As Saginaw Street’s brick replacement continues, lane closures aren’t preventing new business openings from happening.
Just this week, the Flint & Genesee Chamber has helped support two ribbon cuttings, with plans for a third on Friday.
“We’ve been encouraged by the recent spike in renovations and business openings,” said Andrew Younger, executive director of the Flint& Genesee Chamber. “If you look at downtown Flint as the center of our community, the success of its businesses is a strong indicator of economic health for the overall county.”
Younger points to 100K Ideas as one example of this positive momentum.
“On Tuesday, we celebrated three major milestones for 100K Ideas,” Younger said. “Not only did they recently move to the Dryden Building on Saginaw Street, they also launched the 100K Startup Hub and re-opened the popular Shops on Saginaw. This is great news for local entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to get their foot in the door.”
A block away, MagnifiClips recently unveiled its recent renovations, which merges the barbershop experience with that of an art gallery.
“Between the music they play and the art on the walls, it’s awesome to see owner Timothy Tyler’s vision brought to life in downtown Flint,” he said.
Across 2nd Street, the Chamber will also help Spectacular Spudz celebrate its grand opening on Friday, July 21. The business, which had previously been located in the Flint Farmers’ Market, recently moved into its first standalone location, where it serves up fully loaded hot potatoes of all kinds. The public is encouraged to attend the event, which will be held from 10-11 a.m.
Looking ahead, closures will continue until August’s big event season when it will stop for the HAP Crim Festival of Races, Back to the Bricks, and Bikes on the Bricks. While some businesses have temporarily closed during the project, most are still open and could use your support. Among some of the local retailers and restaurants who belong to the Chamber are:
Please note that this is a non-exhaustive list. If you see a Chamber member missing from the above list, email ijoseph@flintandgenesee.org.
For up-to-date information regarding the city’s brick replacement project, visit fixthebricksflint.com. And, to stay informed about future ribbon cuttings, bookmark flintandgenesee.org/events.
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Buyer slots open in popular ‘Meet the Buyer’ event
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Calling all purchasing professionals: “Meet the Buyer” is back for its first in-person event since 2019, and there are still seats available for interested buyers.
The event – slated to take place Aug. 22 at the Bavarian Inn & Conference Center in Frankenmuth – will be hosted by East Michigan APEX Accelerator in partnership with Region 5 Saginaw Future APEX Accelerator.
“We felt like it made sense to team up with our friends in Saginaw for this in-person event,” said Jasmine McKenney, director of the East Michigan APEX Accelerator, formerly Procurement Technical Assistance Center or PTAC. “By combining resources in this way, we can reach a larger audience and create more opportunities for connection.”
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Sixth-Annual Vehicle City Gridiron Classic hosted at Kettering University’s Historic Atwood Stadium
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Kettering University’s Atwood Stadium will host the sixth-annual Flint & Genesee Vehicle City Gridiron Classic to kick off the 2023 high school football season with two days of doubleheaders, beginning on Aug. 24.
This year’s games will feature matchups between intra-county rivals as well as Genesee County schools taking on visiting schools from neighboring communities including state champion for the past two years, Warren De La Salle.
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Kettering University drives automotive innovation
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The trends shaping the future of the automotive industry are disruptive and technology-driven, focused on autonomous driving, electrification, and connectivity. And thanks to Kettering University, Flint and Genesee County aren’t just along for the ride – in some ways, they’re in the driver’s seat.
“In Genesee County, we are standing on the shoulders of giants,” said Dr. Diane Peters, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Kettering. “Many people have done tremendous things here in the automotive industry, and we need to honor their legacy by moving forward, by building on what they did.
“Not just standing on their shoulders and staring ahead – but reaching up to the next rung on the ladder and pulling us all up. Kettering has the resources to do that.”
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MCC celebrates 100 years; join the parade!
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As Mott Community College approaches its 100-year anniversary, the higher education institution is celebrating with events including the monthly Centennial Lecture and Concert Series, Centennial Year of Service, and the Centennial Gardens & Murals Projects.
Additionally, the college will host an entire day of festivities on Sept. 23, including a parade that will start at Atwood Stadium in Flint and wind its way through downtown and along Court Street to the MCC main campus. The Centennial Committee is currently seeking floats/entries including marching bands, local businesses, non-profit organizations, walkers, cars and other vehicles, and musical groups to help celebrate the College’s 100 in the community.
To sign up your business or organization for the parade, click here.
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About the Flint & Genesee Group
The Flint & Genesee Group supports the region through its commitment to developing business, talent, and place. The organization works to strengthen the Flint and Genesee County economy, and create a place where people thrive, and businesses invest and grow. Its programs and services are marketed through four divisions-Explore Flint & Genesee, the Flint & Genesee Chamber, the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance, and Flint & Genesee Education & Talent. For more information, visit FlintandGenesee.org, and check us out on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Image courtesy of Flint & Genesee Group and Shutterstock
