Every year, as I reflect on the accomplishments of the Flint & Genesee Group, I am most proud of the way our team comes together to make a positive difference in Genesee County. As the Group’s four divisions deliver unique programs and resources that help the community thrive, I also see collaboration across the entire organization that makes the contribution even greater. In addition to the valuable work we do, the way we work has an important impact. 

In 2024, our collective efforts brought us closer to helping Genesee County realize the Forward Together vision of becoming a top-five community in Michigan. It was a year of bold strategies designed to open doors for what’s next in Flint & Genesee. With a heightened focus on attracting visitors, businesses, workforce, and investors, our message was consistent: This is a destination of opportunity, and all are welcome here. 

For Explore Flint & Genesee, this story was told by prioritizing accessibility and safe spaces, engaging residents, building champions, embracing “coopertition,” supporting major events, and ultimately boosting overnight stays in Flint & Genesee. At year’s end, the division reported 8,639 booked hotel room nights from successful bids for group business and $6.5 million in estimated economic impact from hosted groups. 

The Flint & Genesee Chamber successfully made meaningful connections and reached new audiences. With 114 new members and a 97% retention rate, Chamber membership included 975 businesses and nonprofits across various industries. To keep this network strong, the division offered high-quality networking opportunities and enhanced member resources and tools throughout the year.  

Focused on business development, the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance marketed Genesee County to attract new companies, supported local businesses in their growth, and helped startups launch and succeed. Through these efforts, 221 small businesses were counseled, 30 businesses received grant funding, $59.5 million in government contract opportunities were secured for regional businesses, and Genesee County was put in the running for more than $1.6 billion of potential investment. 

Flint & Genesee Education & Talent cultivated opportunities here in Genesee County by preparing youth for the workforce, strengthening professional development, and enhancing talent attraction. The division delivered career prep workshops for 1,545 middle and high school students, helped 238 teens get jobs, and supported 17 new college graduates through the Flint Promise. Meanwhile, nearly 450 participants received training, and 329 people signed up to learn about living and working in Flint & Genesee. 
 

Bolstering these results, the Group made new investments in our own capacity to serve in 2024. Workplace culture remained an area of focus. The Group was again recognized as a Top Workplace by The Detroit Free Press based on staff survey feedback. Our employee resource groups continued to engage staff within the organization and out in the community, with activities like the inaugural Women’s Equality Day luncheon which hosted more than 250 attendees. In addition, a pilot of a new DEI Champion Certificate series introduced a new workplace culture resource for our partners.   

With our team, partners, and community, we accomplished a lot last year. I invite you to learn more about the Flint & Genesee Group’s contributions in 2024 and stay tuned for exciting opportunities to come. 

Tim Herman 

CEO, Flint & Genesee Group