President & CEO's Message
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The mantra "rising tides lift all boats" truly applies to economic development activities. As one business expands and creates direct jobs, indirect and induced jobs are created. The most immediate benefits of a strong economy brought about by planned economic development initiatives accrue to those who sell their products and services locally. Economic research indicates that people are generally more drawn to communities in which employment opportunities are increasing and improving; where a culture of growth and prosperity is created. This provides local employers with a larger talent pool and a better-qualified workforce.
Both private businesses and public entities benefit from the impacts of an improving economy. Additional payroll dollars result in an increased demand for goods and services. Capital investment in facilities and equipment provide a broader tax base. That means our local units of government have more discretionary funds to pay for roads and parks that we all benefit from.
Positive economic development activities result in a return on investment for all of those involved. As we enter a new year, and a new decade, with a new plan, I am eagerly anticipating that return on investment Bay Future will help to manifest in our community. I'm excited to see Bay County continue to grow. I believe we have great community leaders in the right positions to help move us and drive forward.
Happy Reading,
-Trevor Keyes, EDFP
President & CEO
Bay Future, Inc.
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Bay Future: Drive.
Forward.
Publicly Announces Campaign
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Wednesday, December 11, 2019 Campaign Co-Chairs Clarence Sevillian II and Pete Shaheen, along with BFI Board of Directors and staff, publicly announced the
Bay Future: Drive
. Forward.
Capital Campaign.
The organization has a five year goal of $2.5 million and announced
54%
of the goal has been raised.
"When we set the $2.5 million goal, we knew it would require two things: First, major commitments from government as well as our largest firms and businesses. And, second, much broader support from our small to medium-sized firms." said Pete Shaheen.
Clarence Sevillian II said "This project is the joint responsibility of all members of our business community, large and small, and it will take that sort of widespread support to get the job done. But that is as it should be, because every business or professional firm or entity, regardless of size, will benefit. And every size firm will be asked to consider an appropriate financial commitment, payable over five years."
Event speakers included: Ryan Tarrant, BFI Board Chairman, President & CEO Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, Trevor Keyes, President & CEO Bay Future, Inc., Clarence Sevillian II President & CEO McLaren Bay Region, Pete Shaheen, Vice President Shaheen Development, and Jim Barcia Bay County Executive.
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Click
here to view press release and
here to view campaign updates and view additional media coverage below:
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BFI Hires New Economic Development Manager
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Kevin Kuhl joins the BFI team as the new Economic Development Manager. Kuhl will work alongside staff to lead Bay County business retention and expansion efforts as well as partner with resource partners to best serve potential and existing businesses in Bay County. 80-90% of all new jobs are created from existing businesses. BFI is committed to growing the existing business and entrepreneurial ecosystem in Bay County
“I am enthusiastically looking forward to bringing my skills to Bay County and Bay Future, working closely with the companies that I had previously worked with in former capacities, and also to meeting with new companies in need of assistance.”
Kuhl has a portfolio of experience that has equipped him with the skills necessary to make an immediate impact in his new role. As a Senior Business Solutions Manager for the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) and Growth Group Business Consultant for the Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Kuhl assisted businesses in overcoming obstacles and identifying opportunities for growth, partnership, training, and financial incentives.
Kuhl replaces Megan Manning who has transitioned within the organization to the role of Investor Relations and Marketing Manager, focusing on community outreach and connecting and engaging with investors as well as municipalities and other stakeholders in the marketing of economic growth efforts.
Staff contact information can be found
here
.
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BFI Staff from Left to Right: Megan Manning, Investor Relations & Marketing Manager, Sherrie Gray, Administrative Assistant, Trevor Keyes, President & CEO, Kevin Kuhl, Economic Development Manager
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Thursday, January 16, 2020
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Bay Area Chamber of Commerce & Bay Future, Inc.
812 N. Water Street, Bay City, MI 48708
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We invite you to join us at our new location for an Open House.
Stop by for a tour and networking with friends!
Don't forget to bring your business cards for registration and networking.
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Consumers Energy
Consumers Energy is one of the nation's largest combination utilities, providing electric and natural gas service to nearly 6.7 million of Michigan's 10 million residents, in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
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Thank you to Consumers Energy for your commitment to economic development activities in Bay County by becoming a Platinum Level Investor in BFI!
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Uptown Bay City
Entrepreneurs, top-notch business owners, and world-class leaders are choosing Uptown Bay City – an unrivaled business opportunity. From global corporations, like Dow and Michigan Sugar, to large scale regional and local companies, like McLaren Bay Region, Chemical Bank, Raymond James, Sedgwick a Courtyard by Marriott hotel, and The Real Seafood Co., bringing your business to Uptown – large or small – is the best decision for your company. Join the booming waterfront development today! We have retail and commercial space—to purchase, lease, and build-to-suit.
Limited space is now available in Phase one, with Retail spaces from 1,000SF and professional office space available from 2,000 – 4,000 SF. Contact
[email protected]
to learn more about how bring your business to the next level at Uptown
Click
Here for More Information
See more of this property:
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