Driving Economic and Community Growth in Bay County: Insights from Bay Future and SBDC This episode of 'Hey Bay City' centers on the vital efforts of Bay Future and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in fostering economic and community development in Bay County, Michigan. Jim Reaume, President and CEO of Bay Future, Inc., discusses the organization's critical role in the economce development of Bay County. The conversation covers the challenges of housing and childcare shortages, the need for balanced and sustainable growth, and the significant economic impact of major investments like the Mersen project and Michigan Sugar's facilities. Collaborative efforts with educational institutions to equip the workforce, the availability of shovel-ready sites, and the success stories of businesses like Vantage Plastics are highlighted. The SBDC, led by consultant Michelle Judd, is noted for its pivotal support to over 200 local businesses through expert consulting on setup, financial planning, and marketing. This episode underscores the strategic planning and behind-the-scenes dedication necessary for maintaining community prosperity and economic stability. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome  01:04 Jim's Background and Journey  02:58 Role and Impact of Bayfuture  05:56 Challenges in Economic Development  18:43 Workforce Development and Training  24:23 Exploring Bay County's Shovel Ready Locations  25:54 Challenges and Opportunities in Site Development  29:01 Vantage Plastics: A Success Story  32:56 Michigan Sugar's Innovative Approach  36:12 Supporting Small Businesses with SBDC  43:48 The Importance of Economic Development