President & CEO's Message
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Did you know that 80% of all new jobs in the United States are created by existing businesses?
While the attraction of a new business is exciting and makes great newspaper headlines, just think of the type of impact we would see if every single business in Bay County added a few new employees each year! The retention of companies and industries is critical to our local economy which is why our organization focuses on it as one of our four main pillars consisting of: Retention, Expansion, Attraction, and Marketing.
As a Tactic for Success in our Strategic Action Plan, we execute a business retention and expansion program in which we regularly call on Bay County companies and industries. This not only allows our team to gain valuable insight on the local economy and trends, but also allows us to take a company’s pulse and assist businesses in overcoming obstacles and finding opportunities for growth.
We frequently schedule these meetings in collaboration with the
Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
and discuss topics like workforce, market trends, supply chains, and financial needs. Through this program we are able to refer companies to various resources and programs. We include many of these resources in our "Program Highlight" as a part of each monthly Bay Future Focus newsletter to continue to spread the word. Our team, the businesses we work with, and our community, have seen the direct impact of these resources.
We have highlighted programs like the
Going PRO Talent Fund
which
awards grants to employers to assist in training; developing and retaining current and newly hired employees- $334,335 were awarded to Bay County companies for the 2019 program year. Other resource programs like the
MI-STEP
provides direct reimbursement to eligible small businesses to develop or expand export-related activities- over $25,000 has been awarded to Bay County companies in the last three years. This month, learn more about
Michigan Rehabilitation Services
which provides business services support including talent development, connections to state and community partner assets and services, reasonable accommodation services, risk management/employee retention and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) consultation. With many more resources to be featured in the months ahead!
Our local economy cannot be successful without our local businesses being successful. These businesses play a critical role in the development, growth, and investment in our community, not only through the taxes they pay and the revenue they generate, but by providing quality jobs for our community’s residents. Your support of local business and industry makes the difference in our community’s growth.
Happy reading,
-Trevor Keyes, EDFP
President & CEO
Bay Future, Inc.
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Michigan Named Best State in America
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"Far too much of the Michigan narrative centers on Detroit and its many issues. The Motor City’s become a scrappily rising underdog you can’t help but root for, but Michigan’s greatest strengths lie in the state as a whole. Did you know Michigan has more coastline than any state other than Alaska? Did you know it has such an embarrassment of beer riches that you can easily hit Bell’s and Founders in the same afternoon? Did you know the UP is so remote and uniquely beautiful that it almost feels like a secret 51st state where they inexplicably love British meat pies? Did you know most residents are more than happy to apologize for Kid Rock? If you answered yes to at least three of these than you already understand Michigan’s charms. If you answered no to these questions, you should listen to the dulcet tones of Michigan tourism pitchman Tim Allen and get yourself there immediately."
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MLive: New farm to table restaurant coming to Bay City serves up Michigan food and culture
"An eatery that highlights Michigan food, agriculture and businesses is set to open sometime in August in downtown Bay City.
MI Table, or Michigan Table, showcases the state’s resources and history by serving all things Michigan, including the ingredients, furnishings and decor."
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Uptown Bay City
Uptown Bay City has been transformational for our community and represents over $100 million in investment. It has sparked the interest of other developers that has spurred multiple other developments and transformed the area to make Bay City a regional destination. This project is a great example of public/private partnership cooperation between the City of Bay City and RiversEdge Development Corporation along with the support of local, state and federal agencies.
Bay Future, Inc. would like to thank the City of Bay City, RiversEdge Development Corporation, and Shaheen Development for their investment in Bay County and in Bay Future, Inc.!
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Atlas Industrial Development
Atlas is a new industrial development in Western Bay County, Michigan with 35 acres available. The first building for the park is a pre-engineered steel 48,000 square foot facility. The build out of the remainder of the park is a flexible build to lease design or land sale, which will accommodate industrial tenants of any size. The space offers municipal services on a class A road and business friendly local government. Learn more about this industrial park with a strategic location in Williams Township near the US-10 M-47 interchange!
Learn
more
about this property.
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