Economic Development

Free coffee day began in 2012 and now Populace offers it a few times each year.

Ring in the holidays with great music, good company, and free coffee in Downtown Bay City

Populace Coffee is serving up free drinks on Saturday to fuel holiday shoppers in Downtown Bay City.

Latest in Economic Development
Lisa Wegner enjoyed shoe shopping so much that she opened up her own shoe store in Downtown Bay City.
Shoe lovers have a new place to shop in Downtown Bay City

Lisa Wegner enjoyed shoe shopping so much that she opened up her own shoe store in Downtown Bay City.

A team is working to restore the holiday lights that used to decorate Downtown Bay City during Christmas.
River of Lights flows through Downtown Bay City again

Local groups are looking for the holiday decorations that once made up the River of Lights, filling downtown Bay City with colorful, lighted displays during December.   

Q&A with CMU President Robert Davies

In his first State of the University address in November, Central Michigan University President Robert Davies described his vision for CMU as it ventures through the next 10 years.

Reed has tried to create a warm, welcoming space where her customers feel at home.
Young Entrepreneurs: Infinity Bridal says “I do” to Uptown Bay City

When Britney Reed moved to Bay City in 2012, she missed the nightlife of Chicago. In 7 years, the town changed enough to inspire her to put down roots and open a business here.  

Bay Future announced it has raised $1.3 million toward its $2.5 million goal for a campaign to bring jobs to Bay County.
Bay Future sets ambitious five-year goal for economic growth across Bay County

Bay Future announced plans to raise money for a five-year plan to bring new jobs to Bay County. The plan draws on support from the public and private sector.  

Birdwatchers flock to trails along the Saginaw River in every season.
Bay City non-profit featured in NYC exhibit for work converting empty city lots to natural habitats

The work of a Bay City-based land conservancy is getting national attention.

Amberlyn Hales opened MI Table in order to create the kind of community where her children – who range in age from 14 to 3 – will want to live as adults.
Young Entrepreneurs: Bay City restaurant owner offers new cuisine in an old building

Amberlyn Hales hopes to cook up a strong community while she's offering healthy, nutritious food at MI Table in downtown Bay City.  

Your local artisan holiday gift guide

Wrap up a handmade holiday when you shop for gifts from local artists. This local artisan gift guide introduces you to a few of the artists in this community.

A Holly Jolly Great Lakes Bay Region: 4 celebrations to kick off Christmas

Get ready for a holly jolly good time with friends and family as the Great Lakes Bay Region welcomes the holiday season with a variety of events!

Our Partners

Midland County

Common Ground Is Brewing

Support local stories and receive our signature roast straight to your door when you join at the Standard level (or above).

Drink Better, Read Local

Close the CTA

Don't miss out!

Everything Great Lakes Bay region, in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

Already a subscriber? Enter your email to hide this popup in the future.