Jim Reaume, President & CEO of Bay Future, explains the economic impact of Michigan Sugar's $109 million Molasses Desugarization Facility. Reaume was one of the guests at the firm's ribbon-cutting ceremony in August. Ashley Brown
Since 2004, Bay Future Inc. has been tasked with encouraging economic development in Bay County. The organization's efforts focus on drawing new businesses into the community, and retaining local businesses and talent.
Bay Future focuses on industries including agribusiness, advanced manufacturing, warehouse/distribution and logistics, data/call centers/IT, and medical device manufacturing. Funding for the non-profit organization comes from private businesses and local units of government.
Since June 2024, Jim Reaume has served as Bay Future President & CEO. He joined Bay Future as its Economic Development Manager in 2022. Prior to that, Reaume worked for the Midland Business Alliance and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Community Development and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Central Michigan University.
Recently, Route talked to Reaume about what the organization has accomplished in its 21-year history.
QUESTION: How does Bay Future facilitate creating the right climate to attract businesses? What assets do we have here now that you promote?
ANSWER: These points are taken from a document I frequently use in conversations with site selectors.
Strategic location and access to markets:
- Bay County is centrally located in Michigan, providing access to major markets across the state and beyond. It is close to cities like Detroit, Lansing, and Grand Rapids, which are important economic hubs.
- Bay County has access to key transportation networks, including I-75, which connects the region to both the Canadian border and southern states. The county also has a deep-water port (the Port of Bay City) and several rail lines, facilitating shipping and logistics.
Cost-effective business environment:- Compared to larger metropolitan areas, Bay County offers lower costs for land, utilities, and wages. This can make it a more attractive option for companies looking to reduce overhead and increase profitability.
- Michigan offers various state and local tax incentives to businesses, such as property tax abatements and funding opportunities for infrastructure improvements, which can be beneficial for companies planning to relocate or expand.
Skilled workforce and education:- Bay County benefits from a skilled labor force, supported by local educational institutions such as Delta College and Saginaw Valley State University, which provide training and higher education programs in fields like manufacturing, engineering, and technology.
- Bay County offers workforce development initiatives that help businesses find qualified employees, from skilled trades to professional staff. We are lucky to have robust organizations like Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! leading the charge on workforce programming.
Industrial and manufacturing hub:- Bay County has a strong history in manufacturing and industrial production, especially in sectors like automotive, chemicals, and agriculture. Businesses in these industries may find Bay County’s established infrastructure and expertise to be advantageous.
- The region has facilities and support systems that benefit manufacturing companies, including suppliers and skilled tradespeople.
Quality of life:- Bay County offers a lower cost of living compared to larger cities, making it attractive to employees. The area has access to outdoor recreational activities like boating, fishing, and parks, contributing to a higher quality of life for workers.
- The combination of affordable housing, good schools, and a safe environment can make it an appealing place to live for those relocating for work, which is important for talent attraction and retention.
Commitment to economic development:- The local governments and economic development organizations in Bay County actively support business growth. Programs and incentives to attract and retain businesses, such as workforce training grants and local incentives, can be a major draw.
- Bay Future has the expertise to work in any kind of economic development project and has successfully completed more than 200 of them.
Natural resources:- The county has access to natural resources, including water from the Saginaw Bay, which can be critical for industries like agriculture, food processing, and manufacturing.
- Bay County has an abundance of top-quality water thanks to the efforts of Bay County Department of Water and Sewer. This is a real draw for companies.
Q: What are our challenges?
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Photo courtesy of Progressive MechanicalProgressive Mechanical – a Clawson-based firm that designs, builds and installs mechanical processing and fire protection systems – is one of the firms that worked closely with Bay Future before opening a facility in Monitor Township in 2024.A: Our challenges are not unique to Bay County, they are national challenges. Significant shortages of attainable housing and childcare can hamper growth efforts.
Q: What do you need from the community to support economic development efforts?
A: The main thing we need from the community is for them to spread good news and continue to support Bay Future financially. We are in the midst of a capital campaign and need to raise money to continue our efforts.
Q. Can you quantify what Bay Future has accomplished over the years?
A: Bay Future was created in 2004. Since then, it has successfully completed more than 200 projects totaling $2.6 billion in capital investment and the creation or retention of more than 4,600 jobs. Just since 2020, the numbers are $1 billion in capital investment and more than 900 jobs.
Q. What can the average person do to help?
A: The average person can help by speaking positively and warmly about Bay County. How we feel about ourselves is palpable to those who are exploring relocation or expansion.
Q: Can we replicate what’s happened in Downtown Bay City in other parts of the community?
A: I can’t speak directly for the decisions of developers. There are many factors such as zoning, proximity to other businesses, walkability, etc., that could go into making such decisions. The reality is that other districts within Bay City are making great strides to attract and retain business.
Kathy Roberts, a graduate of Central Michigan University, moved to Bay City in 1987 to start a career in the newspaper industry. She was a reporter and editor at the Bay City Times for 15 years before leaving to work at the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, Covenant HealthCare, and Ohno Design. In 2019, she returned to her storytelling roots as the Managing Editor of Route Bay City. When she’s not editing or writing stories, you can find her reading books, knitting, or visiting the bars of Bay County. You can reach Kathy at
editor@RouteBayCity.com
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