Magen Samyn could have gone just about anywhere in the United States after graduating from
Northwood University. After all, today's young professionals are the most mobile workforce ever seen, and there's no doubt she could have found gainful employment with an MBA from the DeVos Graduate School of Management under her belt. But there is something prospective employers couldn't offer the 31-year-old Bay City native--home.
"I decided to stay in the Great Lakes Bay Region, because this is my home, and this is where my family is," Samyn says with a hint of pride. "Our community offers so many wonderful assets for families, including wonderful arts, recreation and cost of living."
Now, she's the president and CEO of
Bay Future, Inc., a private-public partnership responsible for leading economic development in Bay County.
"We focus on business retention, expansion and attraction to help increase jobs and investment in Bay County," Samyn explains. "To date, our organization has worked with companies on projects totaling more than $691 million with created and retained jobs of more than 2,100."
And there's an obvious, satisfying bonus in giving back to the community Samyn loves.
Kristen Wuerfel, however, will tell you she has "one of the most enjoyable jobs in the region." Born and raised in Bay City, Wuerfel studied at Northwood, graduating with a dual major in marketing and business management and minors in marketing and automotive management, also graduating from the DeVos Graduate School MBA program. This led to an assistant marketing director position at the
Midland Center for the Arts.
"It's challenging, extremely fulfilling, and every day is different," says Wuerfel. She takes great pride in her work, promoting the arts through different marketing plans and media buys. Before describing her current projects, Wuerfel takes a deep breath--for good reason.
"Currently I'm working on juggling being the project lead on our website redesign project, creating and implementing nine marketing plans, working on providing the appropriate copy and direction needed to create five television ads, writing radio scripts, and squeezing in some time to enjoy the spring days with a run at lunchtime at least once a week."
Some might find Wuerfel's action-packed day exhausting. But it's a challenge she, like other standouts from the Mid Michigan region, take pride in executing. Besides, all agree the job is easier when you love where you live. And though everyone we've chatted with seems especially proud of where they're from, 29-year-old Chelsey Foster just might take the cake.
Born and raised near Edmore, Foster, who majored in business administration and economics major at
Alma College, is currently serving as city manager for the
City of Ithaca.
"Municipal management is a very interesting and rewarding career," explains Foster. "Every day is something new with challenges, opportunities, problems, and crises to deal with on a daily basis."
Foster particularly enjoys how a small project can make a fast and noticeable impact in a community with a population under 3,000.
"We have a lot of commerce taking place every single day," he says. He and his wife Jillian have happily lived and worked in the area for four years.
"We appreciate what our community has to offer," Foster explains. "It's a relaxed atmosphere, but there is always something to do. I guess you could say Ithaca is a 'sweet spot' in the middle of the state."
Ryan Miller, a Northwood graduate and business process analyst at the
Dow Corning Corporation, agrees.
"It is the 'mid' part of Mid Michigan that makes it special," says Miller, 26, noting diverse travel options for a quick breather just a couple hours away in Traverse City, Charlevoix and Detroit. "Mix this with the four distinct seasons that Michigan provides, and the possibilities multiply."
The same possibilities can be seen from a professional scope, too, says Samyn, whose goal is to reach the $1 billion mark on projects Bay Future has assisted on, while teaching her children the value of volunteering.
"Many of the great assets and activities in our area came from dedicated volunteers," she explains. "I want them to be part of what continues to move the community forward in a positive direction."
Wuerfel, meanwhile, is just happy to be in Mid Michigan.
"I don't think anyone could ever convince me to move elsewhere," she says, noting entertainment options and parks all within her neighborhood. Though Foster agrees with Wuerfel's sentiment, he admits not everyone--especially young graduates--looks as keenly on the area. Speaking candidly, he thinks any naysayers are wrong.
"I would encourage young people to explore all available opportunities locally before they assume they have to move away," says Foster. "I think the Mid Michigan area has a lot of diverse career opportunities, and we are not tied to any one industry. Our regional economy has a lot going for it. This is an area that has a bright future ahead of it."
Joe Baur is a freelance writer and filmmaker based in Cleveland. He's also the Sections Editor of hiVelocity. You can contact him at joebaur.com.