More than 12 years ago, I chose to come back home to Bay City after graduating from Michigan State University (Go Green). For my classmates and colleagues the decision was clear, bigger (cities) equated to better (opportunities), and being further away from “home” was an added bonus. For me, it was an easy decision, as well. I grew up here, my family lives here, and I knew it is where I wanted to start my career and build my life. It was the place I knew I could make a positive difference in and was the place I was compelled to do so in. 

 

From 2000–2011, Michigan was the 48th worst performing state in the country as measured by real per capita (per person) GDP growth at -.5% real per capita GDP growth and was inching toward 14% unemployment. As a point of reference, U.S. per capita real GDP growth grew at nearly 1% over the same period and unemployment was never above 10%. Our economy is in a considerably stronger place now than it was when I first moved back to town during the Great Recession.

 

Businesses within our community are growing and thriving, but the same issue of attracting and retaining talent remains. In order to be successful in retaining young professionals within the Great Lakes Bay Region, we are collaborating with a number of partners ( click here to view ) throughout the region to host the Discover Great Lakes Bay: Coming Home Event on October 11 ^th . This event is a match making opportunity for both employers and young professionals to convene, to converse, and to connect. It is also a great way for businesses to identify that young talent component they have been looking for and for talent to identify opportunities in the area. What a win-win for our communities!

 

Later this month, Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! will host its first annual MiCareerQuest, an experiential learning opportunity for more than 10,000 school students from throughout our region to understand careers in advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, construction, health sciences, and information technology. This is another step towards closing the skills gap and talent pipeline, and an opportunity to educate students on careers that are available to them here at home.

 

I am very thankful for having the opportunity to come back home. The experiences I have had working at different companies have given me experiences and tools that I continue to reflect on and implement in my role here at BFI and the individuals whom I have worked with throughout that time have served as friends, colleagues, and mentors. We have amazing organizations and people here, both in Bay County and the Great Lakes Bay Region.

 

As our region continues to make strides, I am excited about the initiatives and events we are involved in to help bring and keep educated young people here in our community. Please help us in getting out the word and enjoy this issue as we share recent articles from Route Bay City highlighting talent, development news, and industry in Bay County.

 

Happy Reading,

-Trevor Keyes, EDFP

President & CEO

Bay Future, Inc.

Labadie Auto

Owning a distinctive presence on Michigan roads comes naturally when you buy or lease a stunning new or used Buick or GMC SUV, car, van or truck. At the Labadie Buick and GMC dealership in Bay City, MI, you'll be able to find the Buick or GMC model that speaks to you in a welcoming and friendly environment. The dealership has been family-owned and -operated for more than 70 years, so you'll always receive expert care and attention regardless of the nature of your visit. If you're shopping on a budget, you can peruse our wide selection of certified used vehicles, too.

 

Labadie prides themselves on a keen attention to detail and commitment to excellence, which is why they hire GM-certified technicians. Labadie Buick and GMC service center provides outstanding maintenance and repairs, and are pleased to say their Bay City body shop is regarded as No 1 in the tri-cities. With that said, they truly appreciate the outpouring of love and support from the Great Lakes Bay Region communities, and to show their gratitude, they make it a priority to give back to local organizations to help better our community and its people!

https://www.labadiegm.com/HomePage

Thank you Labadie for your investment in Bay Future, Inc.!

Charter Township of Monitor

Monitor Township is home to Valley Center Technology Park, Mid-Michigan's #1 Michigan Certified Business Park and Market Place Corporate Center. The township’s strategic position in the heart of the Great Lakes Bay Region, is attractive to employees from Bay, Midland, and Saginaw Counties where they can find countless options for dining, shopping, entertainment and recreation.

Population 10,485

http://www.valleycentertechpark.com/default.asp

Hampton Township

Monitor Township is home to Valley Center Technology Park, Mid-Michigan's #1 Michigan Certified Business Park and Market Place Corporate Center. The township’s strategic position in the heart of the Great Lakes Bay Region, is attractive to employees from Bay, Midland, and Saginaw Counties where they can find countless options for dining, shopping, entertainment and recreation.

Population: 9,383

https://hamptontownship.org/

Kawkawlin Township

Located in the heart of Bay County, Michigan, less than twenty miles from midtown Bay City, Kawkawlin Township offers its citizens and guests a balanced suburban community as well as Bay communities loaded with recreational facilities, Kawkawlin has something for everyone.

Population: 4,658

http://kawkawlintwp.org/