Trending Up!

WRITTEN BY BOB VAN DEVENTER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SAGINAW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

Slowly recovering from the 2008-2009 recession, we’ve seen some very positive indicators for economic prosperity in this region. With unemployment numbers down and residential building starts on the way up, we can see the consumer confidence levels rising.

As a region, we are fortunate that we began diversifying our economy more than 30 years ago, when we were quite dependent on the automotive industry. Automotive manufacturing is still an important part of the overall mix for employment, but we have seen real growth in Healthcare, Education, and Specialty Manufacturing. This diversification has helped us avoid real peaks and valleys in our levels of overall employment.

Specialty Manufacturing is alive and well in the Great Lakes Bay Region. A great example of that growth is the very recent expansion of Fullerton Tool, adding a second manufacturing location in Thomas Township.

Our service industry sector is showing strong growth. We are expanding our Healthcare footprint with the opening of the Central Michigan College of Medicine in the city of Saginaw, and have seen tremendous growth and success of the Morley Company located in Saginaw Township. Although this expansion took place a little over a year ago, I would recommend every one of you to go visit Zehnder’s Splash Village in Frankenmuth, it is truly a world class resort.

Continuing with that theme of good news, we are anxious to see the final plans and development of the new Saginaw Annex for Delta College in the city of Saginaw, and have been pleasantly surprised to see the complete occupancy of the Eddy Apartments as well as the popularity of rental sales for the Bancroft Building.

As we begin 2016, I think you can see that we are excited for the New Year.

About the Author

Robert Van Deventer is the President and CEO of the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce. Bob has been a member of the Great Lakes Bay Regional business community since the inception of his career in 1974. He has worked in all three communities in the region (Bay, Midland, Saginaw) prior to his position as President/CEO of the Saginaw County Chamber, and has served as a community volunteer and as a committee and/or board member for many non-profit organizations throughout the region. Bob and his wife Debbie have been residents of the Saginaw area since 1974. They have two children, and two grandchildren.

You can reach Robert via email at bob@saginawchamber.org