(FLINT, Mich., Nov. 5, 2025) – After receiving nearly 200 nominations for the 11th Art of Achievement Awards, the Flint & Genesee Group tonight awarded 17 awards to some of the many organizations and individuals making a positive impact in Genesee County.
“I always leave the event feeling proud and inspired.”
According to Herman, nominations are submitted by the public and then reviewed by two independent committees, one focused on business awards and the other on hospitality. Each committee, comprised of local professionals and industry leaders, evaluates the entries based on the strength and quality of the nomination.
“Some honorees represent smaller, lesser-known organizations, while others are more established and visible. In every case, they exemplify the excellence and dedication that make Flint & Genesee such a great place to live, work, and visit,” Herman said.
Nearly 700 people registered to attend the event, which was held at the FIM Capitol Theatre in downtown Flint. Award honorees included:
Hospitality Awards, presented by Explore Flint & Genesee
- Attraction of the Year – FIM Capitol Theatre & Flint Drop Fest
- Bryant “BB” Nolden Community Champion – Antonio Riggs
- Certified Tourism Ambassador of the Year – Anthony Walter, CTA
- Frontline Ambassador of the Year – Paula Forbush, CTA, Flint School of Performing Arts
- Hotel Ambassador of the Year – Sheryl Champine, CTA, Hilton Garden Inn Flint Downtown
- Hotel of the Year – Knob Hill Bed & Breakfast
- Restaurant of the Year – Timothy’s Pub
Business Awards, presented by the Flint & Genesee Chamber
- Business Impact Award – NorthGate
- Claire M. White Award – Lottie L. Ferguson
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Champion – Communities First, Inc.
- Economic Development Project of the Year – Miller Industries
- Minority-owned Business Award – Healthy Just Feels Right
- Nonprofit Impact Award – Prism Project
- Small Business Award – Pawpaws Pickles
- Young Professional Leader Award – Nikki Koliopoulos
Special Awards, presented by the Flint & Genesee Group
- Art Hurand Award – The Cramer Family
- Charles Stewart Mott Award – George Wilkinson
The presenting sponsor was Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network. Additional sponsors included Huntington Bank (program sponsor); Al Serra Auto Plaza (red carpet); Choice One Bank (photography); Flatrock (theatre); NorthGate (registration); and WJRT ABC12 (master of ceremonies). Also, Andrews Hooper Pavlik, Dort Financial Credit Union, Mott Community College, Team One Credit Union, and Yeo & Yeo were seat section sponsors.
Individual awards sponsors included Communities First, Inc.; Community Foundation of Greater Flint; Consumers Energy; ELGA Credit Union; University of Michigan-Flint; Flint Bishop Airport; Food Bank of Eastern Michigan; Genesee Health Plan; Huntington Bank; Mass Transportation Authority; MLive; Randy Wise Automotive Team; United Way; and Wildfire Credit Union.
