Economic Development

Coverage of projects, big and small, and the people who create them, which promote the economic health of a community, including manufacturing, retail, office, and hospitality developments.

Great Lakes Bay Health Centers recently announced plans for a new one-stop facility in Uptown Bay City.

Bay City health care gets a boost with school-based clinic, new facility in Uptown, and vision bus

Great Lakes Bay Health Centers recently opened a School-Based Health Center at Bay City Central High School. The agency also is building a facility in Uptown Bay City while making plans to offer mobile vision services here.  

Latest in Economic Development
Photo courtesy of the Antique Toy and Firehouse Museum
Bay City’s oldest firehouse is coming back to life as a museum

The Antique Toy & Firehouse Museum is renovating the former Fire Station No. 3, located at the edge of Downtown Bay City. In the end, the building will house fire trucks and toys, classrooms for lessons in fire safety, and even offer space to two other local history organizations.  

EMCOG to host housing review and workshop on Feb. 20 at SVSU

The East Michigan Council of Governments (EMCOG) will host a housing review and workshop on Feb. 20 at Saginaw Valley State University to discuss Region G's housing plan.

Calli Ruffertshofer, a long-time customer in Downtown Bay City, has opened her own boutique business, Fran & Dot.
A love of fashion and style leads teacher to a new business venture in Downtown Bay City

Calli Ruffertshofer, a long-time customer in Downtown Bay City, has opened her own boutique business, Fran & Dot. She says the store will emphasize style, bling, and personal service.  

Mark Witte chats with OnPoint staff: from left,  Andre Pierre, Jr., chief administrative officer; Kelly Dingman, accounting supervisor, and Sarah Lumbert, general accountant.
OnPoint: The many professional roles within mental health care

Michigan’s community mental health agencies need more psychiatrists, psychologists, and master’s level social workers, but they also need bachelor’s level social workers, administrative staff,  peer support specialists, accountants, and direct care workers — roles that require no college degree or degrees in areas not relating directly to mental health. 

Michigan Sugar Company President and CEO Neil Juhnke addresses grower-owners from the cooperative's East District during a Tool Shed meeting held in April 2023 at Maple Grove Acres in Ruth. (Photo courtesy of Michigan Sugar)
A behind-the-scenes look at Bay Future’s economic development playbook

Natural resources, strong local colleges, easy access to other markets, and other factors all play a role when Bay Future seeks to attract and retain businesses in Bay County.  

Welding is an in-demand career, prompting the Bay-Arenac ISD to offer training programs for adults and high school students.
Voices of Youth: Exercise and diet pump health into your heart

During February, we celebrate heartfelt love and health. The American Heart Association encourages everyone to focus on simple exercise and diet tips for a healthier heart.  

Michigan student loan repayment program helping to tackle mental health workforce shortage

Michigan has long faced a critical shortage of mental health professionals, impacting access to vital care for communities across the state. To address this growing challenge, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) launched the Behavioral Health Now Loan Repayment Program, a strategic initiative aimed at attracting and retaining mental health professionals by alleviating the financial burden of student loans.

NASA HUNCH brings real-world space exploration to Midland Public Schools

Midland Public Schools welcomed NASA experts from the HUNCH program, inspiring students in STEM projects like Dow High’s Space Farmers.

New restaurant brings flavorful cuisine to Downtown Midland

A new tapas and brunch restaurant opened its doors at 134 W. Main St. in downtown Midland. Erik Swenson, owner and executive chef, brings flavorful cuisine on the daily menu, Seafood Saturday, Sunday Brunch, and special pop-up themed events.

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