Two recently elected Bay County Commissioners made their debut as MBS International Airport Commissioners at the Commission’s January meeting.
MBS Airports Director James Canders introduced Denis Poirier and Kathy Niemiek, who were appointed to the Airports Commission following their election victory on November 8, 2022. The two new commissioners will replace longtime MBS commissioners Ernie Kligier and Tom Herek.
“I’m glad you two are here,” said Kanders. “We’d love to hear what you think. It’s a little surprising that Herek isn’t back. He’s been on the committee since his 2013.”
Poirier is a former public school administrator and owner of Chuckie Bait & Tackle since 1993. Niemiec is the former Regional President of Aglow International, an interdenominational organization of Christian people. She also brings her experience of Township Planning Commissions and Zoning Commissions to the table.
Poirier and Niemiec joined Saginaw Mayor Brenda Moore as new commissioners as MBS to introduce a newly redesigned website and new airlines to increase flight options, primarily for business travelers. and embark on what Canders expects to be an eventful year. A year without two steady hands to rely on.
“This is a big change for me,” said Canders. “Both Ernie and Tom have been on the committee since I started working for MBS, so I need to get used to the concept of them not attending meetings. The experience associated with my tenure here will be greatly missed.”
Still, Kanders is confident his three new commissioners will represent the best interests of the community.
“All three new commissioners have already stepped up to serve on various airport committees and had asked some questions at the last committee meeting.” I really appreciate it when I am doing it, it helps the airport to be well managed and to serve the community well.”
“I’m happy to be on board. I’m ready to go,” said Poirier, who is starting his second term as Commissioner of Bay County.
Each new commissioner is given a welcome packet containing relevant information from the past year at MBS. The committee oversees the 2023 budget of $4.9 million.
Priorities include increasing our digital presence through new marketing partnerships with the Midland Center for the Arts, the Mount Pleasant Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational, an annual LPGA Tour event, to attract business travelers. This includes increasing numbers and growing the MBS brand.
