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Flint & Genesee Group’s 40 Under 40 Returns

May 21, 2026

Michigan Business Network

Nominations are now open for the Flint & Genesee Group’s 40 Under 40, a biannual recognition program that celebrates the region’s brightest young talent. The 40 honorees — all under the age of 40 — will be publicly recognized this September in a special edition of AND, the Group’s bimonthly business magazine.

“We have an incredible community of young professionals who are making a real impact in their careers and across our region,” said Tim Herman, CEO of the Flint & Genesee Group. “They could take their talent anywhere, and we’re proud they continue to invest it here in Flint & Genesee. The 40 Under 40 program gives us the opportunity to recognize their leadership and influence in our community.”

Why the Advanced Manufacturing District matters for Genesee County | Opinion

Our team at the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance is dedicated to creating new opportunities to help turn around decades of job loss and population decline in Genesee County.

You can see that commitment in the progress we continue to make to create a turnkey site in Mundy Township for an advanced manufacturing project that would create at least 2,000 jobs and invest $2 billion in our region.

Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center: Helping small and midsize manufacturers succeed

As a middle-schooler, she counted the shop’s inventory on summer vacations. As a college graduate, she developed a new quality management system. As a 30-something, she took on the role of vice president.

So, when her dad, Mike Parker, started thinking about retirement, she was there for him once again.

“I never thought I’d be the owner of a machine shop, but I’m happy to be here,” said Keway, who became Epic Machine’s president/owner in January 2024.

While business was going well, Keway started her new role hungry to improve efficiency, retain skilled workers, grow sales, and add new technology.

“The whole point of starting Golden Boy’s at the Flint Farmers’ Market is to help change the narrative around Flint,” said Alzahabi, who uses the handle @TheGoldenBalance on TikTok, Instagram, and other social media. “And the people of Flint deserve good food.”

Golden Boy’s is, in many ways, a physical extension of The Golden Balance. The 29-year-old opened at the market in February with a small menu and, initially, only on Saturdays. Behind the scenes, the team focused on refining recipes, scaling production, and building a system that can keep up with demand.

“I believe very strongly in a small menu done really well, and I think that’s really paid off,” Alzahabi said.