SHARE THE GOOD NEWS
Written by Ryan Carley, President/CEO of Bay Area Chamber of Commerce
There’s an old saying: “The grass is always greener…”
For some, this sentiment comes from a need to constantly explore new places, find opportunities to calm an inexhaustible curiosity and live a life where tomorrow is always a new adventure.
But for many, the idea that life somewhere else is somehow better often means you simply haven’t looked closely enough at your surroundings.
Sometimes, it even takes an outsider to illustrate how great you’ve really got it.
For residents of the Bay Area, tens of thousands “outsiders” just got done sending a message to anyone who thinks the grass may be greener somewhere else. They came to our community to see a fleet of tall ships moored on the banks of the Saginaw River in downtown Bay City. And when the lines stretched and wait times to board the ships grew to three hours, these people stepped in and waited.
Why?
Because they were there to see something awesome. When they left, the vast majority of these folks undoubtedly returned home to their communities and told their friends, families and neighbors about their experience.
For them, the Bay Area became the greener grass.
Something awesome. Take a look around – really stop to take a look around – and you’ll see plenty of awesome in many forms in the Bay Area.
You want world-class nature? We’ve got it and it’s awesome.
A major river running right through downtown Bay City with beautiful public parks on both sides. A state park with a beach now free from muck on Lake Huron’s Saginaw Bay. A serene marsh with trails perfect for a quiet stroll or invigorating run. Miles of bike paths that take you through the community or off-road.
When was the last time you looked at it or lived it? When was the last time you shared the good news?
You want unique businesses? We’ve got them and they’re awesome.
Did you know that that over the past two years, 20 new businesses have been opened in downtown Bay City by local millennials, couples and others who left and returned to their hometown? Have you felt the energy at Ferne, a women’s clothing boutique at 107 Fifth St.? Have you seen the amazing artistry at G.T. Homestead, 109 Third St., where co-owner Joe Spencer crafts world-famous dolls that have people lining up out the door several times each year? Have you joined the conversation about how to make the community a better place that’s happening every day at Harless + Hugh Coffee, 1003 Washington Ave.?
When was the last time you stopped window shopping and actually went inside our one-of-a-kind businesses? When was the last time you shared the good news?
You want economic development? We’ve got it and it’s awesome.
Ten years ago, it was hard to imagine that the eastern shore of the Saginaw River just south of City Hall could look any worse. Crumbling buildings from days long behind us filled the 48-acre property. Today, it’s hard to imagine that space could look any better as Uptown Bay City extends an impressive skyline with a new hotel, restaurants, living space and signature companies like Dow Corning Corp., McLaren Bay Region, Chemical Bank and, very soon, Michigan Sugar Co. There was a time folks around here said it couldn’t be done.
When was the last time you shared the good news?
You want top-of-the-line education? School is in session and it’s awesome.
Six high schools, a thriving intermediate school district, Delta College and nearby Saginaw Valley State University combine to make education not only affordable, but accessible for all Bay Area residents. Add in the proximity of Northwood University in Midland and Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, and you’ve got a region ripe with high-class institutions.
When was the last time you shared the good news?
You want great people? We’ve got them and they’re awesome.
The people of the Bay Area are the type of folks who happily give you the shirt off their back. When someone is in need, they respond. Having a spaghetti dinner benefit? Expect to see total strangers sitting at your tables because that’s just how we roll. Hard workers. Check. Problem solvers. Check. Relentless spirit. Check. Always striving to make the Bay Area a better place to live, work and play. Check
When was the last time you shared the good news?
You see, sometimes we’re so caught up in looking for greener pastures, we forget to look in our own backyard, see the beauty and count our awesome blessings.
But if we don’t do so, there is no way we can become ambassadors for our community. There is no way we can share the good news.
And then, we run the risk of being introduced to another old saying: “You don’t know what you’ve got, ‘til it’s gone.”
There are far too many awesome things happening in the Bay Area to let that happen. Let’s all work a bit harder to identify them and utilize them and then share the good news.
About the Author
Ryan T. Carley, President and Chief Executive Officer Bay Area Chamber of Commerce
Ryan T. Carley joined the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce in May, 2015 as the President and CEO. Prior to joining the Chamber, Ryan was Senior Vice President of Retail for Citizens/First Merit Bank in which he lead sales process, execution, and operations for 220 branch locations.
Outside of his career, Ryan has been active in the community. He is the current treasurer of BaySail and the United Way of Bay County. He’s a past board member of the Bay Arts Council and of the Bay City Tall Ships Celebration. Ryan is a 2012 recipient of the RUBY Award, which stands for recognizing the upward, bright and young and a 2005 graduate of the Bay Area Chamber’s Leadership Bay County program. He’s also a travel and recreation soccer coach for the Bay Area Soccer Association.
Ryan serves on various committees including: the Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance Board of Directors, Advocacy Council, and Institute for Leaders and Ambassador Council; Bay Future, Inc. Board of Directors and Executive Committee; Great Lakes Bay Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau Board of Directors and many more.
Ryan holds a Bachelor of Science in Management Degree from Cornerstone University and lives in Bay City with his three children; Grace, Mia and Macks.
