Flint & Genesee Chamber

Furthering the individual and collective success of small businesses to build a stronger local economy

The Flint & Genesee Chamber is about more than just membership – the division aims to be a catalyst for business success, fostering connections, resources, and opportunities that fuel growth. In 2024, the Chamber strengthened its digital tools, expanded its diverse business network, and hosted high-impact events that brought the region’s professionals together. With a membership of nearly 1,000 businesses and nonprofits, the Chamber continues to be a go-to hub for collaboration, visibility, and support in Flint & Genesee. 

Enhancing Chamber resources

In February, the Chamber launched FlintandGeneseeChamber.org, a new, standalone website for members and those interested in doing business with them. The website offers an in-depth look at the Chamber’s services while providing multiple opportunities to enhance visibility for its members. 

 

Key features include a robust member directory with an interactive map, enabling visitors to search for businesses by type and location. This feature alone accounted for nearly 40% of all website visits in 2024. The site also features a job opportunities board for participating members, an events calendar highlighting networking opportunities, professional development trainings, community events, and the Member Marketplace, where members can promote deals and new offerings to the public. These tools are low effort yet highly effective ways for members to increase their searchability and online visibility. 

 

The new website empowers Chamber members to take charge of their own promotion through ChamberMaster, a user-friendly platform for managing their profiles and content. As engagement continues to climb, the website’s impact is evident – user traffic surged by 50% in Q4 compared to Q3, reflecting its growing role as a resource for the local business community. 

Fostering connections and reaching new audiences

The Chamber ended the year with 114 new members, bringing total membership to 975 businesses and nonprofits across various industries. Member satisfaction remained a priority, resulting in a 97% retention rate. Efforts to support new and growing businesses included referrals to the Flint & Genesee Small Business Support Hub.

 

A strength of the Chamber has always been its commitment to creating spaces for groups of shared interests and backgrounds. To this end, a notable highlight was the establishment of the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Business Committee in partnership with the Arab American Heritage Council. This committee is dedicated to empowering MENA small business owners and entrepreneurs in Flint & Genesee and strengthens the Chamber’s commitment to equity and inclusion by helping ensure all demographic groups are represented.  

Also new in 2024, the Chamber began working with Kelley Cawthorne, a Lansing-based lobbying firm, to help advocate for Flint & Genesee businesses. This collaboration was an important step in ensuring that local businesses have a voice in shaping policies impacting the region’s economic health. The partnership extends beyond advocacy for the Chamber, supporting policy priorities for other divisions of the Group as well.

Hosting high-quality networking opportunities

By hosting a full calendar of networking events each year, the Chamber fosters a welcoming environment where meaningful connections thrive. Annual signature events and monthly gatherings bring the business community together in dynamic, low-pressure settings that encourage professionals to build relationships. These connections often evolve into valuable business opportunities, mentorships, and collaborations. 

 

In 2024, the division saw attendance continue to grow thanks to the quality of programming and the caliber of speakers. Chamber Luncheons drew an average of 175-250 attendees, while After Hours Wine Down and Connect Over Coffee events consistently attracted at least 75 participants. Highlights from this year included the Meet the Candidates event, where attendees had the opportunity to mingle with over 50 candidates running for public office, and a luncheon featuring David Smith, whose inspirational storytelling set a positive tone for the year.  

 

Additionally, a major theme for the year was showcasing the Chamber’s partner divisions within the Flint & Genesee Group. Flint & Genesee Education & Talent, the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance, and Explore Flint & Genesee each had the opportunity to keynote a luncheon, highlighting what they have to offer to the business community. This approach not only benefited members but also underscored the strength of the Chamber and the vast resources available through its collaborative network.

Impact

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