The Business of Regionalism: Five Keys to Building a Shared Future

Written by Ryan Carley, President/CEO of Bay Area Chamber of Commerce

Not long ago, life in Bay, Midland, Saginaw and Isabella counties existed in four bubbles, with each community working independently to find solutions to problems and avenues for progress. But as we ushered in a new millennium and technology brought the world closer to our doorstep, it became evident that in order to be successful, we’d have to work together.

And thus, regionalism was born.

In the world of business, regionalism means an immediate increased presence – more potential patrons, partners and profit. But how does one move ahead in this brave new world, especially those who work for companies that have been around for decades?

Here are five keys to building a shared future through regional thinking as it applies to business. Use these tools as a guide for navigation and remember that when your business wins – with increased sales, an expanded workforce or introduction of new services – the entire Great Lakes Bay Region wins.

1. Give Regionally – As a community business leader, its likely you’ve been asked many times to support a charity event in your hometown. Expand your horizon. Find a charitable event in another Great Lakes Bay Region community that speaks to you, sponsor it, attend it and bring along a table full of your co-workers. Better yet, consider joining the board of a nonprofit organization working on a regional level. Investing your time, sharing your gifts and connecting with new partners will open new avenues for business growth.
2. Get to Know the Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance – The mission of the alliance is to encourage, support and celebrate regional collaboration and initiatives that will improve the economic vitality and quality of life in the region. See what the alliance is doing to help promote STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Math – education by visiting stempipeline.com; introduce yourself to one of the region’s ambassadors or a member of the alliance’s Board of Directors (find them at greatlakesbay.com); or become part of the next Institute for Leaders class.
3. Attend Networking Events – Grab a stack of business cards and get ready to network at one of the monthly events hosted by the Bay Area, Saginaw County, Midland Area and Mount Pleasant Area chambers of commerce. All four chambers host frequent breakfast meetings and Business After Hours events. Or, go big by joining upwards of 1,000 area business professionals at the annual Regional Business After Hours in June. It’s a great way to meet new people and open new doors for business.
4. Stay Politically Connected – Make sure you know the state lawmakers in all four Great Lakes Bay Region counties, but more importantly, make sure they know you and what you need to keep your business moving in a positive direction. Not sure how to make the connection? Check out one of the many legislative events hosted annually by the local chambers of commerce or set up your own open house and invite our state representatives and senators in for a visit. Make sure they know you’re thinking regionally.
5. Don’t Be a Hometown Hermit – We all love our hometowns and take pride in seeing them grow. But the future of our region is reliant on community leaders crossing county lines and fostering a culture where isolationism cannot survive. So, get out and explore all the Great Lakes Bay Region has to offer in the areas of business, arts and culture, nature, education, human services and more. You might find a new supplier. You might find a new favorite restaurant. You might find new friends, or better yet, new customers. If you want to build a better future for your business, let the entire Great Lakes Bay Region be the place you live, work and play.

About the Author

Ryan T. Carley, President and Chief Executive Officer Bay Area Chamber of Commerce

Ryan T. Carley joined the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce in May, 2015 as the President and CEO.  Prior to joining the Chamber, Ryan was Senior Vice President of Retail for Citizens/First Merit Bank in which he lead sales process, execution, and operations for 220 branch locations.

Outside of his career, Ryan has been active in the community. He is the current treasurer of BaySail and the United Way of Bay County.  He’s a past board member of the Bay Arts Council and of the Bay City Tall Ships Celebration.  Ryan is a 2012 recipient of the RUBY Award, which stands for recognizing the upward, bright and young and a 2005 graduate of the Bay Area Chamber’s Leadership Bay County program.  He’s also a travel and recreation soccer coach for the Bay Area Soccer Association.

Ryan serves on various committees including: the Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance Board of Directors, Advocacy Council, and Institute for Leaders and Ambassador Council; Bay Future, Inc. Board of Directors and Executive Committee; Great Lakes Bay Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau Board of Directors and many more.

Ryan holds a Bachelor of Science in Management Degree from Cornerstone University and lives in Bay City with his three children; Grace, Mia and Macks.