Issue 10 | July 21, 2021

Chevy Commons to become a state park under a plan announced by Gov. Whitmer

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on July 14 announced plans to create a new Michigan state park in the City of Flint by utilizing federal relief dollars from President Biden’s American Recovery Plan. This would mark the first state park in Genesee County, the only county in Michigan without land that is managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and when completed would become Michigan’s 104th state park. 

“Parks are pillars of our local communities and economies,” said Whitmer. “Through the pandemic, park attendance reached historic highs as people went outdoors to unwind and connect with their loved ones. That’s especially true in Michigan’s great cities, which have been disproportionately impacted by COVID. This new park in Flint is a multi-generational investment in the community that will support small businesses, create jobs, and give people a space to enjoy with friends and family.” 



Whitmer made the announcement at Chevy Commons, a former industrial site in Flint currently owned by Genesee County that would serve as the center for the new outdoor recreation space.

Latest News

Kettering University’s Atwood Stadium to host fourth-annual Vehicle City Gridiron Classic

Kettering University’s Atwood Stadium will host the fourth-annual Flint & Genesee Vehicle City Gridiron Classic, which kicks off the 2021 high school football season with two days of doubleheaders beginning on Aug. 26.

This year’s games will feature matchups between intra-county rivals as well as Genesee County schools taking on visiting schools from neighboring counties. READ MORE

Get ready for the 'Meet the Buyer 2021'

The Region 6 Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) on Aug. 12 will host “Meet the Buyer” for businesses looking to expand their customer base through government contracting opportunities.

This year’s event – which will be held virtually from 9 a.m. to noon – will feature buyers from local, regional, state and federal agencies that are looking to hire private-sector vendors for a range of needs and services. There is no cost to attend.

The format resembles "speed dating" and provides a fast-paced way for businesses to connect with buyers from across the region. READ MORE

New Initiative Aims to Keep Manufacturers Competitive

The Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance – in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), its fellow economic development partners in the I-69 Thumb Region, Automation Alley and the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center – is kicking off a new initiative that aims to make area manufacturers more competitive through the adoption of Internet-based technologies.  READ MORE

Moving Flint Forward: Sal's Gym

Earlier this year, General Motors and the Flint & Genesee Group awarded grants to 15 small businesses in Flint. Among those recipients was Sal's Gym, located at University Avenue and Bangs Street. Below, husband-and-wife duo Jake and Ashleigh Saldaña share a bit about their business' history and the impact of the Moving Flint Forward Small Business Grant Program.

Coming in the July/August 2021 issue of AND

In the July/August 2021 edition of AND, read about some of the multimillion dollar projects reshaping Flint & Genesee’s built environment, and a review of the year-over-year construction activity for the region. The issue also includes:

• A business profile on the 156-year-old, Flint-based Hubbard Supply Co.;
• A feature story on how remote working arrangements could aid the region’s talent attraction and retention efforts; and
• Guest commentary by University of Michigan-Flint Economist Christopher Douglas, Ph.D., on the economic outlook for the second half of 2021.

Upcoming Events

Business News

July 22 – After Hours Wine Down

July 27 – PTAC: Leveraging Certifications

July 29 – Connect Over Coffee

Aug. 10 – Connect Over Coffee



People and businesses on the move

FLINT & GENESEE GROUP