Great Lakes Bay Economic Club

03/20/2026

03/18/2026

Join us for our GLBEC monthly meeting - Wednesday, April 8,

We’re pleased to welcome Trevor Szafranski and Lynn Pavlawk as our guest speakers. They will share insights on the impact of R1SE and the Boys & Girls Club, and how these programs help empower students, build confidence, and drive success.

📅 Wednesday, April 8
⏳ Doors open & lunch: 11:30 a.m. | Program begins: 12:00 p.m.
📍 7400 Bay Rd, University Center, MI 48710

We’d also like to highlight our featured speaker, Trevor Szafranski, who recently appeared on Shark Tank to showcase R1SE.

📰https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/r1se-heads-shark-tank-putting-freeland-22071413.php

You can watch:
📅 March 25, 2026
🕦at 10:00 PM on ABC

🎉 Bring a guest for FREE—don’t miss this opportunity to connect and learn! RSVP today:
https://forms.office.com/r/1HXc1U0Ucy

03/17/2026

Join GLBEC for the April Luncheon!

02/11/2026

What an amazing meeting!

Thank you to our speakers, Chris Ogozaly, Jamie Mankiewicz, Adam Miedema, and Stefanie Mills, for discussing Discover Michigan with WCMU Public Media's Locally Produced Television Series, Destination Michigan - Telling Michigan's Stories, One Destination at a Time.

Keep a look out on more information on our upcoming meeting on Wednesday, April 8. 2026

02/02/2026

📣 GLBEC Monthly Meeting – Wednesday, February 11

Join us for our February GLBEC meeting and be part of an exciting MI 250 event!

🕦 Networking: 11:30 AM
🕛 Meeting: 12:20 PM – 1:30 PM

🎤 Program Highlight:
Hear from a Destination Michigan panel as they share insights, ideas, and perspectives on Michigan tourism and economic development as we celebrate 250 years of Michigan history.

Great connections, timely conversation, and valuable takeaways—you won’t want to miss it!

👉 We hope to see you there!

01/07/2026

Join us for the next Great Lakes Bay Economic Club Luncheon on Wednesday, January 14.

We are pleased to welcome Nate Engle, Director of Community Engagement at the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development. Nate will share insights on the future of agricultural and rural development and the steps being taken.

📅 Wednesday, January 14
⏳ Doors open & lunch: 11:30 a.m. | Program begins: 12:00 p.m.
📍 7400 Bay Rd, University Center, MI 48710
🛎️ RSVP today!
https://forms.office.com/r/P4anGkYQ7E

We look forward to seeing you there.

10/22/2025

We invite you to join us for our next Great Lakes Bay Economic Club Luncheon as we welcome Jamie Furbush, President & CEO of the Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Featured Presentation:
"A Tourism-Powered Economy: Frankenmuth's Model for Growth"
Discover how Frankenmuth is successfully leveraging tourism to drive economic development while enhancing community quality of life. From major investments like new waterparks, hotels, and a state-of-the-art sports complex to its continued focus on iconic experiences—think world-famous chicken dinners, Christmas charm, and beloved festivals—Frankenmuth proves that tradition and innovation can go hand-in-hand.

📅 Wednesday, November 12
📍 7400 Bay Rd, University Center, MI 48710
🔔 RSVP by Wednesday, October 29
https://forms.office.com/r/yh2kyCXysx

09/26/2025

📢 Join us for our next Great Lakes Bay Economic Club luncheon on Wednesday, October 8!

We’re excited to welcome John Gallagher, longtime journalist and author, who will share insights on Detroit’s remarkable turnaround since 2000. Once a global symbol of decline, Detroit is now reshaping its story—driven by new investments, cultural revival, and bold development projects.

Don’t miss this chance to hear directly from someone who has covered Detroit’s transformation for decades.

📅 Wednesday, October 8
👉 RSVP by Wednesday, October 1: https://forms.office.com/r/nvwVaG9nTn

09/10/2025

What a way to start the season! A huge thank you to Dr. Neil MacKinnon, President of CMU, for today’s incredible talk on the Medical Diamond.

It’s shaping up to be a great year of thought-provoking conversations and connections. Don’t miss out- make sure your membership is renewed and join us for the rest of the season!

08/28/2025

We’re kicking off a brand-new season at the Great Lakes Bay Economic Club!

First up: Dr. Neil MacKinnon, President of CMU, with an inside look at The Medical Diamond—a vision shaping the future of healthcare and innovation in Michigan.

📅 Wednesday, Sept. 10
⏳ RSVP by Sept. 3 → https://forms.office.com/r/YFebYFYpdj

✅ And don’t forget to renew your membership!