Issue 8 | June 9, 2021

Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance releases Genesee County Small Business Analysis

Diversifying Genesee County’s economy by creating an entrepreneurial support system that fosters networks and cultivates strong leaders will be critical to the region’s long-term sustainability, according to a new report released today by the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance.

The 2021 Genesee County Small Business Analysis also found that area small businesses owners believe that improving access to capital or providing direct financial support is the best way for policymakers and economic development organizations to help locally owned and operated enterprises succeed. Additionally, increasing the visibility of Flint & Genesee businesses through target marketing or “shop local” initiatives is viewed as an effective and efficient way to build a resilient and vibrant local business community.



“We are focused on reducing obstacles for small business owners to be successful while clearing a pathway for the development of new and innovative local industries,” said Tyler Rossmaessler, executive director of the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance. “From these findings, we can determine the resources and strategies to aid current and future local small business owners and strengthen our local economy.”

Sorenson Gross looks to the future with new business partner and projects

Sorenson Gross Construction Co. sees a very bright future, post-pandemic, for the construction and construction service industries, says company President and Chief Operating Officer Rabih Zahnan. Having forged a new partnership with a mega-contractor based in the Middle East, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on future projects.

And that means good news for Flint and Genesee County, Zahnan said in a recent interview with Inside Business.

Last month, Sorenson Gross announced a partnership with GET Engineering & Contracting, a Qatar-based project engineer and builder with more than 7,000 employees. 

(Photo: left, CEO Ghassan Saab; President & COO Rabih Zahnan, right)

Latest News

Gov. Whitmer announces Michigan Economic Jumpstart Plan

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer today joined local entrepreneurs and business leaders to unveil the Michigan Economic Jumpstart Plan, which would allocate a portion of the federal relief funding to support and invest in working people and small businesses in Michigan. Under the governor's plan, the state will increase incentives to boost wages to attract applicants, provide grants to small businesses to ramp up hiring, and expand access to childcare for families with young children who want to return to work but cannot. READ MORE

Free 4’ LED Tube Replacement Program Extended to June 30

OEO Energy Solutions is extending its FREE replacement LED 4' tube program for your business to June 30. So far, Flint & Genesee Chamber members have received more than 26,500 free LEDs, valued at $318,000. This is the highest participation in the nation to date, and represents a minimum of $1.7 million in operating savings over five years. READ MORE

Coalition planning Flint’s largest ever Juneteenth celebration in 2021

This year’s Juneteenth celebrations are going to be the biggest ever in the City of Flint, including a new 3-day festival with a Champions Parade, gospel festival and a Black Wall Street featuring local vendors.



A coalition of community organizers have come together to promote a full weekend of fun and educational events throughout the City of Flint. The coalition includes organizers of multiple events planned for the weekend, all working together to ensure this year’s celebration is the largest ever, said April Cook-Hawkins, who is helping to coordinate the new Flint Citywide Juneteenth Weekend festival, one of the many coalition events. READ MORE

FACES of Flint & Genesee Business: Jennifer & James Johnson, Prestige Janitorial Services

Husband and wife team, Jennifer and James Johnson, started their business in 2012, not too long after tying the knot. James was looking for a way to put his family in a position where they could find success, and he did just that opening Prestige Janitorial Services which is housed in downtown Flint.

“My father ran a janitorial and carpet cleaning business,” says James. “I learned what I know working for him and went from there.”



Through the years, the couple has grown their business. Starting off with just the two of them and a few clients, Prestige now employs eight individuals in the community. READ MORE

Upcoming Events

Business News

June 15 – Contacting the Contracting Officer

June 17 – Lead Now 2021/2022 Info Session

June 22 – Responding to Sources Sought

June 29 – After Hours Wine Down

People and businesses on the move

FLINT & GENESEE GROUP