GLBMA History
1906-1910
Saginaw manufacturing expanded rapidly through organized efforts by local merchants. Developing the area formally know as Brewster park to become one of the first industrial parks in Saginaw.
They had raised $212,000 to provide free land for new manufacturers, bringing together companies that made matches, plate glass, phonograph cabinets and cash registers.
1911
On January 1st, Joseph P. Tracy assumed the duties of the Merchants and Manufacturers Fund and the Board of Trade. He entered into an agreement with the Grand Truck Railway Company of Canada to lease three lots on Brown Street for $1 a year.
1912
September 19th the Saginaw Manufacturers Association was born. Established by:
Harry Wickes Max Heavenrich
Therodore Huss Arthur D. Eddy
John L. Jackson Delbert E. Prall
A.C. Melze James S. Smart
Benton Hancl M. Tanner
Ralph Morley
The organization operated for many years under the Saginaw Manufacturers Association and was based out of the Board of Trade, what is now Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce.
1989
Under the leadership of Grant A. Schaefer with Schaefer Technologies, Inc., the organization once again changes the name and focus of the organization.
The Saginaw Valley Manufacturers' Association began a region focus to address industry wide needs. The organization was than moved to the Saginaw Valley's Business & Industrial Development Institute at Saginaw Valley State University.
2012
The organization moved to the Saginaw County Business & Education Partnership and updated the name to the Great Lakes Bay Manufactures Association. now serving Saginaw, Bay, Midland and Arenac counties with a continued focus on addressing the current needs of manufacturing.
2016
The current board of directors decided to revive the organization. The GLBMA was moved to the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center at Saginaw Valley State University under the direction of Jeremy Bockelman, helping manufacturing succeed in today's ever changing world.