Hey, Bay City!

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

Driving Economic and Community Growth in Bay County: Jim Reaume and Bay Future, Inc. 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 /episode/index/show/9c2ada0c-992f-4cb0-a76e-fcc495ce22a7/id/33570492

The 7 Steps of Attraction and Retention with Jason Story 10/01/2024

The 7 Steps of Attraction and Retention with Jason Story In this engaging episode, Jason Story from the Midland Business Alliance talks about his 7 step framework for attraction and retention. Jason and Phil explore how defining and understanding each step—Attract, Acquire, Integrate, Train, Develop, Retain, and Sustain—can shed light on effective strategies for community growth and workforce stability. This conversation is filled with practical insights and thoughtful analysis, offering viewers a comprehensive roadmap to address these pivotal issues. Join them as they navigate through theory and real-life applications, aiming to foster a thriving, cohesive community. 00:00 Introduction and Continuity 00:31 Exploring Attraction and Retention 02:04 Defining Attraction and Retention 04:03 The Role of Community in Attraction 06:17 Marketing and Community Engagement 11:51 Acquisition Phase 19:05 Integration and Welcoming 28:45 Training and Equipping for Success 34:48 Business and Educator Partnerships 35:31 Understanding KSAOs: Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Attributes 37:55 Training vs. Development: Present and Future 39:26 The Importance of Retention 51:27 Sustaining Success Over Time 01:06:11 Practical Applications and Future Conversations For more stories, podcasts, and communtiy information, head to www.heybaycity.com! /episode/index/show/9c2ada0c-992f-4cb0-a76e-fcc495ce22a7/id/33279777

Attraction and Retention: John Kaczynski 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 /episode/index/show/9c2ada0c-992f-4cb0-a76e-fcc495ce22a7/id/33279392

Ryan Boon of CAN Council 09/30/2024

Ryan Boon of CAN Council In this episode of The Hey, Bay City! Podcast, join Ryan Boone, former principal and Prevention Education Coordinator at the CAN Council as he discusses his transition from a 26-year career in education to working on child abuse prevention and advocacy. Ryan shares his deep connection with the CAN Council and its mission to keep children safe from abuse and neglect in the Great Lakes Bay Region and beyond. The conversation covers his experiences, the importance of protecting kids, various CAN Council programs, and ways the community can get involved, including the upcoming Dine and Unwind event. Tune in to learn more about this vital work and how you can support it! Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:39 Ryan Boone's Journey in Education 02:21 Transition to CAN Council 04:40 CAN Council's Mission and Programs 12:00 Community Involvement and Support 13:10 Dine and Unwind 16:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts /episode/index/show/9c2ada0c-992f-4cb0-a76e-fcc495ce22a7/id/33260882

Dr. Nick Mouawad of McLaren Bay Region! 08/03/2024

Dr. Nick Mouawad of McLaren Bay Region! Dr. Nick Mouawad of McLaren Bay Region was recently recognized by Newsweek as one of the top vascular surgeons in the NATION. Join us as we sit down with Dr. Mouawad to hear about his upbringing in Dubai to his medical training in Ireland and his remarkable career here in Bay County. He provides an inside look at what it's like to be a surgeon and the heathcare innovations he has brought to McLaren Bay Region. Don't miss this amazing conversation with one of the real-life heroes behind the scenes at McLaren Bay Region! Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction and First Meeting 01:19 Inside the Operating Room 04:39 Recognition and Awards 07:46 Journey to Medicine 10:20 Life in Bahrain 15:07 Vascular Surgery Insights 21:19 Introduction to TCAR Procedure 21:35 Choosing the Right Procedure 23:57 Surgeon's Perspective on Operations 26:27 A Patient's Story: Dennis Robbins 30:35 Personal Life: Marriage and Family 35:46 Advice for Aspiring Surgeons 37:18 Preventive Health Tips 39:33 The Culture at McLaren 43:55 Conclusion and Gratitude For more Bay County stories, information, and the HBC Job Board, head to www.heybaycity.com! /episode/index/show/9c2ada0c-992f-4cb0-a76e-fcc495ce22a7/id/32390527

Pretzel Prize! 07/30/2024

Pretzel Prize! Chloe Cerva of Pretzel Prize is our special guest on the latest episode of the Hey, Bay City Podcast! We talk about her move out to Portland, moving back, being and entrepreneur, and of course...pretzels! Watch the episode here, on YouTube or listen wherever you listen to podcasts! Spotify: https://bit.ly/3VpFQPK Apple: https://apple.co/3vrgbz4 iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-hey-bay-city-104129966/ For more Bay County stories, podcasts, information, and a job board, head to www.heybaycity.com! /episode/index/show/9c2ada0c-992f-4cb0-a76e-fcc495ce22a7/id/32333707

Attraction and Retention with Jason Story! 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 /episode/index/show/9c2ada0c-992f-4cb0-a76e-fcc495ce22a7/id/32220342

Sara Parker 07/07/2024

Sara Parker In this episode of the Hey, Bay City! Podcast, we get to know HBC's Director of Workforce Development, Sara Parker! Check out all our podcasts, stories, community info and the HBC! Job Board at www.heybaycity.com! /episode/index/show/9c2ada0c-992f-4cb0-a76e-fcc495ce22a7/id/32014037

includingYOU: Empathy and Tolerance 06/25/2024

includingYOU: Empathy and Tolerance Erin Patrice of The Breaking Bread Village recaps the most recent live show in the ncludingYOU series, a community conversation series in partnership with the Bay Area Community Foundation. In these events, a diverse group of participants from the Bay County community (as well as the audience!) discuss "big idea" topics like bias, judgement, empathy and tolerance. The next show will be Tuesday, August 13th and will focus on honesty and transparency. There is no cost to attend, but you're encouraged to register here: You can find more stories, podcasts, community information, and the Bay County Job Board at . /episode/index/show/9c2ada0c-992f-4cb0-a76e-fcc495ce22a7/id/31883612

The New Miss Michigan, Jenae Lodewyk!!! 06/21/2024

The New Miss Michigan, Jenae Lodewyk!!! Miss Bay County is now the new MISS MICHIGAN! We chat with Jenae Lodewyk about working for the Pistons, competing for Miss Michigan, hear her perform, and more in the latest episode of the Hey, Bay City! Podcast! For all our past episodes, stories, community information, and Bay County job board, head to . /episode/index/show/9c2ada0c-992f-4cb0-a76e-fcc495ce22a7/id/31843672

How to Have a Top 200 Salon with Heather Spencer 06/07/2024

How to Have a Top 200 Salon with Heather Spencer In the latest episode of the Hey, Bay City! Podcast, we talk to Heather Spencer of A Spencer Gellise Salon about their path towards becoming a top 200 salon IN THE COUNTRY, what makes a good leader, and more! Watch or listen on Facebook or YouTube, or listen wherever you listen to podcasts! Watch on YouTube at , and check out community information, stories, and more at ! /episode/index/show/9c2ada0c-992f-4cb0-a76e-fcc495ce22a7/id/31655882

Delta College President Mike Gavin 06/03/2024

Delta College President Mike Gavin We talk to Delta College President, Dr. Mike Gavin, about why community college is important, a program that allows people over 21 to earn a degree or certification for free, and Delta's opportunities for those looking to pursue a skilled trade. Visit for community information, the HBC Job Board, and all our past stories and podcasts! /episode/index/show/9c2ada0c-992f-4cb0-a76e-fcc495ce22a7/id/30649163

Public Art - Jamie Forbes & Megan Koch of Studio 23 05/26/2024

Public Art - Jamie Forbes & Megan Koch of Studio 23 /episode/index/show/9c2ada0c-992f-4cb0-a76e-fcc495ce22a7/id/30865903

Ken and Kellie 05/26/2024

Ken and Kellie /episode/index/show/9c2ada0c-992f-4cb0-a76e-fcc495ce22a7/id/30867013

STEM Fest with Dante Davis 04/01/2024

STEM Fest with Dante Davis Dante Davis left his job at SpaceX and Tesla to bring hands-on STEM education to kids here in the Great Lakes Bay Region. One June 8th, through a partnership between the Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance, the Bay-Arenac ISD, the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, the Bay Area Community Foundation, and powered by Hey, Bay City!, Davis is kicking off his work in Bay County with STEM Fest! In this episode of the Hey, Bay City podcast, Davis shares his story and details about this incredible event. /episode/index/show/9c2ada0c-992f-4cb0-a76e-fcc495ce22a7/id/30021818

Josh Freedman: Seven Slot Remodeling 03/26/2024

Josh Freedman: Seven Slot Remodeling In this episode, Josh from Seven Slot Remodeling shares his journey from Southern California to Bay City, Michigan. Josh discusses both positive influences and the challenges he faced growing up, along with his military service in the Air Force and how it taught him self-awareness and hard work. Tune in to hear Josh's heartfelt stories and his dedication to bringing quality and integrity to his business. 00:00 Introduction 01:36 Josh's Background and Early Life 02:27 Growing Up in Southern California 04:50 Food Memories and Cultural Influences 07:36 Challenges and Resilience in Childhood 12:49 Military Service and Personal Growth 19:24 Transition to Civilian Life 23:00 Settling in Bay City 26:30 Taking the Leap: Starting a Remodeling Business 26:57 First Projects and Learning Experiences 29:08 The Emotional Impact of Remodeling 32:03 Building Client Relationships 34:18 Balancing Family and Work 35:19 Parenting Insights and Challenges 37:50 The Importance of Consistency 40:30 Lessons from Kids and Marriage 44:06 Jeep Culture and Off-Roading Adventures 48:01 Seven Slot Remodeling: Services and Ethos 51:19 Conclusion and Appreciation /episode/index/show/9c2ada0c-992f-4cb0-a76e-fcc495ce22a7/id/30552363

Including You: Show #2 Recap 03/25/2024

Including You: Show #2 Recap The invited Erin Patrice of to host a year-long community conversation series called “Including You”. The series invites members from the community onto a panel to discuss a topic, and each free event focuses on a different topic: societal expectations, bias and judgment, empathy and tolerance, honesty and transparency, morality and religion, and the greater good. We sat down with Erin to recap the second event of the series where the topics discussed were bias and judgement, and to talk about the upcoming show on Tuesday, May 14th about empathy and tolerance. /episode/index/show/9c2ada0c-992f-4cb0-a76e-fcc495ce22a7/id/30441968

WHEEL. OF. FORTUNE! 03/02/2024

WHEEL. OF. FORTUNE! Heather Zywicki repped Bay City on Wheel of Fortune and we talk to her about her experience AND her EPIC solo car-camping trip across the Pacific Northwest! For all our stories, podcasts, and community information, head to . /episode/index/show/9c2ada0c-992f-4cb0-a76e-fcc495ce22a7/id/30200088

Richard Eats! 02/20/2024

Richard Eats! Richard Hagen, aka RichardEats is a Food and Hospitality content creator from Bay City, Michigan. Cumulatively over 1M+ followers, reaching nearly 100M users monthly. Richard began posting content in the fall of 2020, at the height of COVID and has rarely missed a day of posting original content since. With 720K+ followers on TikTok, 350K+ on Instagram, and 172K+ on Facebook, Richard has collaborated with many major and National brands such as the NFL, Traeger Grills, Kings Hawaiian, McDonalds, Walmart and more. Richard prides himself in showcasing easy weeknight meals, backyard BBQ, appetizers and experiences in the Great Lakes Bay Region and beyond. Richard lives in Bay City, with his wife Breanna, daughter Penelope and son Elias. • Newsletter: • Facebook: • Instagram: • YouTube: • LinkedIn: • iTunes: • iHeart: • Spotify: /episode/index/show/9c2ada0c-992f-4cb0-a76e-fcc495ce22a7/id/30019643

Late Nights at LoLoBee's Lounge 02/04/2024

Late Nights at LoLoBee's Lounge When Lauren and Ben opened Lolobee’s Lounge in 2022, they wanted it to be something different: late night with a little bit of Lauren's hometown of New Orleans. They've accomplished that and more, turning a once derelict and vacant building into a vibrant and creative community hub where everybody feels like part of the family. For Bay County info, jobs, events, stories and podcasts: m /episode/index/show/9c2ada0c-992f-4cb0-a76e-fcc495ce22a7/id/29777403

Part Two with Erin Patrice 12/09/2023

Part Two with Erin Patrice Starting in January, the Bay Area Community Foundation has invited Erin Patrice of The Breaking Bread Village to host a year-long community conversation series called “Including You”. The series invites members from the community onto a panel to discuss a topic, and each free event focuses on a different topic: societal expectations, bias and judgment, empathy and tolerance, honesty and transparency, morality and religion, and the greater good. In this special two-part conversation on the Hey, Bay City! Podcast, we talk to Erin about her journey towards conversation, the power of communication, what to expect from the series, and more! Subscribe and listen wherever you listen to podcasts. The first event is January 8th at the Pere Marquette Depot, located at 1000 Adams St. in Bay City. Doors open at 6PM, with the show starting at 6:30 PM. For past stories, podcasts, community information, and job listings, visit www.heybaycity.com! /episode/index/show/9c2ada0c-992f-4cb0-a76e-fcc495ce22a7/id/28813918

Henry Walters is Hot to Trot 12/09/2023

Henry Walters is Hot to Trot Bay City musician Henry Walters finds inspiration in everything from the Beatles to techno to philosophy, and in episode 50 of the Hey, Bay City Podcast, he talks to us about his musical journey AND performs two songs live. Watch on HBC!'s Facebook or YouTube, or listen wherever you listen to podcasts! For past stories, podcasts, community information, and job listings, visit www.heybaycity.com! /episode/index/show/9c2ada0c-992f-4cb0-a76e-fcc495ce22a7/id/28814123

Breaking Bread with Erin Patrice: Part One 12/09/2023

Breaking Bread with Erin Patrice: Part One Starting in January, the Bay Area Community Foundation has invited Erin Patrice of The Breaking Bread Village to host a year-long community conversation series called “Including You”. The series invites members from the community onto a panel to discuss a topic, and each free event focuses on a different topic: societal expectations, bias and judgment, empathy and tolerance, honesty and transparency, morality and religion, and the greater good. In this special two-part conversation on the Hey, Bay City! Podcast, we talk to Erin about her journey towards conversation, the power of communication, what to expect from the series, and more! Subcribe and listen wherever you listen to podcasts. The first event is January 8th at the Pere Marquette Depot, located at 1000 Adams St. in Bay City. Doors open at 6PM, with the show starting at 6:30 PM. For past stories, podcasts, community information, and job listings, visit www.heybaycity.com! /episode/index/show/9c2ada0c-992f-4cb0-a76e-fcc495ce22a7/id/28813278

Getting Fit with Anna & Katie 12/02/2023

Getting Fit with Anna & Katie Anna Bebow of and , and Katie Volk of Soul Fit and stop by to talk about their journeys to entrepreneurship, physical and mental health, and build a community. Watch the episode on Hey, Bay City's Facebook or Youtube, or listen wherever you listen to podcasts! For past stories, podcasts, community information, and job listings, visit www.heybaycity.com! /episode/index/show/9c2ada0c-992f-4cb0-a76e-fcc495ce22a7/id/28813973

Kalysta 11/27/2023

Kalysta Kalysta joins us for Episode 48 of the Hey, Bay City! Podcast…and treats us to a live performance! You can watch the episode on HBC!’s Facebook, YouTube channel, or listen wherever you listen to podcasts! /episode/index/show/9c2ada0c-992f-4cb0-a76e-fcc495ce22a7/id/28675978

Representative Timmy Beson 11/20/2023

Representative Timmy Beson In Episode 46 of the Hey, Bay City! Podcast, Representative Timmy Beson stops by to chat about Bay County and his work as one of the 110 members of Michigan's House of Representatives. You can watch the episode on Facebook or the HBC! YouTube channel. Check out all our podcasts, stories, and Bay County community information at ! • • • • • • • • /episode/index/show/9c2ada0c-992f-4cb0-a76e-fcc495ce22a7/id/28397978

Dow Apprenticeship 101 11/19/2023

Dow Apprenticeship 101 Dow's apprenticeship program provides a pathway to both a debt-free associate’s degree and a nationally recognized apprenticeship certification. We chat with Early Career Site Development Leader, Robert Guerra, about how the program works. Watch the interview on Hey, Bay City's Facebook or YouTube, or listen wherever you listen to podcasts! /episode/index/show/9c2ada0c-992f-4cb0-a76e-fcc495ce22a7/id/28676108

On Location with Levi Socier: Carter Radtke 11/17/2023

On Location with Levi Socier: Carter Radtke It's Bay City's first podcast by kids, for kids! Join host Levi Socier as he talks to classmate Carter Radtke about volunteering, why they call him "The Lip Ripper", and his hobby of collecting paint samples from Home Depot! P.S. Be sure to stick around till the very end for a Levi vs. Carter RAP BATTLE. /episode/index/show/9c2ada0c-992f-4cb0-a76e-fcc495ce22a7/id/28636803

Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet 11/13/2023

Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet In Episode 45 of the Hey, Bay City! Podcast, Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet stops by to chat about her path into politics and her work in Lansing since being elected. You can watch the episode here or on YouTube, or listen wherever you listen to podcasts. Next week, Representive Timmy Beson! Check out all our podcasts, stories, and Bay County community information at ! • • • • • • • • /episode/index/show/9c2ada0c-992f-4cb0-a76e-fcc495ce22a7/id/28397876

Scott Staszak of Game Changer Therapy Services 10/29/2023

Scott Staszak of Game Changer Therapy Services It's time to change the game! In Episode 43 of the Hey, Bay City! Podcast, Scott Stazak stops by to talk about how Game Changer Therapy Services is changing kids' lives...in more ways than one! Check out all our podcasts, stories, and Bay County community information at ! • • • • • • • • /episode/index/show/9c2ada0c-992f-4cb0-a76e-fcc495ce22a7/id/28397789

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