Economic Development

Hemp is a versatile plant that can be crafted into many unique products. The flower can be smoked or made into oils. Other parts of the plant can be used to create textiles, plastics, and more.

CBD is available in downtown Midland — what is it and how does it work?

Steve Scott, owner of Craft Hemp Company, focuses on hemp education in his downtown Midland store. He sources his hemp from growers in Shepherd, Mid Michigan Hemp Supply and Ag Marvels. Ag Marvels also happens to be the biggest hemp processor in Michigan.

Latest in Economic Development
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?

The Frosts hope to keep the exterior as original as possible.
Enterprise Zones are a route to revitalize neighborhoods and create a sense of place in Bay City

City leaders are considering a range of ways to make it easier for homeowners and developers seeking to revitalize the community.  

Midland Blooms is coming back this year with a new business sponsor — Corteva Agriscience.
World-class tennis and lines of marigolds return to Midland in 2021

Midland is looking forward to seeing the return of two exciting programs: Midland Blooms and The Dow Tennis Classic. Midland Blooms will be held May 22, and the world-class tennis tournament will take place November 1-7.

Artist's rendering of Comprehensive Cancer Center.
MidMichigan Health to bring together oncological care offerings at new Comprehensive Cancer Center

MidMichigan Health has announced its plans to build a new Comprehensive Cancer Center at the current site of the Towsley Building, located on the campus of MidMichigan Medical Center - Midland. The Center will bring together oncologists, radiation specialists, specialty surgeons, chemotherapy providers, and support staff from various disciplines at one location.

Newly-elected representative Timmy Beson wants to connect young people with retirees as well as make things easier for small businesses to operate.
Freshman representative Timmy Beson, R-Bay City, focuses on helping small businesses

State Rep. Timmy Beson says he wants to encourage state inspectors to work with business owners to keep their doors open. He also wants to connect young people with retirees to broaden their views.

Over the years, the Hampton Theater has served different purposes in the community. Now, it's for sale and the owners are hoping someone is ready to re-open the building to serve the community again.
House lights have dimmed at Hampton theater, but there could be a bright future on the horizon

Since it was built in 1985, the Hampton 5 theater has served as a place to watch movies, worship, and to distribute necessities for the community. Now, the owner has the theater for sale and is hoping a buyer is ready to open the building for its fourth act.

Kent MacDonald, Northwood president, assessing the flood damage to the university.
Q&A with Kent MacDonald, President of Northwood University

Financial challenges, the pandemic, and a devastating flood all happened in the first year on the job for Northwood University president, Kent MacDonald. The native of Nova Scotia shares with Catalyst how the university has responded, what role a university should have in a community, and who his mentors have been over the years.

A coalition of community leaders are working together to help first-generation homebuyers.
Bay City-area housing market experiences growth during the pandemic

For the past decade, the Bay City housing market has been slowly growing. In the last year, home sales set new records. Experts point to a variety of factors driving the increase.

Remedy Physical Therapy is located inside the Davidson Building in Downtown Bay City.
Physical therapist has unique skill set in Downtown Bay City

Bay City-based therapist is the first person in the state to earn certification in specialized treatments for neck, jaw, and orofacial pain. 

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