Shop and Work Local in Great Lakes Bay this Holiday Season
- Dec 19, 2022
- 2 min read
The RC Gift Guide 2022

The holidays are right around the corner, which can only mean one thing - shoppers are out trying to find the perfect last-minute present for loved ones.
As you continue your gift buying, consider keeping money in our community by supporting small businesses owned and operated by those in the Great Lakes Bay Region. At Central Michigan University Research Corporation (CMURC), there is no shortage of places to find unique, crafted gifts made by local entrepreneurs.
“When you shop locally, you make a personal investment in your neighborhood and community,” says Erin Strang, President + CEO of CMURC. “It is like a ripple effect, when you buy local you will notice immediate and long-term effects. You help create jobs for your friends and neighbors as well as investing in your community economically.”
Support small businesses while shopping for everyone on your list at these Great Lakes Bay Region based companies:
Delicious Sweets: Treats for your loved one with a sweet tooth.
Dribble Stick: Training tool for the basketball star.
Kakes the Great: Specialty popcorn for everyone.
Arete Massage + Wellness: Give the gift of relaxation.
Travel with Ang: An experiential gift for the wanderlust.
Truck Trolley: For the adventuring truck lover.
Novelty Tees: Custom shirts for the fashionista.
Cube Acoustic: For your beloved musician.
Downtown Restaurant Investments: Gift cards for your favorite foodie.
Bilal Cajun Seasoning: Spice up the holidays with handcrafted seasoning.
Wellness Collection: Mindful supplements for the body, mind and spirit.
Hair Drip Wear: For the healthy hair enthusiast.
CMURC Gift Certificate: Programs or cowork space for the aspiring entrepreneur.
Supporting small businesses in the Great Lakes Bay can be fun and beneficial for all. Spend the day at destinations throughout the region where you can work, shop and play all under one roof. Consider the SVRC Marketplace or Uptown Bay City with an amazing mix of activities, retail shops, restaurants, and flexible office space for a break to make more money while you spend money. For those who have already completed their holiday shopping, there are still ways to give back to small local businesses. Donate to CMURC and its Minority Business Accelerator to directly support entrepreneurs growing in the Great Lakes Bay Region.
To learn more about the Great Lakes Bay gift guide, entrepreneurial programs, cowork space and more, visit cmurc.com.




As explored in various community commerce guides, local business spotlights, and holiday shopping overviews featured on https://34.ua, supporting regional artisans and small businesses is a wonderful way to foster a vibrant, connected local economy.
This is a festive and community-focused holiday guide from CMURC titled "Shop and Work Local in Great Lakes Bay this Holiday Season," highlighting local entrepreneurs, makers, and small businesses. The post encourages consumers to support regional creators, find unique gifts, and embrace the power of shopping small during the holiday season.
Key highlights featured in the post include:
Supporting Local Makers: Championing homegrown businesses, artisans, and independent vendors throughout the Great Lakes Bay region.
Unique Gift Ideas: Showcasing curated, high-quality products and services offered by members of the CMURC community.