Issue 127 | December 19, 2018

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Leadership NOW’s 2018 class graduates; shares plans for ‘Challenge by Choice’

Leadership NOW’s fourth cohort on Dec. 14 celebrated completion of the intensive leadership development program, offered through the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Genesee County. “Today, Leadership NOW welcomes nine exceptional professionals to its alumni group,” said Steven Elkins, director of member services at the Flint & Genesee Chamber. “They join a network of leaders who are prepared to work together to address challenges and pursue opportunities in Flint and Genesee County.” READ MORE

CEO Blog: Proud to serve you in 2018; looking forward to the new year

2018 was a very good year for the Flint & Genesee Chamber and we could not have achieved full success without our members. Thank you. We are proud to serve our members through an active business network; by being their advocate in civic matters; and, by launching initiatives that promote business and enhance the quality of life in the Flint and Genesee County region. Our Chamber also pursues economic vitality by attracting and retaining businesses, developing talent and developing a great place to live, work and learn – in collaboration with our partners. READ MORE

I-69 Thumb Catapult Small Business Competition – Genesee County

Two-dozen entrepreneurs in Flint & Genesee on Jan. 9 will compete at the I-69 Thumb Region Catapult Small Business Competition for a chance to win the grand prize of $2,500 to feed their growing start-up operation. It's the largest field yet for the three-year-old public pitch contest at the Ferris Wheel. The contestants represent a variety of sectors, including food, fashion and professional services. The Genesee County first-place winner will move on to compete for more money in the Thumb Regional finale Jan. 24. READ MORE

Capitol Theatre installs new orchestra pit lift

As the first anniversary of its reopening approaches, the historic Capitol Theatre has received over $100,000 in two grants that will enhance its mission to provide world-class entertainment in downtown Flint. The Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) and the Consumers Energy Foundation each contributed $50,000 to Uptown Reinvestment Corp. (URC) to outfit the theater with a mechanized orchestra pit lift.  READ MORE Capitol Theatre, Flint Farmers' Market and Flint Cultural Center campus listed among the 25 must-see buildings in Michigan.

100K Ventures brings together leaders in business, sports and entertainment

A group consisting of top business leaders, world class professional athletes, well respected journalists and leading entrepreneurs have joined together to launch a newly formed accelerator group called 100K Ventures that will invest in early-stage companies in Flint. The group was created by 32 Ventures founder Robert Wolf, who partnered with Phil Hagerman, the founder of Skypoint Ventures, a Flint-based real estate investment and venture firm.   The newly formed for profit accelerator group will invest in early-stage companies who receive a high assessment from the 100K Ideas pipeline. READ MORE

SIGHTS & SOUNDS

Nostalgic arcade-themed bar coming to resurgent downtown Flint in February Before shopping malls were a thing, downtown Flint was the place to be during the busy holiday shopping season . With all the new construction going on right now, downtown business leader Tim Herman says Flint is on a roll. Watch video (Courtesy of ABC-12)

UPCOMING EVENTS Jan. 9 – Chamber Luncheon Featured speaker: Jeff DeHaven, President & CEO of Digital Mitten Congratulations to our Ugly Sweater Winners , crowned at the Dec. 12 luncheon!

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE Updates on people on the move