Issue 7 | May 19, 2021
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HIROTEC America, a global tier one automotive supplier specializing in the production of body-in-white closures, exhaust systems, and closure manufacturing equipment announced they have acquired a new facility in Flint at the site of the former Delphi East facility.

In response to the growing demand for high-quality stamping, assembly, and hemming systems, as well as other flexible automation solutions, HIROTEC has secured additional manufacturing floorspace that will be utilized for tooling integration.

"HIROTEC is a great fit and a great addition to the roster of automotive suppliers in our community,” said Tyler Rossmaessler, executive director of the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance.
Last week brought a whirlwind of COVID-19 guidance and information. The Center for Disease Control & Prevention issued new guidance on outdoor mask use for individuals who are fully vaccinated, while unvaccinated people are still required to wear a mask at outdoor and indoor gatherings. Quickly, the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services updated its guidance to align with the CDC.

Also, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that Michigan can return to in-person office work as early as May 24 after hitting the first vaccine threshold of 55 percent of residents ages 16 or older with at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine — part of the Governor’s Mi Vacc to Normal plan, which ties easing restrictions to vaccination rates.

Looking for ways to encourage employees and coworkers to vaccinate against COVID?

Join this Flint & Genesee Chamber webinar, hosted in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) on May 25 at 11 a.m. with guest speaker Dr. James D. Grant, senior vice president and chief medical officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

As COVID-19 vaccine availability continues to expand to the general public, it is important to share resources within your organization. Attendees will hear insights from regional health experts on the COVID-19 vaccines, navigating employee conversations, and the new COVID-19 variants.
 
Additional speakers include: 
  • Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, Chair-elect, American Medical Association and Immediate Past President, Michigan State Medical Society
  • Ty McGinnis, Plant Director, General Motors Flint Metal Center
Fully vaccinated Michiganders are no longer required to wear a mask or face covering indoors or outdoors, as of May 15. What does this mean for employers and how should businesses prepare to return to in-person operations?

The Flint & Genesee Group has compiled a list of resources and recent articles that offer guidance to employers in making the transition to a post-COVID business climate.



In an exclusive partnership with the Flint & Genesee Chamber and Saginaw Chamber of Commerce, minority-owned member businesses are encouraged to apply for television and OTT advertising grants with Spectrum Reach. As many as 9 grants valued at $15,000 will be awarded to Flint & Genesee Chamber members.

Selected businesses will receive:
  • 3-month television advertising schedule (July-September)
  • Free :30 commercial through Waymark
  • Support from local marketing experts during the 3-month period
  • Access to on-demand educational content and expert industry insights
  • Invitations to exclusive speakers’ series and events featuring industry leaders with local market experiences
 
"Let's keep our communities thriving. Apply for a chance to receive three months of TV advertising, a free commercial and more," said Angela Hayes, field marketing specialist for Spectrum Reach. "When we come together to support the businesses that line our neighborhoods, we all succeed."

Application deadline is May 31 at 11:59 p.m.
In support of Genesee County’s small businesses and entrepreneurs, the Flint & Genesee Chamber, in conjunction with the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance and Explore Flint & Genesee, is celebrating local businesses throughout the entire month of May.

CLICK HERE to view profiles of local small business owners, a calendar of events and a social media toolkit.
Join the Flint & Genesee Chamber for its first in-person event of 2021! Connect Over Coffee is the Chamber's new open house-style, morning networking event. Come and go for coffee, conversation, and make some new connections!  
 
The host for this event is Chamber member and affinity partner, DBI, a provider of workspace solutions.
 
This Connect Over Coffee will be outdoors at the Flint Farmers' Market rooftop patio. Attendees are requested to adhere to current social distancing guidelines as set by MDHHS and CDC.

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