The outdoors isn’t typically top of mind when considering economic development factors. But it should be – especially in the Saginaw Bay region, home to the Saginaw Bay Watershed. The watershed encompasses 8,700 square miles covering 22 counties in the state. It’s the largest freshwater coastal wetland system in the United States.
Waterways are Michigan’s lifeblood, contributing over $26.6 billion annually to the state's outdoor economy. The industry contributed a whopping $1.1 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2022, which is 2.2% of the country’s GDP, according to the
Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
As Michigan’s outdoor economy grows, the Saginaw Bay region has emerged as a focal point, driven by businesses that depend on the state’s abundant waterways.
The natural beauty and recreational opportunities provided by the bay and surrounding rivers are not only drawing tourists but also playing a crucial role in the livelihoods of local businesses, particularly those connected to the outdoor and water-based sectors.
We heard from three local companies – Northwoods Wholesale Outlet, Nor’East Outdoors, and Dietrich’s Sportfishing Charters – who base their businesses on the water and contribute to the area’s outdoor economy.
The companies – which offer charter fishing trips, kayak rentals, and the goods needed for outdoor recreation – participated in a recent panel discussion at the 2024 State of the Bay Conference held in Bay City about how they’re growing their customer base.
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Photo courtesy of the Saginaw Bay WINAbout 200 people gathered recently at the DoubleTree Hotel in Downtown Bay City for the 2024 State of the Bay Conference.The bi-annual conference sponsored by the
Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network brings together businesses, policymakers, and community and professional organizations to learn about initiatives, emerging issues, and opportunities to support conservation, education, and economic development with Saginaw Bay and connected river systems.
Collaboration is key in running and expanding their businesses, all three agreed.
From expanding opportunities to access boat launches for kayaking to partnering with local restaurants to cook fish caught on charter boats and supplying the goods to outfit both businesses and customers, it’s people working together that leads to thriving businesses and environmentally sound waterways.
For local entrepreneur Captain Shane Dietrich, owner of
Dietrich’s Sport Fishing Charters, Saginaw Bay is the foundation of his business. He’s doubled his customer base since launching his business in 2017.
“We depend on the bay and the abundant fishing,” says Dietrich. “People come from all over the state and beyond to fish here, which fuels not only us but also hotels, restaurants, retailers, and other local industries."
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Photo courtesy of Dietrich’s Sportfishing ChartersAs Michigan’s outdoor economy grows, the Saginaw Bay region has emerged as a focal point. Dietrich’s Sportfishing Charters is one example of a business based on our waterways.Dietrich added a new option to his menu of services, capitalizing on the popular “catch and cook” trend among fishing charters in Florida. He created new alliances with local restaurants as a result. Dietrich established a partnership with
Castaways located on Kawkawlin River.
“I clean the fish, wrap them for customers and they can take their catch to Castaways,” says Dietrich. “I’ll coordinate with the restaurant, letting them know I’m sending a crew over with their catch. It’s a win-win for everyone. A perfect ending to a day of fishing.”
Dietrich is also an avid customer at
Northwoods Wholesale Outlet, located at 229 W. 5th Street in Pinconning. He’s a frequent shopper to supply his charter boats and sends his customers to the store for equipment.
Stacie Scherman, owner of
Nor’East Outdoors, relies on access to boat launches throughout the region for her kayak rental business.
Since the boat launches are located in area parks, collaborating with parks and recreation departments and other non-profit organizations is critical to her customers' positive experiences. Some are easier to work with than others. Scherman is working to create better relationships with municipalities and non-profits for easier access.
"By working together, we create an environment where everyone benefits," says
Scherman. "We’re not competing for customers; we’re helping each other grow by enhancing the overall experience visitors have in our area."
The region is home to countless businesses that have built their services around the waterways. Working together, these companies help each other grow and give more people reasons to come to the area to take advantage of the opportunities to get outside for recreation … and add to the outdoor economy.
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Ashley GervaisThe Saginaw River, which flows through both Downtown and Uptown Bay City, is an important part of our economy.As Michigan’s outdoor economy expands, the Saginaw Bay region exemplifies how local businesses are thriving by leveraging natural resources. By continuing to collaborate and protect their most valuable asset — the waterways — these businesses are ensuring a sustainable future for both the environment and the local economy.