A few years ago, a man from Bay County was having a conversation with a friend from Saginaw County. The Bay County man was preparing to perform in a show with the Bijou Orchestra at the State Theatre in downtown Bay City. He invited his friend from Saginaw County to see the show.
"I should come," said the man from Saginaw County. "I haven't been to Bay City in years."
Around the same time, that same man from Bay County was taking part in a leadership training day with fellow community leaders from the Great Lakes Bay Region. He was walking along Water Street in downtown Bay City with a friend and long-time colleague from Midland. As they walked, he couldn't help but notice her looking up in amazement. He inquired about what had caught her eye.
"I've never been to downtown Bay City," she said. "I've heard some things about it, but I've never been here. It's amazing."
On a third occasion, that same man was having a conversation with his neighbor – a member of a prominent family that owns and operates a well-known business in Bay County. He mentioned he was heading out for the day with his wife and she asked where they were going. Downtown, he told her.
"I haven't been downtown for 10 years," she replied. "What's down there now?"
These anecdotes illustrate the need to better tell the story in Bay County. And that's just what a group of community leaders hopes to do as it works to put the findings of the recently released Bay County Road Map to the Future into action.
The Road Map is a project launched two years ago by the Bay Area Community Foundation and the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce aimed at identifying the strengths, weaknesses, challenges and opportunities that this area faces as a community in the coming decade. With help from Saginaw Valley State University and input from hundreds of community partners, the Road Map identifies four avenues where the Bay Area must focus their attention – a robust and diverse economy, the presence of outstanding talent, the ability to meet basic human needs and developing a strong sense of place.
It is the last of these I'd like to focus on here because I believe Bay County, and in particular Bay City, is on the cusp of becoming Michigan's next great destination," said President of the Bay Area Chamber, Ryan Carley. "We have so much to offer, but as the stories above show us, some of the folks who call the Great Lakes Bay Region home, and even some of our very own residents, are not fully aware or may simply need a friendly reminder."
Bay City is located on Saginaw Bay and their natural resources are one of their greatest strengths and something they are working to establish as a calling card for tourists. Bay City features the amazing Rail Trail system, the new Michigan Sugar Trails, efforts to expand beach access at the Bay City State Recreation Area, hiking opportunities at Tobico Marsh, the Saginaw Bay Birding Trail and Pinconning Park, which is among one of the nicest outdoor recreation facilities you'll find anywhere in the state.
It's all right if you aren't much of an outdoorsy person, Bay City still has something for you.
Entertainment venues, including the beautifully restored State Theatre and the Bay City Players, Michigan's oldest, continuously operating community theater, is located in Bay City. Events such as the Tall Ship Celebration, River Roar, St. Stan's Polish Festival and free outdoor concerts and movies take place all summer along a striking riverfront.
If you are looking for family-fun, Bay City has that too.
The Bay County Historical Museum and the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum aboard the USS Edson are education destinations. The Antique Toy and Firehouse Museum will be sure to entertain your children. You can even take a cruise up the Saginaw River aboard the Princess Wenonah or the Appledore IV tall ship. Bay City is also putting forth efforts to construct a new Imagination Station playground and community tennis complex.
Come for the weekend, and experience the unique shopping opportunities, which include one of the world's largest antique malls, an old-fashioned candy store, art galleries, an antique automobile showroom and many unique boutiques. Bay City is home to unique and delicious independently owned restaurants where you can find fresh cuisine to appease your hunger. In addition to the existing Doubletree hotel, Bay City will soon have a Quality Inn and Courtyard by Marriott located riverside.
Bay City has a new gem rising from the banks of the Saginaw River unmatched by any other in the region and, perhaps, the Midwest. Bay City is deeply rooted in its amazing history of lumber mills, shipyards and auto parts manufacturers, the Uptown Bay City development is the bedrock of the city's future. This mixed-use facility sits on more than 40 acres of prime real estate and features offices for Dow Corning Corp., McLaren Bay Region hospital and Chemical Bank, as well as restaurants, town houses and condominium living. Bay City is focused on the future and Uptown is the evidence.
All of these amazing qualities Bay County offers are perfect for anyone looking to live, work or play in a progressive area.
Spread the word about Bay City and the Bay Area; then the man from Saginaw County, the woman from Midland County and the Bay County resident will pass it on and the story of Bay County will begin to weave itself into conversations both near and far.
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