay City Academy Hosts Mock Job Interviews

The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Business and Education Partnership brought Mock Job Interviews to Bay City Academy in May.


We assisted 15 students and conducted 40 individual interviews!

Sponsor a Student for Youth Leadership Bay County

The Youth Leadership Bay County Class of 2024-2025 is seeking sponsorship.


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


Youth Leadership Bay County is a program offered to high school juniors in Bay County. 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 send completed forms to jodi@baycityarea.com.

Route Bay City Article Features Hey, Bay City!

Sara Parker, Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Director of Workforce Development, was recently featured in an article by Route Bay City sharing the initiatives and programming of Hey, Bay City!


In the article, Sara describes Hey, Bay City! as an "American Rescue Plan Act-funded platform for storytelling, job opportunities, job seekers, and events in Bay County, with the function of stimulating the talent acquisition and population issue we are facing here in Bay County."


With the platform's hands on approach and high visibility in the community, Hey, Bay City! aims to continue connecting individuals with the right opportunities, ultimately encouraging them to live, work and play here.

Read the Full Article

Bite of Reality and Mock Job Interviews Wrap-Up for the Summer

We had a very busy month as we wrapped up Bite of Reality and Mock Job Interviews for the summer!


Our Business and Education Partnership brought these programs to Essexville Garber High School, conducting 94 interviews for 91 juniors and seniors and assisting 256 freshmen and sophomores with budgeting and purchasing decisions for Bite of Reality!

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Host a 2025 Business After Hours!

We have begun scheduling our 2025 Business After Hours and we are ready for you to host!


  • January 16 – Munroe
  • February 20 – PNC Bank
  • March 20 – OPEN
  • April 17 – OPEN
  • May 15 – Paul Davis Restoration
  • June 19 – Kg's Bistro
  • July 17 – OPEN
  • August 21 – Saginaw Valley State University
  • September 18 – The Kory Agency
  • October 16 – OPEN
  • November 20 – Vinny’s Pizzeria
  • December 18 – Historic Masonic Temple


If you are interested in hosting a BAH on one of the available dates above, please reach out to renee@baycityarea.com.

Summer Hours

Legacy Leader Spotlight

1st State Bank Appoints new President & CEO

The Board of Directors of 1st State Bank has appointed Todd C. Gregory as 1st State Bank’s new President & CEO, effective July 2024.


The appointment is part of a planned succession of current President & CEO James R. (Jim) Milroy, who is retiring on July 1, 2024. Milroy will continue to serve on the Board of Directors of 1st State Bank.


As a part of this plan, the Board is also pleased to announce Gregory’s appointment to the Board of Directors of 1st State Bank, effective immediately.


Todd Gregory joined 1st State Bank in 2017 as Senior Vice President, Business Lending Manager and was promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief Lending Officer in 2020. In addition to his duties as Chief Lending Officer, Gregory oversees various functions within the bank including branch administration, mortgage origination, public funds, and marketing. Prior to joining 1st State Bank, Gregory had 20 years of banking experience, serving as Business Banking Manager and Saginaw Community President for Huntington Bank, as well as their Community President in Gaylord, Michigan.

Read the Full Press Realease

Member Events & News

The Saginaw Spirit are the first ever American OHL host team to win the Memorial Cup.


Downtown Bay City launches June calendar of events.


Tickets for the Dow Championship are now on sale.


Great Lakes Dream Center is hosting a 'Rooftop Survivor Fundraiser' to bring awareness to homelessness.


Bay City Fireworks Festival presents two nights of concerts on 4th of July weekend.


Financial Plus Credit Union launches a free billboard contest supporting small businesses.


Great Lakes Bay Pride celebrates Pride Month with 'Regional Pride Celebrations' throughout the month of June.


Bay Future Inc. is hiring an Economic Development Manager and Operations Manager.

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 June Events Notice.

Energize Young Professionals Network

Click HERE to read the Energize June Newsletter.


Energize is always accepting applications for general membership and to serve on the Steering Committee!


Membership Application


Steering Committee Application


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

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 May, Ribbon Cuttings were done for The Kory Agency, Sombreros Mexican Restaurant, Bay City Boat Rental, Ocean Jasper Wellness, Power Move Media, All The Things, Munroe, E-Ville Boxing & Fitness and Hescott Design Co.

The Kory Agency

Sombreros Mexican Restaurant

Bay City Boat Rental

Ocean Jasper Wellness

Power Move Media

All The Things

Munroe

E-Ville Boxing & Fitness

Hescott Design Co.

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 May were presented to the following businesses: HairDr., Euclid Vet Clinic and Auburn Optical.

HairDr.

Presented by Ambassador Hillary Stockel

Euclid Vet Clinic

Presented by Ambassador Hillary Stockel

Auburn Optical

Presented by Ambassador Beth Gehoski

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

In Case You Missed It

Thank you to all who attended our May 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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