Much like small business is the backbone of the American economy, teamwork is the backbone of any successful business. That is especially true with those businesses being recognized by the Michigan Celebrates Small Business Awards Program (see Featured Content, below). To be eligible to receive recognition, a company not only has to meet certain requirements, over a multi-year period, but they are scored against those businesses applying for recognition, that specific year. This year, that meant 500 businesses.
We are proud to work with these companies and are fortunate to have them contributing to our economy and offering quality jobs for our residents. Please join us in congratulating them and thanking them for being an impactful part of our community!
On another congratulatory note, please join us for the 2023 Bay Future Annual
Meeting where we will be recognizing the business expansion and attraction projects that have invested in our community over the past year. We will also be congratulating and recognizing those small businesses that received grant awards through the Bay County Small Business Grant Program. Keynote remarks will be given by J.D. Collins, State Director of the Michigan Small Business Development Center, and small businesses will be gifting attendees with their products and merchandise. Register to attend, below, and join our team of sponsors, partners, and investors in thanks and gratitude!
Happy reading,
-Trevor Keyes, EDFP
President & CEO
Bay Future, Inc.
Featured Content
Bay City’s Barney’s BakeHouse Bakery named among Michigan’s ‘Best Small Businesses’
Barney’s Bakehouse Bakery is located at 421 S. Van Buren St., where Bay City’s historic Barney’s Bakery operated for nearly a century before closing in 2020. Jarrid Weighman took over the business in November 2020 and was trained by former owner Dan Zielinski in the making of the bakery’s original signature breads, doughnuts and custard it was well known for. Barney’s is among 11 Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) clients to receive Best Small Business awards at the 19th Annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business Awards Gala on Tuesday, May 2, at Michigan State University’s Breslin Student Events Center in East Lansing.
Two Bay County Companies Recognized among Michigan’s top ’50 Companies to Watch’
After receiving over 500 nominators, over 80 small businesses from across the state of Michigan will be highlighted for their positive impact at the 19th Annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business Awards Gala on Tuesday, May 2, at Michigan State University’s Breslin Student Events Center in East Lansing.
Two of which are being recognized from Bay County, this year; Gougeon Brothers, Inc. and MDL Companies.
Gougeon Brothers, Inc. is an employee-owned, family-run, company manufacturing resins and epoxies that serve composite builders in the marine, automotive, aerospace industries, among others.
MDL Companies is a family-run construction, property management, realty, restoration, and real estate investment company driven by their core values of ethics, excellence, empathy, and empowerment.
“Growth is happening because Bay Future is stepping in, partnering with these businesses and showing them ways that they can leverage other dollars to help that growth… Bay Future is planting the seeds of future generations to come… There’s no better organization I feel to make this happen than Bay Future”
Learn more about Christopher Girard, Bay Future, Inc. Board of Director and Bay County Growth Alliance Representative
Bay Future, Inc. 2023 Annual Meeting – Last Day to RSVP!
Featured Program
FREE EDUCATION SESSION
Is your business looking to diversify your supply chain or learn more about expanding your business with government contracting?
Bay Future is pleased to offer a free educational session at the Doubletree by Hilton in Bay City April 27th.
Come and enjoy some free refreshments and learn how your business can take the next step in 2023.
Featured Property
BUILDING: Industrial Property 801 S. Henry Bay City, MI
801 S. Henry is a nearly 40,000 square foot building on Bay City’s westside. The building sits on a nearly 3 acre fenced lot.
The roof has recently been replaced and the interior has undergone a cleanup and restoration.
There is also avirtual tourof the building that does a great job of reflecting the updates and the possibilities for future tenants. There is a floorplan and survey linked below.
PROPERTY: Vacant Commercial Parcel Available in Frankenlust Township
On the site of the former Michigan Haus there is a commercially zoned, 6.17 acre parcel on the busy intersection of M-84 and Delta Rd. in Frankenlust Township. The I-75 interchange is less than 0.5 miles away.
The parcel is municipally owned and ready for commercial development.
VIDEO from MBN Speaker Series: Tuesday, May 12th: 🎉 MBN Speaker Series: 2026 Spring Business Sports LuncheonFeatured Will Tieman. An engaged audience joined us for an energizing afternoon as the Michigan
Chris Holman welcomes back Michael Price, STS/CTA, Executive Vice President, Destination Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI. Watch Mike and Chris discuss Ann Arbor’s tourism award, RowFest’s economic impact, and long-term
Chris Holman welcomes back Jay LaNew, Apprenticeship Success Coordinator and Business Services Officer, CAMW!, Capital Area Michigan Works!, Lansing, but serving Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties.
VIDEO from MBN Speaker Series: Tuesday, May 12th: 🎉 MBN Speaker Series: 2026 Spring Business Sports LuncheonFeatured Will Tieman. An engaged audience joined us for an energizing afternoon as the Michigan
Chris Holman welcomes back Michael Price, STS/CTA, Executive Vice President, Destination Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI. Watch Mike and Chris discuss Ann Arbor’s tourism award, RowFest’s economic impact, and long-term
Chris Holman welcomes back Jay LaNew, Apprenticeship Success Coordinator and Business Services Officer, CAMW!, Capital Area Michigan Works!, Lansing, but serving Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties.