President & CEO's Message

As we usher in the New Year, I want to take a moment to share the gratitude and optimism I feel for the remarkable journey we've undertaken together as a community. On behalf of Bay Future, Inc., I extend my warmest wishes for a Happy New Year to each and every one of you reading.


I am thrilled to begin 2024 by congratulating our very own Chris Sheridan for his accomplishments and contributions not only to Yeo & Yeo and Bay Future, as a member of our Board of Directors, but to the community at large. His dedication and hard work have played an integral role in our shared success, and we are proud to have him as a driving force within our organization and community.


In the spirit of progress and collaboration, I invite you to mark your calendars for the upcoming Great Lakes Bay Region Housing Summit. This pivotal event will bring together key stakeholders, experts, and community members to address the pressing housing needs in our region. Together, we can explore innovative solutions and pave the way for sustainable growth and development. If that isn't enough, there will be breaking news at the event from one of our Bay County companies that you will surely not want to miss. Please consider attending.


Looking ahead, there is a palpable sense of excitement surrounding economic development in Bay County. Our community has become a beacon of opportunity, attracting investments and initiatives that will undoubtedly shape our future. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, I am confident that the collective efforts of us all working together will continue to drive positive change forward.


Let us embrace the New Year with hope, determination, and a shared commitment to building a stronger, more vibrant Bay City/ Bay County, Michigan, USA!


Together, we will forge a legacy of prosperity and progress for generations to come.


Thank you for your unwavering support, and here's to a year filled with growth, success, and community spirit!


Happy reading,


-Trevor Keyes, EDFP

President & CEO

Bay Future, Inc.

Featured Content

GREAT LAKES BAY REGION HOUSING SUMMIT

Attainable housing is a key pillar of a thriving workforce and a fundamental driver of economic stability and community wellbeing. Housing plays a significant role in our regional growth strategy for the Great Lakes Bay Region, as it is an essential component for fostering a robust and dynamic workforce, contributing to the overall vitality of the community and the broader economy.


As such, please join us at Saginaw Valley State University (Curtiss Hall) on Friday, January 26, 2024 for the Great Lakes Bay Region Housing Summit, details and registration is below.


Link to Register

Bay City included on Top 10 List!

WorldAtlas.com recognizes Bay City in Top 10

WorldAtlas.com, the original online geography resource, has just released their "Top 10 Small Towns in Michigan with Big Charm" which includes Bay City.


Take a look at the full list below!


Link to Article

PRESS RELEASE: Over $17 Million in Economic Development Projects Announced in Bay County/Bay City, Michigan 

More than two years in the making the Kansas City, Missouri-based NorthPoint Development has announced completion of a brand new, Class-A, 102,000 square foot warehouse and distribution center on 14 acres of property. Located at the confluence of US-10 and Mackinaw Road, two miles west of I-75 in Monitor Township, it is adjacent to Fabiano Brothers, Marketplace Corporate Center, Valley Center Technology Park and the Monitor Township Downtown Development Authority (DDA).  



"Thanks to the relentless dedication of Bay Future, Bay County, and Monitor Township over the past two years, their streamlined processes and exceptional staff ensured a flawlessly executed project from inception to completion,” said Marc Werner, Regional Vice President, NorthPoint Development.


The $16 million project will now be home to PepsiCo, Inc. and used as a warehousing and distribution facility for Frito-Lay products. The project expects to create nearly 50 jobs and hiring is underway.  


“Frito-Lay and PepsiCo have deep roots in Michigan and we’re proud to further expand our presence through this exciting new development. Uplifting the communities in which we live and work is a core value for Frito-Lay and we look forward to becoming a critical partner here in Bay County for years to come,” said Alison Benton, CEcD, Director, Economic Development, PepsiCo.

Construction on the parcel began in Summer of 2022 after a thorough due-diligence process with NorthPoint Development, Bay Future, Inc., Northern Michigan Land Investments, LLC., Monitor Township, and PepsiCo, which began a year prior. The final pieces of construction and new signs were installed on the building last week. 


Township Supervisor, Terry Spencer, stated, “We are pleased to work with developers like NorthPoint Development to welcome world-wide, leading companies, like PepsiCo to our community. Monitor Township is business friendly, and we are excited for them to be open for business and to succeed in our community."

If you are interested in applying for a career at the facility, please visit www.pepsicojobs.com


Future Technologies, Inc., headquartered at 2490 Midland Road in Monitor Township, is expanding its facility with just over a $1 million investment. The investment will include additional equipment systems, assembly and automation systems, additional real property updates, and alternative energy installation.  


Bay Future assisted Future Technologies with the tax abatement process and provided support, advocacy, and guidance to nominate and be awarded performance-based grant funds through the Michigan Business Development Program, administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Monitor Township supported the project by approving a 50% tax abatement on the new investment. 



The global leak testing company provides support to major markets including the automotive, air conditioning, and refrigeration industries.


Terry Spencer, Supervisor, Monitor Township, said, “This project is another great example of how working together can lead to mutual success. We are glad to see these types of businesses and jobs in our community and will support them in any way we can.”   

This expansion will allow the company to create 10 new high paying engineering jobs. 


If you are interested in applying for a career at Future Technologies, Inc., please visit https://futuretechnologies.com/careers.

Bay City-based epoxy manufacturer Gougeon Brothers, Inc. has announced an investment of over $680,000 into their headquarters at 100 Patterson Ave. The reconstruction and modernization of the facility will create and retain a total of 20 jobs in the next two years and will allow for improved workflow throughout the facility.  


“We continue to be committed to growing in Bay City and appreciate the support of the City of Bay City and Bay Future. This investment will allow us to hire additional coworkers and provides us with state-of-the-art facilities to meet the needs of our customers,” said Alan Gurski, President & CEO, Gougeon Brothers, Inc.

Over the last decade, this employee-owned, family-run, company has invested over $3 million into their facility located at the base of the west side of the Independence Bridge where they have been operating for more than 50 years.


Bay Future, Inc. assisted the company with the tax abatement and permitting processes, as well as providing information and assistance with community resources. The economic development organization worked with partners at both the City of Bay City and at Bay City Electric Light and Power to secure the investment in Bay City.




“We’re thankful Gougeon Brothers continues to call Bay City home and we look forward to witnessing the future growth of the company,” said Dana Muscott, City Manager, City of Bay City

“We are honored and grateful to have worked with these companies to fulfill their needs for growth and expansion in our community. Without the coordinated support we demonstrate in Bay City and Bay County, these investments go elsewhere, these high-quality jobs go elsewhere, and these investment dollars go elsewhere,” said Trevor Keyes, President & CEO, Bay Future, Inc. “These final three announcements round out the total number of 10 economic development projects generating more than $343 Million in new capital investment to our community in 2023.”  

$16 million PepsiCo/Frito Lay distribution center completed near Bay City



More than $17M of investments announced in Bay Co.



Economic investment totaling nearly $18 million coming to Bay County



Investor Spotlight

Essexville City Manager- Meet Craig Goulet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKIw4hpZ5n4


It's Craig Goulet, City Manager of the City of Essexville, in an episode of "Hey, Essexville!" We talk to Craig about his path to his position, his approach towards being a city manager, and what he loves about his community.



Bay Future Board of Directors Spotlight

Meet Chris Sheridan - Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Advisors

Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Advisors has recently announced the promotion of five new principals. Among them, Chris Sheridan, Senior Manager, who sits on the Bay Future, Inc. Board of Directors. Chris, along with Andrew Matuzak, Mike Rolka, Rachel Van Slembrouck, and Alex Wilson have joined Yeo & Yeo's Principal Group, effective January 1, 2024.


On behalf of Bay Future, Inc. and the Bay Future, Inc. Board of Directors, Congratulations, Chris, and thank you for sharing your skills and expertise to help drive our community forward!

Featured Programs - Workforce & Skills Development

Michigan Reconnect and Delta College

delta

Michigan Reconnect provides tuition free access to community college for Michiganders 21 or older without college degrees to pursue Pell-eligible associate degree or occupational certificates. 


Michigan Reconnect is part of the state’s Sixty by 30 attainment goal, which aims to meet Michigan’s talent needs by encouraging and enabling residents to afford and achieve a college credential.


Delta College wants to help you achieve your goals. They offer regular information sessions throughout the year. Or you can schedule a one on one appointment to discuss Michigan Reconnect with a Delta staff member.

Reconnect Info Sessions
Book a One on One For Questions

Featured Program Part 2

STEM Forward Internship Program

ATTENTION All Employers and Internship Seekers!


STEM Forward is a statewide program administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). The program provides financial support to Michigan companies who hire interns in STEM-focused internships by matching employer contributions up to $3,000 for full-time interns and up to $1,500 for part-time interns.


If you are a company interested in fostering meaningful partnerships or a student looking to take that next big step, click on the buttons below to get started!

Interested Companies
Internship Candidates
Featured Property

3,760 SF Retail/Restaurant - City of Bay City

3,760 Square Feet available in this former restaurant and retail space at 4330 Wilder Road.


The building was completely renovated in 2019 and has a large parking lot.


Located in the busy Wilder Road commercial corridor. There are a lot of possibilities for this building.


Learn more: Great Lakes Bay Sites!


Bay Future, Inc. Platinum Level Investors!
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