The holidays are coming and our Chamber team encourages you to support other Chamber members this season and every season! When you support local businesses, you stimulate our local economy, creating jobs and fostering economic resilience.

Your purchases have a more direct and substantial impact on the livelihoods of your neighbors and friends. When you shop local, approximately 48% of the cost of your purchase is recirculated back into the local economy. You also reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance shipping, promoting environmental sustainability.

Ultimately, buying from local businesses during the holidays not only spreads holiday cheer but also strengthens the fabric of our community. Plus, you’ll meet some amazing people along the way!

Welcome New Members!

ATI Physical Therapy

The Shop/Hescott Design

ZenBusiness

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

Featured Content

Sign Up for 2024 Fast Track Passes!

What is a Fast Track Pass?

Fast Track is a pre-paid pass for the Eye Opener Breakfasts in 2024. You would be pre-registered for the breakfasts January thru December. Eye Opener Breakfasts dates for 2024 are: January 12, February 9, March 8, April 12, May 3, June 21, September 13, October 18, November 8, and December 13. (There are no breakfasts in July or August.)

Why Should I get a Fast Track Pass?

• You are automatically registered every month for the Eye Opener Breakfast for the 2024 Breakfast Series.

• You have the convenience of a one-time payment!

• You get express check-in!

Do I have to assign a specific person to each “Fast Track” pass?

Yes, each Fast Track pass is assigned to the person who plans to use it every month. However, if you can't make it to a breakfast another individual from your organization can use it as long as you let us know.

How do I get a “Fast Track” pass?

Please call the Bay Area Chamber at (989) 893-4567 or email leann@baycityarea.com.

Fast Track passes are $150 for the year. (Checks, cash, Visa, Discover, American Express and MasterCard are accepted.)

All Eye Opener Breakfasts will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bay City – Riverfront, One Wenonah Park Place, Bay City, MI 4870

Bay City Academy Hosts Mock Job Interviews

Our BACC team and volunteers hosted Mock Job Interviews at Bay City Academy, interviewing 20 students and hosting 38 interviews! These interviews allowed students to learn how to showcase their skills and gain confidence in a professional setting.

These partnerships play a crucial role in ensuring that students are prepared for meaningful careers and that businesses have access to a skilled and qualified workforce.

We are thankful to work so closely with our Bay County schools.

BACC attends MACP Annual Conference!

We were thrilled to send our team to the Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals Annual Conference in Traverse City!

MACP is the largest chamber development event in Michigan. It is a great opportunity for continuing education and networking with likeminded professionals. This year’s topic was ‘Success Through Synergy’ focusing on collaboration, partnerships and building relationships in our communities.

This was an incredibly empowering and valuable experience. With the knowledge and ideas that we brought back, we are excited to continue to grow and develop the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce!

Pinconning High School Welcomes Mad City Money

Mad City Money came to Pinconning High School!

BACC staff and our wonderful group of volunteers helped high school students learn about budgetary decisions through a simulation of real-life scenarios. Participants chose an occupation and and were given information such as their family size, bills, debt and income. Based on these factors they needed to make necessary purchases without exceeding their budget. We absolutely love this program and we’re excited to continue working with students in Bay County!

Volunteer to Assist with Mad City Money!

The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is looking for volunteers to assist with Mad City Money, a program that allows high school students to go through a simulation of real-life scenarios to help them understand budgeting.

Tuesday, December 5, 12:57-2:55pm

Bay Arenac Community High School

805 Langstaff St,

Essexville, MI 48732

To volunteer, please email Jodi at jodi@baycityarea.com or call the Chamber office at (989) 893-4567

Leadership Bay County is in Session!

Our Leadership Bay County Class of 2024 had their first session of the program in October focusing on Business & Economic Development!

Students started their day out at Fabiano Brothers with a tour of the facility and a presentation on the history and current state of the company from President, James C. Fabiano II. They also had the opportunity to listen to guest speakers Jon Lynch, President of Three Rivers Corporation, Trevor Keyes, President & CEO of Bay Future, Inc., Sara Dimitroff, Economic Development Project Manager at the City of Bay City and Al Ward, Director of Development at Shaheen Developers. They concluded the day with a visit to Gougeon Brothers to tour and learn about their history, products and facilities!

We’re looking forward to seeing this year’s Leadership Class do great things!

Join Noon Networking!

The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for our Noon Networking Group for 2024!

This group is comprised of individuals representing member businesses. The purpose of the Noon Networking group is to generate new quality business for participating members. The Noon Networking process uses relationship marketing and passing relevant business information to help members market their products/services to other Bay Area businesses.

Annual Cost:

Individual membership: $65

Corporate memberships (multiple employees): $200

Please email completed applications to Jodi at jodi@baycityarea.com.

Sponsor an Energize Coffee Social in 2024!

Sponsoring a Coffee Social is a great way to get your name out to young professionals!

These socials are typically the 3rd Friday of the month at Populace Coffee (unless noted otherwise), 810 Saginaw St. from 8:00-9:00 AM.



There are two types of sponsorships to choose from:

1) Espresso Sponsorship: Pay for the drinks of those in attendance. Food is not included. Only one drink per person. (Attendance averages about 25 people).

or

2) Latte Sponsorship: $50 sponsorship. Includes 25 $2 off coupons to pass out to young professionals in attendance. Coupons can only be used during a Coffee Social. (You will be invoiced once a hosting date is confirmed and invoices must be paid prior to the scheduled Coffee Social).

With either sponsorship you may provide giveaways, hold activities, or facilitate networking opportunities that you see fit during your sponsored Coffee Social. Please include a brief explanation of what activities you may be providing so we can include those details in our monthly email blasts and frequent social media posts. All sponsorships will be marketed on the Energize social media pages for approximately 1 month leading up to each Coffee Social event.

Saginaw Spirit is accepting volunteers for the 2024 Memorial Cup.

The Salvation Army is looking for Bell Ringers this holiday season.

Tondue Medical Spa is hosting their annual holiday open house on November 16th.

The McLaren Bay Region Auxiliary is hosting their Annual Charity Ball on November 18th.

The Bay County Library System is putting on an Early Childhood Workshop: Sharing STEM with Young Children event on December 2nd.

Sign up for Complete College Advising's Weekly Newsletter.

Bay City Public Schools is hosting their Fall Business & Community Leader Summit on November 28th.

The United States Coast Guard is seeking feedback on the construction of the Lafayette Street Bridge.

ABC Greater Michigan Chapter invites girls grades 5-12 to attend their 'Build Like a Girl" event on February 27th.

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

November Business After Hours

Thursday, November 16, 5-7pm

Vinny's Pizzeria

168 Uptown Drive

Bay City, MI 48708

Apprenticeship 101 Information Session

Wednesday, November 29, 2023, 9:30am - 12pm

Fabiano Brothers Inc.

1885 Bevanda Court

Bay City, MI 48706

Upcoming Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies

Tri-City Brewing Company

Tuesday, November 14, 11:30am

Tri-City Brewing Company

4170 Shrestha Dr.

Bay City, MI 48706

Dipped: A Candy Company

Tuesday, November 28, 2pm

Bay City Town Center

4101 E Wilder Rd.

Bay City, MI 48706

Energize YPN Events

Energize November Coffee Social

Friday, November 17, 8am -9am, Populace Coffee

810 Saginaw St.

Bay City, MI 48708

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 October, a Ribbon Cutting was done for Diamond Image Auto Spa, Starbucks Coffee, Woodworth Commercial and Lake Huron Credit Union.

In Case You Missed It!

Thank you to all who attended our October 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!