Bay Future Staff Message
Dear Partners, Investors, and Community Stakeholders,
At Bay Future, we remain focused on building a strong foundation for long-term growth in our community. Several exciting projects are already in motion, bringing new opportunities for investment, job creation, and enhanced quality of life across our region.
These initiatives reflect the momentum we’ve built together and the commitment of our partners who continue to believe in Bay County’s potential.
To keep pace with this progress, we’re growing our team and strengthening our capacity to serve businesses and communities with excellence. At the same time, we’re doubling down on the fundamentals—business retention and expansion, attraction of new investment, and supporting entrepreneurs.
By returning to these proven basics of economic development, while advancing transformative projects, we are ensuring that Bay County is well-positioned for sustainable success today and into the future.
Jim Reaume
President & CEO
Investor Spotlight – Michigan Sugar
Tyler Kring
Community Relations Manager, Michigan Sugar
What motivated Michigan Sugar to invest in Bay Future?
Bay Future is the leading economic development group in Bay County. Growth and change in a community don’t happen in a vacuum or as the result of one person’s actions. It takes multiple passionate organizations and individuals to create positive growth, and Bay Future is the convener of all those parties to make sure everyone is moving in unison towards a shared goal. Additionally, not one organization is an expert in every field. When we, at Michigan Sugar, look to undertake an investment project to improve our operations, but need guidance on nuanced aspects of that project, we know we can turn to the team at Bay Future for guidance and connection to the best individuals to help us on our journey.
What impact does Michigan Sugar hope to see from your investment?
We hope to see local development and a thriving community from our investment in Bay Future. Michigan Sugar employs nearly 1,000 people in Bay County at the peak of sugar beet harvest and sugar production season. A thriving community where people want to live, work, and play is essential to having a thriving population base in Bay County. A flourishing population means we have a flourishing employment base to hire from to ensure our team and operations are the very best they can be when time is of the essence to process beets in a safe and efficient time frame to deliver the maximum return to the grower-owners of our cooperative.
Why is economic development important to Bay County?
Bay County has one of the oldest populations in the state. While it’s a significant challenge that we’re facing, it’s also an excellent opportunity to attract the next generation of leaders in our community because there are and will be ample career opportunities available in our community. Bay County has all the ingredients of a great community – a great downtown with locally owned shops and restaurants, a wide range of live events and activities for people of all ages, abundant natural resources available for recreation, and a central location in our great state. Capitalizing on all of these and harnessing their collective power through economic development will make Bay County the hot community to move to in the coming years.
In your opinion, what makes Bay County a great place to grow a business?
The combination of infrastructure and natural resources in Bay County makes it a perfect place to grow a business. Few counties can boast an interstate highway system, access to maritime shipping, an expansive rail network, and proximity to a regional airport. No matter what you manufacture and where your customers are, there is an easy way to ship it from Bay County. Additionally, the abundance of land and water from the Saginaw River makes it an ideal location to expand a company’s footprint.
Any advice or encouragement you’d give to others considering supporting Bay Future?
Investing in the growth of our community is essential for both the professional and personal lives of all residents of Bay County. Investment in Bay Future is the best way to accomplish this. There is no organization better equipped or doing a better job of leading the charge of ensuring Bay County is a thriving place to live, work, and play for future generations.
Great Lakes Bay Job Fair
Join in at Delta College for an in-person job fair featuring employers from every sector, offering part-time, seasonal, and full-time positions, as well as apprenticeships and internships. High school students and first-year college students can start building their networks and exploring the variety of career paths available in our region. Spring graduates, alumni, and community members will also have the chance to connect with our community partners for immediate job opportunities.
The Great Lakes Bay Job Fair is a partnership between Delta College, the Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works!, the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity – Michigan Rehabilitation Services & Workforce Development – Veterans’ Employment Services and the American Legion Post #443.
Bay Future’s biggest event of the year is on the horizon, and you won’t want to miss it!
Join us on Tuesday, February 25, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bay City – Riverfront for our Annual Meeting — a celebration of progress, partnerships, and the exciting future ahead for Bay County!
Hear exclusive updates, celebrate economic development milestones, and connect with the leaders shaping our region’s growth.
Location: One Wenonah Park Place, Bay City, MI 48708
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
This is more than just a meeting — it’s a movement. Save the Date and be part of the momentum!
Economic Development News Articles
- From Silicon to Server: Mapping the Data Center Supply Chain
- These 10 state are America’s best prepared for extreme weather, climate risks
- General Motors fuels $1.75M MiSTEM expansion
- What We’re Getting Wrong About Gen Z’s Future in the Skilled Trades
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At Bay Future, we believe economic growth is more than numbers—it’s about building vibrant communities, creating meaningful jobs, and laying the foundation for long-term success.
Your investment in Bay Future fuels transformative projects that bring new businesses, strengthen existing industries, and improve quality of life across Bay County.
Here’s what your support makes possible:
- 🌱 Attraction of new businesses and industries
- 🏗 Expansion of infrastructure and site development
- 👷 Workforce development and talent retention
- 💼 Support for small business and entrepreneurs
Since 2020, Bay Future helped secure over $1 billion in private investment, supported 900 new jobs, and facilitated partnerships that keep Bay County competitive in a fast-changing economy.
Why invest now?
Because the future doesn’t wait. And with your partnership, we can build a stronger, more resilient Bay County—together.
👉 Join Our Investors or Learn More About Investment Opportunities
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