The Small Business Administration and the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center will offer a free seminar, “The Truth About Loans — A Financing Roundtable,” from 9:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. Thursday, March 18, in Room J131 at Delta College, 1961 Delta Drive in Bay County’s Frankenlust Township. This session is designed for those serious about seeking financing... Full story »

The Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center will offer a free seminar, "Fundamentals of Starting a Business," from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 18, at the Hoyt Public Library, 505 Janes in Saginaw. The seminar is designed for those who would like to start a small business or for those who would like to become acquainted... Full story »

BAY CITY — Mona Partlo, owner of Second Debut, a Bay City resale shop for full-figured women, followed her dream of opening her own business. Now, she’s trying to help other women business owners to network and advertise. Partlo, 61, has developed a monthly flier called “Support Your Local Women in Business.” The brochure displays local business cards from... Full story »

The staff of Catholic Federal Credit Union, 6180 State in Saginaw Township, raised more than $250 for the American Heart Association's National "Go Red" day. Staff members each donated $5 to wear a red shirt with jeans on Friday, Feb. 5. Catholic Federal Credit Union has locations in Bay City, Essexville, Saginaw and Vassar.  Full story »

The Auburn Chapter of the Jaycees was named best in the state at the annual Michigan Jaycees 2009 year-end convention in Traverse City. The chapter competed against 55 others across the state, some of which are twice its size, said Kylee Wackerle, Auburn Jaycees president. “Among many of the awards received by the Auburn Jaycees, our community was recognized... Full story »

Registration is still open for the Bay Future Inc. fifth annual investors meeting and breakfast buffet at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday The meeting is at the Doubletree Hotel Bay City Riverfront, 1 Wenonah Park Place. According to Frederick Hollister, president and CEO of the public-private economic development group based in Bay City, said the meeting is to update attendees about... Full story »

Catholic Federal Credit Union of Saginaw recently donated $5,000 to Catholic Relief Services for Haiti earthquake relief. Catholic Federal Credit Union is the largest Catholic credit union in the Great Lakes Bay Region and has locations in Bay City, Essexville, Saginaw and Vassar.  Full story »

MIDLAND — The Midland Home and Garden Show is set for 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, March 5; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 6; and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 7, at its new location in the Hach Student Activity Center at Northwood University, 4000 Whiting in Midland. The annual home show features more than... Full story »

Auburn chamber selects leaders AUBURN — The Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce has installed new officers for 2010. The chamber has named Cherri Allen president, Sam Carlin Jr. vice president, Renee Gradowski treasurer and Alana Rabedioux secretary. Township representatives are: Paul Wasek of Williams Township, Leonard Mrozinski of Beaver Township, Melissa Sweet of Monitor Township and Pam Carrier of... Full story »

BAY CITY — The country’s largest diversified supplier of construction materials has acquired two docks on the Saginaw River, creating the potential for increased shipping traffic on a waterway that has seen sluggish times of late. The man who is turning those docks over hopes the move will free him up to do more shipping of new types of... Full story »

The Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce will award Garber Management Group with the corporate Community Service Award for its contributions in cultivating a higher quality of life in Saginaw County at its annual Chairman’s Ball on Saturday, Feb. 20. Founded as the Garber Buick Co. more than 100 years ago, the organization has grown to include several dealerships, RightWay... Full story »

Great Lakes Bay Region residents north of Pinconning are going to have to drive about 20 miles farther to receive help from Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! The association, which helps its members with employment and training programs, will close its Pinconning satellite service center at 625 Mable, on March 18. The next closest Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works!... Full story »

Dotson earns service award Robert J. Dotson of Bay City received the 2009 Louis E. Hanisko Service Award. This award is given annually to a Saginaw Bay Underwriter employee who has helped build the reputation of Saginaw Bay Underwriters in the community. Dotson has been with Saginaw Bay Underwriters for three years. He works out of the agency’s office... Full story »

BAY CITY — The newspaper you’re holding right now could end up insulating your home. And federal tax credits are still available to those thinking of boosting their home’s energy efficiency. Louis Pomaville, owner of Bay County-based INS Insulation Installation, has installed “green” cellulose insulation for more than 18 years. The insulation is made of recycled items like newspapers.... Full story »

The Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works business services team and administration have earned certification as Business Solutions Professionals. Recipients include: Gerrit Lee Wierda, William LaMere, Amy Ames, John D. Bailey, Bryan Bruchhof, Chris Shannon, Chris Simon, Ben Spreeman, Bruce Strong, David Veitengruber, Kristen Wenzel, Tim Worthington. Wierda is a member of the administrative staff and worked to create the... Full story »