The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation is excited to host the National Civics Bee on April 21st at the Bay-Arenac ISD Career Center, where some of the brightest middle school students in our community will take the stage to showcase their civic knowledge and leadership skills.

During the live event, the top 20 student finalists selected based on their outstanding essay submissions will compete in a fast-paced, multiple-round, interactive challenge testing their knowledge of the U.S. Constitution, government, and civic responsibilities.

The top three participants have the exciting opportunity advance to the state-level competition, one state winnner will advance for a chance to win $100,000 529 Plan. Beyond the competition itself, this event serves as a celebration of civic engagement, bringing together educators, business leaders, and community members to support and encourage the next generation of informed citizens.

We invite families, teachers, and local leaders to join us at the Bay-Arenac ISD Career Center on April 21st to cheer on these talented students and witness their passion for civics in action!

Amy Thompson Studio

Amy Thompson Studio is a professional photography service specializing in heirloom, one-of-a-kind artwork. With over 15 years of experience, Amy provides in-home consultations to ensure each session is tailored to a family's unique story. She guides clients through the process, transforming cherished moments into timeless artwork that becomes a lasting part of their home decor.

Bayside Boutique

Bayside Boutique is a family-owned thrift store located at 360 State Park Drive in Bay City, Michigan. Open Monday through Saturday, the store offers a variety of second-hand items, with new additions daily, providing customers with a unique shopping experience.

Home Builders Association of the Great Lakes Bay Region

Whether planning a renovation, building a custom home, or tackling a DIY project, the Home Builders Association of the Great Lakes Bay Region connects homeowners with trusted professionals to simplify the process. Its members specialize in all aspects of home building and improvement, including financing, architectural design, installation, and repairs. With an HBA member, clients can expect exceptional craftsmanship, reliability, and a commitment to excellence.

Invenergy

Invenergy is the largest privately held developer, owner, and operator of clean energy solutions, accelerating cleaner, more reliable, affordable electricity. Invenergy has successfully developed more than 200 projects, including wind, solar, transmission infrastructure, clean hydrogen, natural gas generation and advanced energy storage projects across the world.

MITCON

MITCON (Midland Information Technology Consortium) is a consortium-based IT service providing comprehensive technology solutions for non-profit organizations and small businesses operating in Midland.

Pita Way Bay City

Pita Way Mediterranean Grill, a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in fresh and flavorful Mediterranean cuisine.

Ready Set Grow! Child Development Center of Auburn

Ready Set Grow! Child Development Center, located in Auburn, Michigan, provides child care and educational programs for children from infancy through school age. The center offers infant, toddler, and preschool programs, as well as before and after-school care for children up to fifth grade.

Wojo, LLC

Wojo, LLC is a Michigan cannabis company founded and operated by a tight-knit group of experienced caregivers. Sitting on 49 acres of small town farmland is their 34,078 sq ft state-of-the-art facility that currently possesses three Class C Growing Licenses and a Processing License.

We always encourage you to support your fellow Chamber members!

142nd Annual Meeting

Congratulations to our 2025 Annual Award Recipeients!

• Ambassador of the Year Award-Lyndsey O'Brien, Bay Realty Michigan
• ATHENA Award- Kristen Wenzel, Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works!
• Business Hall of Fame Award- Guy C. Moulthrop, Moulthrop-Clift, Inc.
• Energize YPN Award- MacKenzie Steinbauer, RE/MAX Results
• Heart of the Chamber Award- Independent Bank
• Leadership Alumni Community Service Award- Rich VanTol, Bay-Arenac Great Start Collaborative

Please join us at our 142nd Annual Meeting as we honor them for their contributions to the community!

Thursday, March 27, 5-8pm

DoubleTree by Hilton Bay City-Riverfront

One Wenonah Park Place

Bay City, MI 48708

 We will not be accepting walk-ins for this event. Registration closes March 24th at noon.

LBC- Agriculture Session

Our Leadership Bay County Class of 2025 met at City Hall for their session on Government and History!

First, they heard from State Representatives Timmy Beson from the 96th District, and Matthew Bierlein from the 97th District about their roles as our representatives.

Then, they heard from local government officials Jim Barcia, County Executive for Bay County, Dana Muscott, City Manager for the City of Bay City, and Chris Girard, the Mayor of Bay City, followed by a tour of our beautiful City Hall.

Jeff Stoutenburg, Director of State Government Affairs for Dow, and John Boothroyd, Manager of Government Relations with Michigan Sugar, provided insight on how to be better advocates, and Seth Perigo, President of Huntington Bank, then talked to us about the cost of leadership and his journey in his career.

We wrapped up our session listening to Tim Murray from the Delta College Planetarium, and our very own classmate Sam Fitzpatrick, dive into the incredible history of Bay City.

Thank you to all of the speakers who took time out of their day to talk to our Leadership Bay County Class of 2025! We appreciate your time and knowledge.

Business and Education Partnership at Work!

In February, we had the privilege of conducting Mock Job Interviews at Bay-Arenac Community High School, helping 15 students gain real-world interview experience with a total of 35 interviews!

We also visited Garber High School where 121 freshmen participated in our Bite of Reality program, a simulation of real-life financial scenarios teaching students how to budget. In addition to that, 87 sophomores participated in Mock Job Interviews.

Please reach out to Jodi LaMont if you are interested in being a volunteer for future events!

YLBC Session- Economic Development Session

This month, our Youth Leadership Bay County students explored the industries that drive our local economy, gaining hands-on insights into business operations, economic development, and future career opportunities!

During a tour at Williams Cheese Company, students learned about this family-owned business that has been producing high-quality cheese for YEARS. They saw the cheese-making process firsthand and discovered what it takes to run a successful operation.

Michigan Sugar Company's Tyler Kring, shared the fascinating journey of how a sugar beet becomes sugar, highlighting the success of the grower-owner cooperative model and the impact of Michigan Sugar on our local and regional economy.

Representatives from Saginaw Valley State University spoke with students about preparing for college, offering key insights into the application process, financial aid, and steps to ensure a smooth transition to higher education.

Bay Future, Inc.'s Jim Reaume provided an in-depth look at economic development, explaining how investments, job creation, and business growth drive prosperity in Bay County.

Tim Mangan of Michigan Cream & Sugar Ice Cream Company wrapped up the session with a lesson on the science behind making ice cream, giving students a behind-the-scenes look at this delicious industry.



A huge thank you to our speakers and host sites for inspiring the next generation of leaders!

Business & Education Partnership Meeting

At our February Business & Education Partnership meeting, we had an insightful discussion about the power of Work-Based Learning (WBL) in shaping students' futures. WBL is more than just a job—it’s a structured, hands-on experience that helps students explore careers, build valuable skills, and make informed decisions about their future.

Want to make an impact? Join us in providing work-based learning experiences for students and help shape the talent pipeline for our community!

Please contact jodi@baycityarea.com for more information.

Ready to find your pot of gold and use your Chamber benefits to advertise your business? 

For many of our members, networking is a key benefit of Chamber membership, helping you get your business name out there. But as any lucky leprechaun will tell you, it takes more than good fortune to be known among the Chamber’s 700+ businesses.

Attending all 70+ Chamber events might not be realistic, there’s still a way to catch that lucky charm and spread the word about your business. Use your Chamber’s advertising opportunities – a pot of gold just waiting for you to discover! It’s the perfect way to complete your lucky four-leaf clover of success.

Hot Spot of the Week (paid):  

Want to be the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? You provide the verbiage and the graphic/flyer, and we’ll share it via email to all Chamber members! Plus, we’ll showcase it on our social media channels that same week. This is your chance to shine like a gold coin on the Chamber FB page! Contact Leann to get your Hot Spot scheduled. 

EOB Member Showcase Table (free!):

You’ve probably seen this table in the back of the room when you walk into breakfast. This shared space is where members can leave brochures, swag, and more. It’s a simple, no cost way to get your business noticed. Just remember to leave a little room for your fellow Chamber members and pick up any left over items before you leave!

EOB Booth (paid):

Looking to claim your own slice of the rainbow? Hosting your own booth is a veritable pot of gold! During networking time, you’ll have the opportunity to share your flyers, swag, etc. Decorate your booth to showcase your brand, bring a TV to share a video, put up your banner!  You’ll have the opportunity to gain more attention with a door prize drawing, too! Contact Amy or Lily to schedule your EOB Booth. 

EOB Soap Box (free!):

Calling all non-profits! Step up to theSoap Box at the Eye Opener Breakfast and tell 200 people in 60 seconds what makes your organization or event special. It’s a shamrockin’ opportunity to connect with the community. Contact Lily to secure a spot on the schedule!

Don’t forget to check out our 2025 Sponsorship Sourcebook for even more advertising opportunities available to members. 



So, get ready to grab your lucky leprechaun charm and sham-rock your business advertising to meet your future customers and clients!

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

Share our Membership Application with them!

Check out the Market Watch Newsletter for updates from Bay Realty Michigan.

Spectrum Reach announces 5th anniversary of Pay it Forward Initiative investing in small business.

The CAN Council hosts bi-monthly Dad Cafes for dads and male caregivers to get involved and share experiences.

Studio 23/The Arts Center announces Access•ABILITY, a groundbreaking exhibit and

community project focused on inclusive arts experiences.

Three Rivers Corporation recognized as National Safety Leader by Associated Builders and Contractors.

Financial Plus Credit Union’s “Reach for Success” Scholarship application period is now open and will award ten students with a $1,000 scholarship.

Learn the process of making syrup from start to finish at the Chippewa Nature Center's 'Afternoon at the Sugarhouse' event.

Pure Medical Spa achieves Diamond Status with Allergan Aesthetics,

Go Great Lakes Bay in collaboration with the Xavier Degroat Autism Foundation will host a luncheon to help spread awareness towards increasing tourism based on different levels of those on the autism spectrum.

The Bay City Fireworks Festival will hold a press conference on Friday, March 14th.

Registration is open for Bay Future's Annual Meeting.

Bay City Academy kindergarten registration is now open.

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.

Governor Delivers State of the State Address

Governor Whitmer delivered her State of the State address to the join Michigan Legislature and attending guests- delivering a speech that was intended, at least, to cater the House Republican caucus and President Donald Trump, who she said she hoped to find "common ground" with.

Why it matters: The Governor’s speech is intended to set the Executive Branch’s policy goals for the coming year. While the speech was light on details, she focused on these issues that may matter the most to the business community:

• Lowering costs
• Creating jobs
• Delivering results, including permitting reform
• Tariffs
• Government transparency
• Roads



What we’re saying: Read our full statement following the Governor’s address. Some highlights:

“Addressing the challenges Michigan faces, including lagging population growth, deteriorating roads and bridges and declining education outcomes, requires a commitment to fiscal responsibility, sustainable budgeting and policies that promote – not hinder – economic opportunity. Proposals like a damaging Corporate Income Tax increase send the wrong message, deterring investment and slowing the very growth we need. The business community is committed to being part of the solution. We share the Governor’s optimism about Michigan’s bright future, but turning vision into reality requires thoughtful, meaningful policy making that ensures our state remains competitive, open for business and a place where free enterprise can thrive.” – Jim Holcomb, President & CEO

Go deeper: Read our full analysis of the Governor’s remarks and priorities. Link to the full speech.

Michigan Launches $10 Million Employer-Assisted Housing Fund to Address Workforce Housing Shortage

What's new: A $10 million employer-assisted housing fund, aimed at closing the gap between housing units available for employee workforces is now accepting applications.

• Employers must contribute funds for matching in the form of cash investments, land donation, a below-market interest loan or some combination thereof to be considered.
• The framework for the fund is based on a public-private partnerships, with the state matching employer contributions to their employees' housing.



Why it matters: Research shows that there is a significant gap in housing at all price points, and Michigan is struggling to provide options for households earning up to 120% of area median incomes. This effort creates a chance to address this need and can make an important impact across the housing spectrum.

Our thoughts: The MI Chamber has been a leader in advocating for increased market-based solutions to increase housing supply. Housing access must keep up with job growth for employers to attract and retain talent.



Go deeper: More details, and how to apply for the fund, can be found on the Employer-Assisted Housing page on MSHDA’s website.

State Update

Updates out of Governor Whitmer's office:

• FY '26 Executive Budget: This was published February 5th. You can view the budget and accompanying documents here. Or, a more concise overview of the top line items and the general areas of focus is provided by Bridge Michigan and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

• 2025 State of the State Address was on February 26th, in the Michigan House Chambers. However, you can watch from the comfort of home. Details here.



• Election for 35th Michigan Senate seat: With the election of Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet to Michigan's 8th House District, the 35th Michigan Senate seat was vacated. As outlined in Michigan's Constitution, the Governor must call for an election to fill this vacancy. We've sent a letter to Governor Whitmer requesting her to call this election as we have over 270,000 people without representation.

Paid Leave, Minimum Wage and Earned Sick Time Resources

Earned Sick Time Act: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Paid Leave, Minimum Wage Toolkit Downloads

Click HERE to read our March Events Notice.

Click HERE to read the Energize March 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 February, Ribbon Cuttings were held for: Great Lakes Bay Health Centers and Bay County Medical Care facility.

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

Thank you to all who attended our events in February!

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

25th Annual State of the Community

Minority Business Partnership

February Eye Opener Breakfast

February Business After Hours