The BBSC seeks to support efforts that make Powell Township a wonderful place to live and visit.
About the BBSC
The Big Bay Stewardship Council (BBSC) is a community organization located in Powell Township, Michigan. Named for the beautiful bay on Lake Superior, Big Bay is a charming town located northwest of Marquette City in Marquette County. Our home draws in outdoor enthusiasts for our lakes, forests, waterfalls, hiking trails, and hidden spots for outdoor adventure. In the 1800s this quaint community was a hub for the timber industry, and lumberjacks were all over the area. In the 1940s, it was the site of a Ford Motor Company automotive plant and a retreat for Henry Ford and top company executives. Later, Big Bay lit up the silver screen in James Stewart’s award-winning 1959 film Anatomy of a Murder, and was the site of the story that inspired the film.
To preserve Big Bay’s unique nature and promote sustainable tourism, the BBSC was formed in July 2020 following a year and a half of collaborative work with the Washington, DC-based nonprofit the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST), through support from the Lundin Foundation and Eagle Mine. Through multi-sector and resident engagement, the BBSC seeks to maximize collaborative efforts and efficiencies within the Township around shared goals. Ultimately, BBSC activities support efforts that make Powell Township a wonderful place to live and visit.
Membership on the Big Bay Stewardship Council is voluntary, open, and meant to be representative in nature of the community, including government, businesses, natural asset managers, non-profit organizations, recreational interest groups, full-time residents, second-home owners, and County and State representatives with managed assets in the Township. Responsibilities include creating and acting on goals and objectives based on the needs of the community, building partnerships for mutual benefit, promoting the Discover Big Bay tourism brand, and executing placemaking projects within the Township.
The Big Bay Stewardship Council has 501c3 status through the State of Michigan.
Mission
To facilitate the protection of the unique nature of the greater Big Bay area and promote community improvements in Powell Township through responsible, properly scaled economic development and stewardship of the natural resources and cultural enrichment.
Vision
Powell Township is a thriving community with a strong sense of place, a supportive foundation for family, and stewardship of pristine landscape and wildlife habitat that is enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Residents and visitors appreciate the unique spirit of the community and seek opportunities to support locally owned businesses, arts and community programs, and preservation and the responsible enjoyment of natural assets and historic sites. Powell Township is considered an off-the-beaten-track destination for visitors who respect and value nature and appreciate the solitude of outdoor activities. Gradual enhancements to tourism in Powell Township enhances the quality of life for families and individuals through economic and infrastructure development, helping keep residents and visitors safe and comfortable.
Leadership & Committees
The BBSC is led by a Board of Directors, which serves as a steering committee and shapes how the BBSC carries out its mission and activities going forward. Board members include:
Sven Gonstead, Chair
Mark Bevins, Vice Chair
Darlene Turner, Treasurer
Katie Wilcox, Secretary
Rochelle Dale, At-Large Member
Clare Lutgen, At-Large Member
The Big Bay Stewardship council is mostly run by volunteers, which are currently organized into three committees to carry out projects. All community members in Big Bay are invited and encouraged to join committees. They are organized as follows:
BBSC Committees
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Steering Committee
The Steering Committee is the Board of Directors and responsible for the overall direction and budget of the Council and keeps the BBSC moving forward. The Steering Committee also welcomes new members of the BBSC, synthesizes the goal and objective ideas put forth by community members, and conducts high-level operations and fundraising strategies.
The committee is responsible for the following BBSC goals:
-Manage Operations & Secure Funding
-Measure What Matters
-Expand Outreach & Partnerships -
Marketing Committee
The Marketing Committee is responsible for the overall promotion of Big Bay as a tourism destination. This committee carries out the marketing strategy for the Discover Big Bay brand, manages and coordinates the creation of new content, and brings together Powell Township businesses for joint marketing and development plans.
The committee is responsible for the following BBSC goals:
-Tell Powell Township’s Story
-Create Authentic Experiences & Events
-Provide Entrepreneurial Support -
Placemaking Committee
The Placemaking Committee is responsible for the beautification of Big Bay, for the creation of new community assets, and other placemaking projects that enhance the small town and rural atmosphere. Projects may range from directional and community signage to infrastructure and asset development to enhance safety through partnerships. These goals were identified by BBSC members as two of the most important goals for the organization.
The committee is primarily responsible for two key BBSC goals:
-Enhance Sense of Place
-Support Infrastructure & Asset Enhancement