Issue 122 | September 5, 2018

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Retail shops 'Pop-Up' in the Dryden Building

Retail shopping in downtown Flint has taken another step forward with the opening of the Pop-Up Shops on the ground floor of the Dryden Building at south Saginaw and Second streets. The gallery of shops, which run along the Second Street corridor, are largely additional locations of existing businesses in Flint & Genesee and beyond. It includes Julie Abbott Art, Red Fox Outfitters, Shea Lavelle, Article One Eyewear, Kalm Clothing LLC, GoodBoy Clothing, Sutorial, Bedrock, The Machine Shop and Detroit Muscle. There is also a small convenience store, Ground Floor Market, as well as a brand-new retailer – Skyward, a seller of T-shirts, hats and bracelets founded by 10 high school students as part of their summer internship with 100K Ideas. READ MORE

CEO Blog: Public policy is a strategic priority

The unofficial end of summer has come, and we are less than 60 days out from a November election where voters will choose Michigan’s next governor other political and legislative leadership. As the largest business advocacy organization for Flint & Genesee businesses, the Chamber is paying close attention. Public policy has an important role in the Chamber’s strategic plan because it allows us to engage in conversations and advocate for policies that are pro-business and support quality of life. Operationally, our business advocacy is addressed through the Public Policy Committee (PPC). READ MORE

Second-annual I-69 Thumb Region Business Climate Survey needs your input

To retain and attract businesses in our region, the I-69 Thumb Region partners, including the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce, and the EDA University Center for Community & Economic Development at UM-Flint are working together to gather information about the area's business climate. Business leaders who are on the front-line of these issues are encouraged to participate in the 2018 I-69 Thumb Business Climate Survey.      The survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. READ MORE

AND Sept-Oct 2018 preview

The September-October issue of A N D presents stories of revitalization and expansion, including the nearly $40 million Flint River Restoration project, its progress and the role it will play in the growth and reinvention of Flint; Genesee County’s role in the global coffee business – brewing, roasting and manufacturing; and, how a beloved optometry business is getting an exterior facelift. Also, guest columnist – George Mokrzan, director of economics for Huntington Bank – provides an economic outlook for the 2018-2019 U.S. economy. And, you’ll also find an enthusiastic call for nominations for this year's Art of Achievement Awards. Coming soon: digital AND, the online version of the Flint & Genesee Chamber’s bimonthly print publication.

Pre-registration open for annual 'Fall 4 Fitness Challenge'

To promote health and wellness within the local business community, the Greater Flint Health Coalition’s  Commit to Fit!  program will kick off its 8 th  Annual Fall 4 Fitness Challenge at noon on Sept. 28 at the Flint Farmers’ Market. The business-to-business wellness competition is available free-of-charge to any Flint & Genesee business, organization or community group interested in bringing wellness to the workplace. READ MORE

SIGHTS & SOUNDS

FACES of Flint & Genesee –  Derek Sommer, Spud Software Derek Sommer always knew he wanted to own his own business. While studying computer science at Western Michigan University, he began researching what it would take to work for himself. After graduating, Sommer took contract jobs to become more well-rounded and establish relationships in his field. Three years later, and just weeks away from welcoming his son into the world, Sommer launched Spud Software in his basement.  PLAY VIDEO

UPCOMING EVENTS Sept. 10 – Young Professionals Advisory Committee Sept. 12 – Chamber Luncheon Feature Speaker: Luke Zelly, The Disability Network Sept. 26 – Accommodations for Employees w/ Disabilities

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE Updates on people on the move