Issue 123 | September 26, 2018

Rendering of the Marketplace, a housing and retail development at 310 E. Third St.

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MEDC approves funds for Flint Marketplace project on the former site of the YWCA

A $19.5 million housing and retail development planned for downtown Flint got a $7 million boost from the state Tuesday, Crain's Detroit Business reported. The 97,910-square-foot mixed-use complex will take the place of a demolished YWCA building at 310 East Third St., around the block from the popular Flint Farmers' Market. The Marketplace project is composed of 92 housing units — half of which will be affordable — and four retail units, said Jacob Horner, vice president of development for Okemos-based PK Housing & Management Co., which is developing the site. The aim of the project is to build density, creating a walkable district and spurring more investment in the city. READ MORE

Gov. candidate Gretchen Whitmer meets with Flint & Genesee business and education leaders

How do the Michigan gubernatorial candidates’ platforms speak to the issues important to Flint & Genesee? That was the impetus for the Sept. 24 meeting between Democratic candidate Gretchen Whitmer and members of the Flint & Genesee Chamber’s Public Policy Committee (PPC) and other representatives in business, education and community leadership.  The goal was to provide the candidate with some insight and perspective from a cross-section of community stakeholders – workforce development, post-secondary institutions and major employers – operating on the frontlines in our region, said Adrian Walker, the Chamber’s director of Government Affairs & Community Relations.  READ MORE

The Ally Challenge birdies its first tournament

The Ally Challenge presented by McLaren broke par for the inaugural three-day tournament at Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club. “It exceeded all of our expectations and every metric – attendance, ticket sales, charity revenue,” said Tournament Director Chris Coffman. “World-class entertainment was provided by Big & Rich on Friday night.” READ MORE

Leadership NOW seeks current, emerging leaders for 2019 cohort

Leadership NOW – an introspective leadership development program for individuals who work and/or live in Genesee County – is seeking candidates for its next cohort, which will begin Jan. 25. The program, led by the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Genesee County, is designed for business, nonprofit and municipal professionals who want to give back to the community. Informational sessions to be held October 1, 2, 3, 9 and 16. READ MORE

Simplifying the RFP response process for government contracts

For many small businesses, developing proposals in response to government request-for-proposals (RFPs) can be a confusing, time consuming and stressful process. But the Region 6 Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) at the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce is ready to help. PTAC is offering a free, three-part webinar series that will help dissect the proposal process, establish fundamental practices and procedures and deliver a real-world presentation of the ins and outs of proposal development. READ MORE

Recognize excellence — Nominations open for the 2018 Art of Achievement Awards

Who are the leaders of the business community and exemplars of service in the hospitality industry in Flint & Genesee? The Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce and the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) want to know, as nominations are now open for the fifth-annual Art of Achievement Awards, the area’s premier showcase event. Nominations are being sought in the following business and hospitality categories: READ MORE

SIGHTS & SOUNDS

Entrepreneurial Spotlight: Premier Powder Coating Premier Powder Coating opened in the early 2000s at its current location. Its mission is to provide the highest quality of service to ensure its customers are satisfied. Premier serves commercial and industrial as well as residential customers, and offers an array of colors and textures for all your coating preferences. The company has the knowledge and experience to correctly assess your equipment and prepare for a top-notch finish.

UPCOMING EVENTS Oct. 8 – Young Professionals Advisory Committee Oct. 10 – Chamber Luncheon Feature Speaker: Charles Evans, President & CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Oct. 11 – Sales Leads Roundtable Oct. 11 – Brand Matters

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE Updates on people on the move & new members