Chamber Information

The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization joining area businesses and the community for economic growth and well-being of the entire Bay Area.

The Bay Area Chamber is the premier business organization promoting community development through collaboration and leadership. The primary role of the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is to improve the economic climate, business environment and quality of living throughout the Bay Area. What the Bay Area Chamber Can Do for You!

The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit business organization with nearly 800 member firms. The Chamber, founded in 1882, provides programs to assist local businesses to grow and prosper. Chamber policy and program development are guided by a 25-member volunteer Board of Directors and implemented by a professional staff. Numerous volunteer committees and task force opportunities exist for interested Chamber members.

Access to Group Programs

The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce provides a variety of member benefit opportunities to assist members in meeting the daily challenges of doing business:

• Blue Cross-Blue Shield/Blue Care Network Group Health Insurance
• Accident Fund Insurance Company of America (Worker's Compensation)
• Long-term Care Insurance
• Auto & Other Insurance

Opportunities to Promote Your Business

The Chamber is here to help you promote your business throughout the Bay Area:

• Bay Area Chamber Business Directory
• Bay City/Bay County Image Book
• Member business referrals Business Directory
• Chamber website
• Mailing lists
• Eye Opener Breakfasts
• Business After Hours
• Regional Business Expo
• Special Events such as Annual Meeting, Golf Outing or Seminars offer valuable business opportunities

Opportunities to Improve Your Business

The Chamber offers a variety of professional development and skills training programs for employers and employees. They include:

• Sales Leads Roundtable
• Leadership Bay County
• Seminars and training programs
• Tours of local businesses

Get Your Voice Heard!

The Chamber acts as a watchdog on city, county, state and national actions that affect businesses. Your participation in the Chamber allows us to make a difference in:

• Community & economic development
• Government affairs
• Political action
• Collaborative community efforts
• Education

National and State Resources

The Bay Area Chamber is a member of the Michigan and United States Chambers of Commerce. We look to both for legislative information and organizational assistance, but our policies and positions on issues are not necessarily the same.

Organizational Affiliations

Commerce One: The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Bay County REALTOR® Association, owns and operates Commerce One. The building, at the corner of Saginaw and Fifth Streets, is a "One Stop Shopping" source for economic development information in Bay County. Also housed in Commerce One is the Downtown Bay City Management Board and Downtown Development Authority.

Ruby Award

1st State Bank, in partnership with WNEM TV-5, Great Lakes Bay Regional Lifestyle Magazine, and the Young Professionals Networks of Saginaw, Bay and Midland counties, is launching the 7th Annual RUBY Award for professionals in the Great Lakes Bay Region. The annual award recognizes some of the area’s best and brightest individuals under the age of 40. Since its inception, over 60 recipients from varying fields and industries have been recognized through this award.
RUBY Award organizers are requesting nominations of people under 40 years of age who live or work in Bay, Midland or Saginaw County. The primary consideration will be their success in their chosen profession. Once applications are submitted, nominees will be interviewed for more detailed information. Qualified candidates will be judged by a panel of professionals from throughout the Region and there will be multiple recipients.
Nominations will be accepted until November 4, 2011, with forms available at 1st State Bank offices located at 4805 Towne Centre and 5424 State Street in Saginaw, 601 N. Madison in Bay City. Click HERE for an application. Finalists will be announced in January 2011 and profiled in various media sources. 1st State Bank will host a banquet in their honor on February 28, 2012 at Apple Mountain Resort in Freeland, Michigan.

2011 Membership Campaign

Special thanks to the following Chamber members for their generous contribution to the 2011 Membership Drive!

AmericInn of Bay City, Bay Lanes, The Bay Area Family, Chemical Bank, Citizens Bank, Citadel Broadcasting Company, Coffee News, Do-All, Inc., Doubletree Hotel - Bay City Riverfront, Fabiano Brothers, Great Lakes Bay Magazine, Great Lakes Loons, Hagen Ford, Independent Bank, Michigan Sugar Company, Nextmedia, Saginaw Bay Yacht Club, Showcase Mitsubishi, Verizon Wireless, Wildfire Credit Union and The Wirt Rivette Group