Economic Development

The hallway leading to patient rooms features a domestic vibe to aid in stress reduction during medical visits.

MidMichigan Health innovates to improve health care accessibility

MidMichigan Health’s newest Health Park in Bay County has implemented state-of-the-art technologies and design features aimed at making medical care comfortable and approachable for all patients.

Latest in Economic Development
City Manager Dana Muscott and Bay Future CEO Trevor Keyes take investors on a tour of property available in Bay City.
Pandemic didn’t stop businesses from locating and expanding in Bay County

Bay Future’s 2021 Annual Meeting highlights economic growth and business expansions in the area.  

Colorful selection of produce at the Coleman Community Market.
New Community Market opens in Coleman Family Center

The community of Coleman has been a food desert for several years since the local grocery store closed. Now, a collaborative effort has led to the opening of a new market featuring fresh produce in what’s become a hub in the community.  

Mackenzie Hopkins and Kaela Dolan, lifelong friends and now cousins, recently opened The Rebel Mamas storefront in downtown Midland at 126 Townsend St.
The Rebel Mamas rock downtown Midland

Mackenzie Hopkins and Kaela Dolan, lifelong friends and now cousins, recently opened The Rebel Mamas storefront in downtown Midland. Beyond selling custom balloons and custom confetti, they also host classes and special events. 

The state, employers, and employees work together to pay child-care expenses in a pilot program available in Bay County now.
A new program is helping Great Lakes Bay Region families cover child-care expenses

The state is offering a pilot program to help working families pay for child care, removing an obstacle to employment.

The results are in: Midland County Broadband Committee shares survey results and initial action plan

The results of the Connected Nation broadband and technology survey are in. An action plan is outlined to address the infrastructure and speed issues throughout Midland County. Resources for affording broadband are available for low-income families.

Mid-Michigan is home to beautiful hiking trails, fit for rugged hikers or young families. (Photo: Midland City Forest)
These trails were made for walking: Our top 10 hiking trails in mid-Michigan

The Issue Media Group editors in the Great Lakes Bay Region walk you through our 10 favorite hiking and biking trails in the Great Lakes Bay Region. These paths take you through natural areas, small towns, cityscapes, and more.

Chris & Heather Welch of the Aviator Cookie Company. He's the owner, she's the assistant manager.
Crowdfunding campaign takes off to help new downtown business expand

Aviator Cookie Company was chosen for a crowdfunding campaign after an application and interview process with the Midland Young Professionals (MYPros). The MYPros Community Crowdfund program provides opportunities to contribute to the development of businesses that seek to offer unique products and experiences for the community.   

Scott Oswald praised Bay County officials for helping him jump the hurdles to re-developing this Auburn home. (Photo courtesy of Scott Oswald)
When problematic properties don’t sell, the Bay County Land Bank Authority steps in

For decades, the Bay County Land Bank Authority has encouraged the renovation of dilapidated, problematic homes so they can be used for families and to improve the community. The Bank’s processes, though, are largely misunderstood.  

Downtown Story Day is this Saturday, April 10 from noon to 4 p.m. in downtown Midland.
Old MacDonald had a goat: Downtown Story Day returns to Midland this Saturday

Downtown Story Day is this Saturday, April 10 from noon to 4 p.m. Farm-themed children’s books will be read every half hour at participating businesses, with a chance to win the books being read. Did we mention there will be goats?

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