Hey, Bay City!

Hey, Bay City!
Hey, Bay City!

Bringing you the stories of great people doing great things from all across Bay County, Michigan!

  1. 10/22/2024

    Driving Economic and Community Growth in Bay County: Jim Reaume and Bay Future, Inc.

    Driving Economic and Community Growth in Bay County: Insights from Bay Future and SBDC This episode of 'Hey Bay City' centers on the vital efforts of Bay Future and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in fostering economic and community development in Bay County, Michigan. Jim Reaume, President and CEO of Bay Future, Inc., discusses the organization's critical role in the economce development of Bay County. The conversation covers the challenges of housing and childcare shortages, the need for balanced and sustainable growth, and the significant economic impact of major investments like the Mersen project and Michigan Sugar's facilities. Collaborative efforts with educational institutions to equip the workforce, the availability of shovel-ready sites, and the success stories of businesses like Vantage Plastics are highlighted. The SBDC, led by consultant Michelle Judd, is noted for its pivotal support to over 200 local businesses through expert consulting on setup, financial planning, and marketing. This episode underscores the strategic planning and behind-the-scenes dedication necessary for maintaining community prosperity and economic stability. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome  01:04 Jim's Background and Journey  02:58 Role and Impact of Bayfuture  05:56 Challenges in Economic Development  18:43 Workforce Development and Training  24:23 Exploring Bay County's Shovel Ready Locations  25:54 Challenges and Opportunities in Site Development  29:01 Vantage Plastics: A Success Story  32:56 Michigan Sugar's Innovative Approach  36:12 Supporting Small Businesses with SBDC  43:48 The Importance of Economic Development

    45 min
  2. 10/01/2024

    Attraction and Retention: John Kaczynski

    Join John Kaczynski from Saginaw Valley State University as he delves into the nuances of attraction and retention in the Great Lakes Bay Region! John shares his personal and family anecdotes to highlight the significance of quality of life and sense of community. From discussing historical migration patterns to the modern-day challenges of attracting college students, graduates, and retirees, John offers a comprehensive overview of strategies aimed at fostering a vibrant, welcoming community. John talks about the importance of hospitality, the role of transportation and housing, and the collective effort needed to create a thriving regional identity. 00:00 Introduction  00:27 Exploring Attraction and Retention  01:01 Personal Stories and Community Ties  01:22 Historical Context and Family Roots  04:18 Sense of Belonging and Regional Identity 06:27 Challenges and Opportunities in Higher Education  17:27 Mobility and Infrastructure Initiatives  30:00 Creating a Culture of Hospitality  30:50 A Story of Hospitality in Indianapolis  33:49 The Power of Perception and Kindness  34:43 The Importance of Community Ambassadors  35:41 Designing Communities for All Ages  36:07 Telling Our Story: Media and Education  36:45 Celebrating Local Schools and Achievements  38:12 The Value of Regional Assets  46:50 Creative Solutions for Community Growth  52:09 The Role of Hospitality in Community Success  01:00:11 Final Thoughts and Acknowledgements

    1h 2m
  3. 07/19/2024

    Attraction and Retention with Jason Story!

    In this episode, we get to talk "shop" with Jason Story, Director of Talent and Small Business Initiatives at the Midland Business Alliance! What attracts and retains people to a place? What are the challenges? What are the big plans and little steps that lead to growing, thriving cities?    We talk about all this and more in this very special episode!    Show Notes:    00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 00:39 The Importance of Attraction and Retention 01:23 Journey to Midland 02:17 Workforce Development and Community Engagement 04:12 Human-Centric Approach to Workforce 09:05 The Role of Aesthetics in Community Building 18:53 Community Identity and Unique Initiatives 23:23 Events and Community Pride 27:53 Addressing Loneliness and Social Isolation 31:11 Midland's RADTalent Initiative 34:19 The Importance of Modern Communication in Communities 35:44 Adapting Communication to Audience Needs 37:19 Balancing Community Improvement and Communication 38:37 The Role of Media in Community Storytelling 39:52 Challenges in Community Attraction and Retention 40:43 Long-Term Vision and Immediate Actions 42:06 Creating a Welcoming Environment for Newcomers 44:53 The Continuous Effort of Community Growth 45:58 The Importance of Incremental Progress 52:39 Collaborative Community Development 01:02:48 Final Thoughts and Encouragement   For more Bay City stories, community information, and more, visit us on the web at www.heybaycity.com!

    1 hr
4.8
out of 5
37 Ratings

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Bringing you the stories of great people doing great things from all across Bay County, Michigan!

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