Leadership Bay County

06/05/2026

Leadership Bay County wrapped up its final session with a full day focused on Bay County’s natural resources, infrastructure, and future!

The day began with a walking tour of Bay City State Park, where the class learned about funding, planned projects, use of space, and more. From there, they traveled to the Bay Area Water Treatment Plant for a facility tour and an inside look at water processes and flows, changing water needs, and the water system in action.

The afternoon concluded at the Wirt Library with a panel discussion on The State of Saginaw Bay, led by Mike Kelly with The Conservation Fund, Dr. Jeff Jolly with the Michigan DNR, and Meaghen Gass with Michigan Sea Grant. The cohort even left with sturgeon plushies, gifted by The Conservation Fund!

While it was a bittersweet end to this year’s sessions, this team is just getting started. Their class project in Wenonah Park is set to begin construction in July!

Applications are now open for the Leadership Bay County Class of 2027. If you or someone on your team is ready to grow as a leader, build meaningful connections, and gain a deeper understanding of Bay County, we encourage you to apply!

06/04/2026

Applications are now open for the Leadership Bay County Class of 2027!

This nine-month leadership development program connects current and emerging leaders with the people, industries, and issues shaping Bay County.

Participants gain regional insight, build meaningful connections, and grow personally and professionally while making a lasting impact in the community.

The application and program information can be found in the comments!

05/20/2026

Nikki and Emily visited the Rotary Club of Saginaw Valley on Monday and shared about Leadership Bay County and the upcoming expansion of the playground at Wenonah Park.

Thank you for allowing us to join!

05/19/2026

Leadership Bay County was presented with a generous donation from the Michigan Baseball Foundation at Friday night’s Great Lakes Loons game to receive a 2026 Michigan Baseball Foundation grant supporting the Play it Forward, Tot Spot project.

Thank you for your support!

Thank you to our friends at the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce for joining us at tonight’s Great Lakes Loons game to receive a 2026 Michigan Baseball Foundation grant supporting the Play it Forward, Tot Spot project.

This incredible project will create Bay City’s first fully fenced play area designed specifically for children ages 4 and under at Wenonah Park. The space will feature age-appropriate play equipment, sensory elements, a crawl tunnel, and more, giving families a safe and welcoming place to play, learn, and connect.

05/18/2026

Leadership Bay County met on Wednesday, May 6 for its Arts and Culture Session. The day began at the Delta College Planetarium, where the class enjoyed an engaging highlight show led by Planetarium Manager and Astronomer Mike Murray.

The group then traveled to Bay City Players for an insightful arts panel discussion featuring Scott Rittenberry, Executive Director of Studio 23/The Arts Center; Kady Booth, Managing Director of Bay City Players; and Kellie Rupp, Marketing Director of Downtown Bay City. Following the panel, the class visited Alice and Jack Wirt Public Library for a tour and presentation led by Madison Roberts and Kristin Freeman. After lunch, Rob Clark, Senior Director of Communications and Community Relations at Tri-Star Trust, facilitated an inspiring conversation on community engagement and the role individuals can play in fostering growth.

The afternoon continued at The Jefferson Project, where participants met with Avram Golden, President of the Jefferson Project, to learn about the vision for the organization, including plans for an upcoming sculpture garden. The visit concluded with a guided tour of the site.

The day wrapped up at the Historic Masonic Temple of Bay City, where the group enjoyed a presentation and tour led by Artistic Director Erica Tatum.

We are incredibly grateful to each of our guest speakers for their time, insight, and the meaningful contributions they make to our community!

05/13/2026

A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who donated to the Leadership Bay County Class of 2026 project. Your kindness is building more than a playground, you’re building memories, milestones, and moments of joy for children ages 0–3 across Bay County!

05/11/2026

We’re celebrating our donors today! Your contributions are helping transform Wenonah Park into a more inclusive, family friendly destination. The new fenced in playscape for infants and toddlers wouldn’t be possible without your support. Thank you for investing in our community’s youngest learners.

05/08/2026

Because of YOU, Bay City’s littlest residents will soon have a safe place to explore, learn, and play. Thank you to all who contributed to the playground expansion at Wenonah Park! Your generosity is shaping a healthier, happier future for local families.

05/07/2026

Thank you for having us The Jefferson Project!

05/06/2026

To our donors: THANK YOU. Your support empowers the Leadership Bay County Class of 2026 to create a fully fenced, accessible playscape designed specifically for children 0–3 years old. This project will brighten Wenonah Park, Downtown Bay City and countless childhoods for years to come!