(FLINT, Mich., Aug. 29, 2024) Each year, the Flint & Genesee Group and its divisions recognize notable business leaders, community champions, and hospitality professionals during the Art of Achievement Awards. With the 10th annual event scheduled Nov. 7, the organization is seeking nominations across 14 unique award categories.

“Over the last decade, we have celebrated dozens of organizations and local leaders making a positive impact in our community,” said Tim Herman, CEO of the Flint & Genesee Group. “As we mark the event’s 10th anniversary, we look forward to continuing this tradition of honoring excellence and fostering growth in the Flint & Genesee region.”

Nominations are open to for-profit businesses, nonprofits, and individuals in Genesee County, and are due Thursday, Oct. 10 via online submission at FlintandGenesee.org/aoa. Self-nominations are allowed.

The full lineup of award categories accepting nominations is as follows:

Business Awards presented by the Flint & Genesee Chamber

• Business Impact Award: Recognizes a company with 50 or more employees making a positive impact in Flint & Genesee
• Small Business Award: Recognizes a company with fewer than 50 employees making a positive impact in Flint & Genesee
• Minority-Owned Business Award: Recognizes a minority-owned business making a positive impact in Flint & Genesee
• Claire M. White Award: Honors a woman working for the betterment of Flint & Genesee in community, career, or someone else’s life
• Young Professional Leader Award: Recognizes a young professional 40 or younger making great strides to benefit their company and/or the community
• Nonprofit Impact Award: Recognizes a charity, church, or nonprofit making great strides to positively impact any facet of the Flint & Genesee community
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Champion Award:  Recognizes a business or organization that has demonstrated leadership in helping make Flint & Genesee a place of opportunity and inclusion for those who live and work in the county

Hospitality Awards presented by Explore Flint & Genesee

• Hotel Ambassador of the Year: Recognizes a hospitality worker who provided outstanding service in areas including, but not limited to, front desk, host, hostess, housekeeper, guest services, hotel restaurant, and maintenance
• Frontline Ambassador of the Year: Recognizes outstanding customer service in the non-hotel areas of food service, bartender, transportation, business, etc.
• Attraction of the Year:  Awarded to a venue or attraction that continues to raise the bar, offering top notch entertainment or programming to the community and visitors
• Bryant “BB” Nolden Community Champion Award: Recognizes an individual or organization who improves Flint & Genesee through community collaboration, advocacy, and engagement
• Restaurant of the Year: Recognizes a restaurant for their outstanding service, menu, and overall experience of the customer
• Hotel of the Year: Recognizes a hotel for outstanding service, comfort, and attention to hotel guests, providing an excellent overall experience
• CTA of the Year: Recognizes an individual Flint & Genesee Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) who has gone above and beyond to promote the region, bring awareness to attractions, spread a hospitality-driven culture, and grow the CTA network

Winners will be announced at the Nov. 7 gala at the FIM Capitol Theatre. Additionally, the Flint & Genesee Group will recognize the recipients of this year’s Art Hurand Award, C.S. Mott Award, and Economic Development Project of the Year Award during the event.

For information about event sponsorships, contact Gail Garrison at (810) 600-1427 or  ggarrison@flintandgenesee.org.

To learn more about the Art of Achievement Awards, visit FlintandGenesee.org/aoa.