Bay Future honors local businesses for major investments and workforce partnerships

Bay Future used its annual meeting to highlight 2025 investments across Bay County and to present awards to local businesses and partner organizations for projects that the organization said created or retained jobs.

The awards honored a range of private‑sector investments and community partners. Bay Valley Resort, purchased by Story Co., was recognized for a $15 million renovation of its 147 rooms and public spaces; Bay Future said the project created more than 30 new jobs. Nathan Nichols, founder and CEO of Story Co., accepted the award and said, “This award really belongs to Bay Future. We wouldn't be here without everybody's help.”

Bay View Foods and Mr. Chips were recognized for an expansion expected to create or retain nearly three dozen jobs in northern Bay County. Joey Janicki, who accepted the award, described the company as a large brining and food‑manufacturing operation that supplies quick‑service restaurant chains and said, “Every time you eat a fast food sandwich, we grow.”

Straits Corporation (Straits Wood Treating) received an award for a value‑add capital project at its Bay City facility that the presenter said retained key positions; Katherine Pinkerton accepted on the company's behalf and thanked Bay Future for its advocacy.

Bay City Electric Light and Power, the municipally owned utility serving more than 21,000 customers in Bay City and nearby townships, received a Community Partnership Award. Adam Webster, director of the utility, said the organization is “grateful to stand alongside local businesses, leaders, and partners who believe in creating jobs, supporting entrepreneurs, and strengthening our local economy.”

Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works was honored for workforce development services that connect employers with employees and training programs. Kristen Wzel, identified as CEO, accepted the award on behalf of more than 90 employees and described ongoing partnerships with economic development organizations to help employers upskill their workforce.

Bay Future's board also thanked investors and sponsors who support the organization's mission. The meeting framed the awards as examples of regional collaboration — projects that combine private capital, local utilities, workforce services, and Bay Future coordination to advance community economic goals.

The meeting concluded with a call to sustain collaboration and support for continued investment in Bay County.