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New Go Great Lakes Bay CEO Amber Zuske outlines downtown office, tourism wins and event calendar
Summary
Amber Zuske, newly appointed president and CEO of the Great Lakes Bay Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau, told Bay County commissioners the bureau is acquiring 821 Washington as a downtown office, highlighted exposure from the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour and outlined upcoming FAM and tri‑county events.
Amber Zuske, who said she took office Aug. 1 as president and CEO of the Great Lakes Bay Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau, presented the bureau’s recent activity and near-term plans to the Bay County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 15.
Zuske described the bureau's role in destination marketing across Bay, Midland and Saginaw counties and announced the acquisition of 821 Washington as the bureau’s new downtown office. She said the organization is working on a build-out for the space and expects to occupy it "sooner than later," while acknowledging construction timelines can extend planning.
She highlighted recent earned-media exposure from the Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour stop in the region, reporting strong viewership and noting that organizers and host partners were pleased with the event’s execution. "It was a really great segment, and we got a lot of great exposure," she said. Zuske added that the bureau is pursuing additional familiarization (FAM) tours, including an Oklahoma motor-coach FAM scheduled to visit Bay City on Sept. 13 and meet area partners such as the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and Bay County Historical Society.
Zuske also flagged two dates for commissioners: the Tri-County boards gathering on Sept. 11 (hosted by Go Great Lakes Bay at Whiting Forest Cafe in Midland) and the bureau’s annual meeting on Jan. 30, 2026, at the DoubleTree in Bay City. She encouraged commissioners to attend and to register when registration opens.
Why it matters
The bureau’s activities are intended to increase overnight lodging stays and wider visitor spending, which county officials described as contributing to local economic growth. The office acquisition and event promotion aim to centralize regional marketing and attract additional visitation to downtown Bay City and partner communities.
No board action beyond receipt of the presentation was recorded; a motion to receive the presentation carried by voice vote.
