Bay Area...On The Go!!!

October 15, 2009
By: Bay Area Chamber of Commerce

The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce will host the Sixth Annual "Bay Area...On The Go!" program on Monday, October 26, 2009 at the Doubletree Hotel Conference Center - Bay City Riverfront.

During the day-long event, an awards luncheon, economic development expo and economic development forums will highlight significant developments in the community.


Keynote speaker at the awards luncheon will be R. Matt Davis, Vice President, Executive Communications, Government Affairs and Community Relations, The Dow Chemical Company. The title of his presentation is "The Time Is Now!"

Michael D. Seward, President and CEO of the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, promises the one-day event will give participants an exciting view of what's happening in the community.

"Bay Area...On The Go! is the #1 economic development program in the Bay Area," Seward said. "Participants will learn about key areas of development for this region as well as how they can improve their business through development here."

A bus tour featuring business developments and expansions will be offered at 9:30 a.m. Awards for outstanding investments in the area will also be given to businesses during a noon luncheon. From 9:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., a business expo and forums will be offered at the Conference Center. Three concurrent forums will be held from 2:05 to 2:55 p.m. Topics include: "The Bright Future of the Bay Area," "What's Great About the Great Lakes Bay Region," and "Bay Area Transportation Developments."

In addition, Seward hopes that the event attracts developers from outside the community. Once they've seen all that this area has to offer, they may return to make investments of their own.

"This will be a full day of development activities to show people what's here and why businesses here and outside the area need to look at the Bay Area for investment and business development," Seward said. To that end, the Chamber sent invitations to businesses throughout this region.

The cost to attend is $40 per person or $375 for groups of 10. The cost covers participation in all events (awards luncheon, development tour, forums, keynote presentation, and development expo.) Call the Chamber today at (989) 893-4567 to reserve a spot. Seating is limited and the event sold out in previous years. Payment is due at the time of the reservation.

Sponsors for this event include The Dow Chemical Company, Gregory Construction Company and Thumb National Bank & Trust Company, in association with The Doubletree Hotel Bay City Riverfront, WNEM - TV5 and Wildfire Credit Union.

The day's schedule is as follows:

9:00 a.m. Registration & Continental Breakfast

9:00 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. Development Expo

9:30 - 11:00 a.m. Bay Area Economic Development Tour

11:00 a.m.-Noon Reception & Development Expo

Noon-1:45 p.m. Luncheon and Keynote Address

2:05 - 2:55 p.m. Concurrent Forum Sessions

I. The Bright Future of the Bay Area

II. What's Great About the Great Lakes Bay Region

III. Bay Area Transportation Developments

2:55 - 3:30 p.m. Networking, Development Expo and Cash Bar