Covering Business in Flint & Genesee May/June 2018

Navigating market conditions Bishop International Airport

Member Spotlight Destinations To Travel MTA More than just a bus service

TABLE OF CONTENTS

6 10 12 This Issue COVER STORY 6 Bishop Airport delivers for Flint & Genesee (On the cover: Bishop’s passenger terminal.) Departments 10 Member Spotlight 4 Event Calendar Destinations To Travel, at your service 5 From the CEO 12 Feature Story 14 Chamber in Action MTA transforming public transportation 15 New Members 16 Members on the Move 18 Guest Commentary

PUBLICATION EDITORIAL INQUIRIES DISTRIBUTION May/June 2018 Editor-in-Chief: Elaine Redd Members are encouraged to send news AND is distributed free of charge to [email protected] about their business—staff changes, Chamber members. Vol. 2 | Issue 3 awards, or expansions—for publication in Managing Editor: Bob Campbell Members on the Move. Send submissions CONTACT [email protected] to Savannah Lee, [email protected]. Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce Art & Design: Carol Pongrac The Chamber reserves the right to deny 519 S. Saginaw Street [email protected] and/or edit submissions. Flint, MI 48502 (810) 600-1404 Contributors: Izzi Joseph, DISCLAIMER [email protected] Melissa Burden, Michael Naddeo The Chamber is not responsible for the www.flintandgenesee.org ADVERTISING contents of any advertisement, and all AND is published bi-monthly representations of warranties made by the Flint & Genesee Sales Director: Steven Elkins [email protected] in such advertising are those of the Chamber of Commerce advertiser. No part of this publication ©2018 may be reproduced without written permission of the Chamber. EVENT CALENDAR Upcoming Chamber Events 17 | Professional Development 13 | Chamber Luncheon Learn more or register Improving Communication with Your Supervisor $10 members | $20 future members or Manager Noon – 1:30 p.m. at flintandgenesee.org 8:30 – 10 a.m. Holiday Inn Gateway Centre, 5353 Gateway Centre Northbank Center, 432 N. Saginaw St. Register: /events 13 | Professional Development Become a sponsor: /sponsorships 22 | Professional Development Creating a Leadership Growth Plan Giving and Receiving Effective Feedback Noon – 4 p.m. View professional development Noon – 2 p.m. Baker College, 1050 W. Bristol Rd. opportunities: /training Hampton Inn & Suites, 6060 Rashelle Dr. 23 | Professional Development 24 | After Hours Wine Down Vision Board Party MAY Sponsors – The Durant & Epoch Catering 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 5 – 7 p.m. Location: TBD 9 | Chamber Luncheon The Durant, 607 E Second Ave. $10 members | $20 future members 28 | After Hours Wine Down Noon – 1:30 p.m. 31 | INSPIRE Leadership Series 5 – 7 p.m. Holiday Inn Gateway Centre, 5353 Gateway Centre Speaker: George Wilkinson, President, NorthGate Location: TBD Noon – 1 p.m. INNN, 4800 Saginaw St. 28 | Certified Tourism 10 | Professional Development Ambassador Class The Secrets of Repeat Business 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. 8 – 9 a.m. Location: TBD MLive Media Group, 540 Saginaw St. JUNE 28 | INSPIRE Leadership Series 16 | Professional Development 1 | Annual Golf Classic Speaker: Kathleen Gazall, Gazall, Lewis & Associates Leading from Beside and in the Field 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Noon – 1 p.m. Noon – 4 p.m. Flushing Valley Country Club, 1124 E. Main St. INNN, 4800 Saginaw St. Baker College, 1050 W. Bristol Rd.

4 | Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce FROM THE CEO

Is your business GROWING? From the CEO Facilitating economic growth

of life amenities, Flint & Genesee is a good place to be. In this issue of AND, two of our transportation partners are featured: Bishop International Airport and Mass Transportation Authority, known as the MTA. Both are important drivers of eco- nomic growth, jobs and a better way of life. You will read about the challenges they are turning into opportunities and better still, some of their innovative programs; a new advertising campaign; and, how the two are laser-focused on supporting the needs of the community and beyond. There are many great reasons for You’ll also find an interesting commen- Our confidential companies to choose Flint and Genesee tary about the role that tourism plays at and free services County to locate their business. One, is the state and local levels from our partners will connect you to that we have a strong business envi- at the Michigan Economic Development ronment. The region is supported by Corp. And speaking of tourism, we’re glad the right resources employers of all sizes, representing many to introduce you to one of our newest to succeed. industries – from healthcare to higher members, Destination to Travel. education, packaging and logistics, infor- So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back and Secure financing mation technology and manufacturing; take some time to learn what’s happen- with good access to resources that help ing in business and leisure in Flint and Locate state and local companies be successful and grow. Genesee County. And importantly, how incentives Another reason, companies have told our transportation assets are facilitating us, is that Flint & Genesee is appealing economic growth. Navigate hiring and because of our transportation advan- training resources tages, which includes a strong logistics Tim network with great access to interstate Conduct site searches highways, broadband connectivity, mul- tiple rail providers, nearby ports, and a great airport. Add to that, a skilled Tim Herman All size businesses are workforce, access to incentives, low cost CEO encouraged to contact of living, and a business environment that encourages investment and quality Follow us on Facebook /flintandgenesee the Chamber’s Economic Development team for a one-on-one meeting. ‘[A] skilled workforce, access to incentives, low cost of living, and a business environment that encourages investment and quality of life amenities, Flint & Genesee (810) 600-1433 is a good place to be.’

May/June 2018 5 DEPARTMENT HEADING Bishop Airport navigates market conditions; delivers for Flint & Genesee … and beyond

By Melissa Burden

6 | Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce DEPARTMENT HEADING

Bishop International Airport, a key economic generator in Flint and Genesee County, is refining itself in an age of some airline industry turbulence. It’s taking proactive steps in planning for the future, adapting to an airline’s departure and trumpeting its convenience, inexpensive parking and ease of use in a new ad campaign.

While the airport celebrating its 90th year may not The move wasn’t a surprise to Bishop, as the serve as many travelers as it once did, it remains airline had left other AirTran Airways markets after relevant and instrumental to attracting economic Southwest bought AirTran in 2011, Williams said. development and is a key asset to the area, experts And Southwest had already cut flights to Baltimore, say. The state’s third busiest airport includes 26 Las Vegas and Orlando from Bishop in April 2016. companies and 575 employees, offers business travel Southwest’s loss drops three daily flights to Chicago destinations, daily flights to Chicago, Minneapolis Midway International Airport and seasonal flights to and Atlanta, intermodal options for companies and Orlando, Tampa and Fort Myers, Florida, Williams serves as a shipping hub for millions of pounds of said. cargo each year. But while there are losses, there are also gains for “The airport is evolving as the airline industry Bishop travelers. evolves,” explains Bishop Airport Director Craig In May, American Airlines will add a fourth daily Williams. “We’ve got five air carriers here. One of flight to Chicago O’Hare International Airport and them, Southwest, is going away in June. The industry Allegiant Travel Co. also is expanding its service at has been changing. Back in 2005, the key perfor- Bishop. mance indicator that the airlines used was Las Vegas-based Allegiant began flying out of market share... And now it’s about profit- Bishop in April 2016 and provides service to Orlando ability and making sure that every plane is Sanford International Airport, St. Pete-Clearwater being maximized to its full potential.” International Airport and to Punta Gorda Airport in Last year, about 782,000 passengers Florida. traveled through Bishop. The low-fare carrier, which links people in smaller That’s down cities to leisure destinations, is adding nonstop about 2 percent seasonal service from Flint to Myrtle Beach, South from 2016 and from its peak Carolina, and year-round service to Fort Lauderdale, of about 1.1 million passengers in 2005. Florida, beginning June 6. Allegiant spokeswoman Williams said he feels about 800,000 passengers Krysta Levy said the airline has been pleased with its annually is “that right spot” for Bishop, though this Bishop business and believes the Flint market can year that figure is predicted to come in at about sustain a few more vacation destinations. 700,000. Last year, Allegiant flew more than 75,000 people in “We continue to work with our existing airlines, and out of Bishop and the airline expects that figure United, American, Delta and Allegiant, to grow more, will rise with the new flights, Levy said. And it’s pos- whether that’s new cities, larger airplanes or increased sible other new flights and/or destinations could be frequencies,” Williams said. added by Allegiant at Bishop. Southwest Airlines, which accounts for about a “We are constantly evaluating how our routes are quarter of the airport’s passenger traffic, announced doing, and whether people are enjoying the nonstop in November it would end service out of Bishop in options we offer in each market,” Levy said. “We are June. The airline told local media that while it was a excited to see how Flint passengers respond to the tough decision, it wasn’t getting the results it needed. new destinations.”

May/June 2018 7 COVER STORY

Meet Sid the Skycap With the changes at Bishop, the airport also wants to connect with the public. In February, Bishop launched a new ad campaign featuring Sid the Skycap — named after Flint manufacturer and aviator Sidney S. Stewart. The ads build on Bishop’s “the smart way to fly” tagline and feature a similar theme: “Flint Bishop Airport, not the only way to fly. Just a better one.” “Sid is going to be a great campaign for us,” Williams said. “It’s a good program, a good campaign, slightly irreverent, which I think goes along with what we are as an airport. We’re a little irreverent. We dare to be different, overcome the obstacles and the odds, which is kind of what Flint is as well.” Most passengers come from Genesee or Oakland counties, though the airport does draw people from as far north as Grayling, east into the Thumb and west toward East Lansing. About 65 percent of Bishop passengers travel for leisure and 35 percent for business, Williams said. And he said the airport is working to bolster relationships with area businesses to encourage them and their employees to consider flying from Bishop. When he talks with people, Williams says he tells them this: “I under- stand it’s not always going to make sense, but at least look.”

8 | Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce DEPARTMENT HEADING ‘Great option for company travel’ Convenience and being quick to get use the flights to visit plants and facility opened at Bishop. The intermodal in and out are reasons why Flint-based customers and to attend meetings. hub allows for products to be shipped by Diplomat Pharmacy Inc. employees use “Flint Bishop Airport is a great option air, then be loaded onto a semi-truck. There Bishop Airport to travel, said Adrian for company travel, for corporations is space for more airplanes and for another Walker, senior manager of Government in Automation Alley, North Oakland company to ship by air, Williams said. Affairs and Corporate Relations for County; it is the same or less driving Williams said the FedEx facility Diplomat. time to the airport vs. Detroit Metro,” employs more than 70 people and is a “Just getting through security and Reynaert said. “Traffic on I-75 is very huge benefit to the community. not having to park far away and take a predictable, parking is easy and reason- Last year, Bishop handled 26 million shuttle, just the time saver of flying out ably priced and it only takes minutes to pounds of freight/mail, up nearly 9.1 per- of Flint and how easy it is to navigate get from the parking lot, through security cent from 2016, according to the Bureau the airport, that’s the reason why people and to your gate. Airfares are typically of Labor Statistics. Most cargo at the prefer to fly out of Flint rather than any very competitive.” airport is handled by FedEx, Williams other airport,” Walker said. Williams is also hopeful Bishop can said. A FedEx spokesman declined to Diplomat employees and executives attract more companies to Flint and comment for this story. use Bishop for travel weekly, oftentimes Genesee County that need runways to do The airport is also part of a foreign going to Chicago for a business meeting their business. The airport helps attract trade zone, a special designation that or to attend conferences, Walker said. talent, companies to the area and helps allows companies to defer or eliminate He said there is an opportunity cost to businesses to grow, he said. import duties. And it’s part of the I-69 weigh vs. driving to Detroit, an hour-plus International Trade Corridor. The four- away. county gateway link along I-69 connects “I can literally get off the plane, walk An Intermodal the U.S. and Canada and is part of a state down an escalator and get my bag and be designation that incentivizes companies on my way rather than having to get off Hub who locate in the corridor and transport the airplane, hop in the tram, go down the At the intersection of Interstate 75 and goods two or more ways, such as by air escalator, get my bag, then maybe have Interstate 69 and near the Canadian then by truck or rail. to hop on a shuttle,” Walker said. “That’s National Railway, Bishop serves as an Bishop also is currently wrapping up time in and of itself.” important economic generator for the its new 20-year master plan, which Meritor Inc. headquartered in Troy, Flint area, according to a 2017 report Williams said he hopes will be completed about 45 minutes from Bishop, also uses from the Michigan Department of this summer. the airport for employee travel. Six to Transportation. It found jobs at the “We’re entering the evolutionary phase seven workers travel through the Flint airport generate more than $33 mil- of the airport. So what are we going to be airport each month, said Jack Reynaert, lion a year in income alone. And those in this next chapter? We’re undergoing Meritor’s manager of Global Travel. airport jobs support indirect jobs and a master planning effort that’s going to Last year, the company that produces visitor spending that supports other jobs. help us identify from an infrastructure automotive parts for trucks, trailers, the In total, the 2017 Michigan Aviation standpoint what we need,” Williams said, military and other specialty vehicles, had Systems Plan report said Bishop supports adding that it will include ways to plan 70 employee trips fly through Bishop, about 3,600 jobs that generate a total of for businesses that haven’t been invented Reynaert said. Meritor uses Bishop for more than $127 million in annual income. yet. “But we also need the strategy part flights to 12 destinations such as Atlanta, In 2009, Bishop finished a $33.7 million to say this is what we want Bishop Minneapolis, Chicago and to connect to intermodal hub project; That same year, International Airport to be in 2028 and Asheville, North Carolina. Employees a new $14-million FedEx Express sorting 2038. And that work begins now.”

May/June 2018 9 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Member Spotlight DESTINATIONS TO TRAVEL, AT YOUR SERVICE

By Melissa Burden | Photos Mike Naddeo MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

rom planning elaborate princess happen when you’re on vacation.” all-inclusive resorts, cruises and the weddings with The Walt Disney Destinations To Travel launched Hawaiian islands. The company does FCo. and visits to the Most Magical with 13 agents and now has 80 agents not charge service fees, Bonadurer said, Place on Earth for families with a disabled across the United States, including 25 but it receives payment from the places child, Shannon Bonadurer has an inside in Michigan. Full- and part-time agents Destinations To Travel partners with, edge when it comes to Disney travel. work from their homes. such as Disney or a cruise line. After working with Disney’s Fairy Tale With its growth in clients and Michigan With free and easy travel booking Weddings & Honeymoons for about 10 agents, and reassurance in the future available on the Internet, Bonadurer said years, Bonadurer and her husband Troy of the brick-and-mortar model from agencies such as Destinations To Travel Bonadurer in 2011 opened their own vendors such as Delta Airlines, the offer clients more value added and travel agency, Destinations To Travel Bonadurers plan to open a storefront this personal expert service. LLC, in Millington. spring. The office at 3390 North State Destinations To Travel (www.d2travel. Road, Suite C in Richfield Township, just ‘The economy seems to be com) is an Authorized Disney Vacation north of Davison, will staff most Michigan Planner agency, a designation Disney agents and provide space for clients to sit getting stronger and clients are gives agencies that are focused and com- down with a vacation planner. booking much more expensive mitted to planning custom vacations to Destinations To Travel’s Michigan busi- Disney parks and resorts, its cruise line ness has been booming, up 71 percent vacations than what they were and guided Disney excursions. over the past year, Bonadurer said. The “We do specialize in Disney travel, American Society of Travel Agents also in the past.’ special needs travel, as well as travel with says its members are reporting improved any destination, but we do have a strong business since the recession. For example, Bonadurer says if a promo- line of Disney (customers),” Shannon “The economy seems to be getting tion comes up that your vacation fits in, the Bonadurer said. stronger and clients are booking much agency can get that applied. Plus, agents Bonadurer said her youngest son, more expensive vacations than what they have built relationships with vendors Bradley, now 18, is severely disabled. And were in the past,” Bonadurer said. and resorts and can make things happen for vacations, they have to do extra plan- And it’s not all one-way business. Last quickly if a client is unhappy, she said. ning—something she says Destinations year, Destinations To Travel had 25 “When you go on a consumer site To Travel does for clients. requests and booked 21 trips for clients and you book, you’re done. That’s it,” “It doesn’t matter what destination to Flint and Genesee County, Bonadurer Bonadurer said. “So if anything happens it is. Resorts. Flights. Will this resort said, who added that they were all out-of- or goes wrong, it’s on you. When you book work for us? Will this theme park work town or out-of-state clients that booked with a travel agent, it’s like having an for us? What are the nearby hospitals,” to come to Genesee County. insurance policy. Our agency works with she said. “That’s something we invest Destinations To Travel’s agents you until you arrive back home.” our time in to find out because things are trained in and also specialize in

May/June 2018 11 FEATURE STORY

MTA transforming public transportation By Melissa Burden

lint’s Mass Transportation and broadened services such as Your 20,000 a month, thanks to partnerships Authority is more than just a fixed Ride, which includes a new Rides to with entities such as the Howell Area Froute bus service. Groceries program launched in 2015. Chamber of Commerce and area busi- The public transportation agency better “We have nine minibuses now that are nesses — many of whom pay to transport known as MTA is recognized nationally countywide that will take you shopping their workers. for innovative programs that take people and we have racks on board and we make Carcoustics USA Inc., a manufacturer to buy their groceries and get them to and it a really convenient process for people,” of heat and sound dampening materials from important medical appointments. Benning said. for the auto industry, has worked with “The last 10 years for us has been a real The authority also provides rides for MTA since summer 2016 to provide bus transformation.... We’re probably going Genesee County residents who work service to employees at its Howell plant. through the biggest transformation of in Oakland, Livingston, Lapeer, Eaton, The bus has helped the company bring in our business today that we’ve ever went Saginaw, Shiawassee and Washtenaw and retain workers and has cut down on through,” said MTA General Manager counties. absenteeism, said Lynn Margulies, human Ed Benning. “And it’s all about the fact “That service is growing beyond our resources specialist at Carcoustics. that we today are providing a number of expectations,” Benning said. “On an “I’ve got people who’ve been with me special services to better address what annual basis, we’re seeing about 1.5 mil- for quite some time as a temp and they’re the community needs.” lion work rides a year within the county just going to keep using the bus pass to MTA provides about 6.2 million rides a and outside of the county. And I think get to and from work,” she said. “And year. That’s down about 10 percent from we’ll see that ratchet up to 1.8 to 2 million they have perfect attendance. So I know a decade ago. Benning said MTA’s “meat rides a year (by fiscal year 2019).” that it works.” and potatoes” fixed route bus business MTA launched its Work-Related Carcoustics shares the cost of the bus pass has fallen about 10 percent in the past Transportation program in 1995. The with workers, whose ride takes about an two years as the city population declines, program has grown to 30 routes today and hour and 20 minutes each way from Flint. people age and need more specialized Benning expects it will reach 50 by 2019. In addition to work transit and expand- services. In Livingston County alone, MTA’s ing Your Ride services, medical-related But MTA has seen big growth in new monthly ridership has climbed to about transportation has taken off for MTA.

12 | Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce In 2014, MTA began developing Rides The Rides to Wellness model has been ment, soon 400, and for us to get away to Wellness, a program for Genesee recognized by several organizations, from the diesel makes it a much cleaner, County residents to get to their doctor’s said Benning who also visited the White greener environment for our communi- appointments or dialysis service. House under the Obama administration ty,” he said, adding MTA has cut diesel This year, about 3.6 million people will to talk about the program. gallons from 1.4 million to 500,000 a year. not make their doctor’s appointment due Benning said he also has been busy in “And then on the savings side, through to transportation issues, Benning said, Washington, D.C., working with U.S. the use of alternative fuel vehicles, we’ve citing national statistics. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and orga- saved several million dollars over this Rides to Wellness runs between hospi- nizations such as the American Public period of time.” tals and some clinics, and in September Transportation Association 2016, it began providing same-day service and the Community ‘The last 10 years for us has been a real using cars. In the first month, Rides to Transportation Association Wellness had 160 riders and in February of America to amend the transformation.... We’re probably going 2018, that number had ballooned to 7,000. Medicare Act. A bill could be through the biggest transformation “We anticipate a year from now that introduced this spring that we’ll see 1,000 riders a day just for medi- would allow Medicare recip- of our business today that we’ve ever cal trips,” Benning said. ients “to elect to use public Beverly Gray of Fenton has used Rides transit rather than be forced went through.’ to Wellness for several months to make to ride in an unnecessary her doctor’s appointments in Grand ambulance” for non-emergency medical Today, MTA employs 650 people (up Blanc, Flint and Fenton. trips, Benning said. 200 from 2010). And with more growth Gray, 70, has chronic health problems Back in Genesee County, MTA also on the horizon with medical and regional that require three to four doctor’s is working to green its own fleet of transportation, MTA is looking to hire appointments a month. Before learn- vehicles and plans to test an all-electric another 100 drivers to serve members of ing about Rides to Wellness, Gray said bus in 2020. the community, Benning said. she would often have to reschedule The authority in 2010 began phasing out “We don’t decide where they shop. We appointments when her sisters or friends diesel buses in favor of electric, com- don’t decide where they work. We don’t couldn’t take her. Now, she calls Rides to pressed natural gas, propane and hydrogen decide where they seek their medical Wellness a day ahead to schedule a ride. fuel cell powered vehicles. MTA is about services,” Benning said. “But it’s really “It’s been really wonderful,” Gray said of 80 percent to reaching its goal to be about providing options (for people).” the service and drivers. “They’re courteous. diesel-vehicle free by 2021, Benning said. They’re kind. They’re very professional.” “We operate over 300 pieces of equip-

May/June 2018 13 CHAMBER IN ACTION The Chamber’s ED team pursues ‘perpetual growth’ The Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce, in addition to providing traditional services for its members, is also the lead economic development agency for Genesee County. To share more about what that means for the region as a whole, AND spoke with the Chamber’s Director of Economic Development Tyler Rossmaessler.

Second, we work to attract new investment to our Q. What does it mean to be the “lead economic region. These are companies or investors that may development agency for Genesee County”? be looking to expand into new markets or be closer We are the bridge between the local, state and A. to an existing customer. This involves working business partners. We convene all the players closely with our partners, such as the Michigan for a specific deal. For businesses, we serve as a Economic Development Corp. or the I-69 trusted advisor where businesses can discuss Thumb Region. ideas and plans confidentially. We’re commu- And whether it’s a retention nity-minded but we’re business-minded client or an investor from else- as well. where, the considerations are We’re a five-person team, including often similar. They want myself. [The four-person Region to know about: the sense 6 Procurement Technical SINES BU S of place, the talent pool, Assistance Center (PTAC) the availability of grants is also part of economic and tax incentives and, development and focused on of course, real estate.

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team? company is thinking A. Quite simply, we want about moving here, our job Genesee County to be a vibrant is to help familiarize with place and one where we have our community and sell them perpetual growth. Businesses need on why Flint & Genesee is a great talent. Talent needs place and, by place to do business. that, I mean a great place to live, work Q. What are some of our strongest and play. And a place needs business. selling points? In terms of deliverables, our job is to grow the We have amazing assets – universities, health care facili- number of high-quality, well-paying jobs in Flint and Genesee A. ties – particularly for a community of our size. We have a great County and attract business investment to the region. For the transportation infrastructure of interstates, rail, an interna- current year, we’re working to grow our labor market by 300 tional airport. We also have competitive real estate prices, jobs and secure at least $25 million investment. compared to metro Detroit and Oakland County. Genesee Q. How do you deliver services? County has some unique and interesting communities.

A. We work along two tracks. First, we want to keep what we Q. What are the challenges? have here. So local companies that are looking to grow and There’s still a national narrative about our community that expand operations, we want to make sure that growth will occur A. we must contend with. It’s not always favorable. Talent contin- in Flint & Genesee. That means our team must stay abreast ues to be a challenge, in some areas. But we have to expect that of the market conditions and our clients’ needs. We call these we can compete because we can. retention visits. You might think of them as annual checkups.

14 | Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce NEW MEMBERS

Welcome New Members When you join the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce, you become part of the collective force building a vibrant economy in Flint & Genesee. Working with members strengthens the network of your local chamber. Support our newest members! Contact them for future business opportunities. Capital One Franklin Avenue Mission National Kidney Foundation of Michigan capitalone.com franklinavemission.org nkfm.org T.R. McTaggart Choice Office Products Pop Mod Photo trmctaggart.com choiceoffice.com popmodphoto.com Hamo Law Firm Michigan at the Market MaMang hamolaw.com tastemichigan.com (810) 510-0049 My Community Dental Centers (MCDC) Cherish Local Fessler & Bowman mydental.org cherishlocal.com fesslerbowman.com Flour + Eggs Sedo Automotive Woodland Park Assisted Living flourandeggspasta.com sedoautomotive.com wpliving.org Clearent LLC Christenson & Fiederlein PC Alzheimer’s Association clearent.com cflegal.net alz.org/gmc Family Promise of Genesee Adversim LLC Pioneer Cabinetry familypromiseofgc.org adversim.com pioneercabinetry.net Twist in a Dish Frozen in Time Treasures twistinadish.com (810) 965-8727

May/June 2018 15 MEMBERS ON THE MOVE

Congratulations to our members on the move. Share your ribbon Promotions, New Hires and cutting ceremony, groundbreaking, expansion or promotion with us. Recognition The Chamber has the media connections to promote your news, offering Genesys Heart Institute Physician valuable exposure to the community announcing you are open for business. Group welcomes Eric D. Good, DO, a fellow- ship-trained electrophysi- ologist. With over 22 years’ experience, he is an expert in the field of clinical cardiac electrophysiology with diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders. He graduated from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his cardiology residency through MSU. He received an advanced fellowship in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor where he later served as an assistant professor of cardiology. Serenity Yoga, 8469 S. Saginaw St, Grand Blanc, on Feb. 21. A private yoga studio teaching all levels of yoga. Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Business Consul- tants awarded Kelly Smith the firm’s most prestigious award – the Spirit of Yeo award, which recognizes an indi- vidual within the firm who exemplifies the attributes of the firm’s mission and core values. “Kelly Smith is immeasur- ably dedicated to this organization and puts the needs of the employees before her own every day,” said President and CEO Thomas Hollerback. Smith, a senior human resources manager, is based in the firm’s Saginaw office. She is a mem- ber of the Great Lakes Bay Chapter of the American Payroll Association. Chamber Board Chair Steve Landaal on Mar. 22 addressing the Flint & Genesee Chamber Annual Meeting at the Holiday Inn Flint-Grand Blanc Area. Phil Hagerman received the coveted Bowl of Hygeia Award during the 2018 Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) Annual Convention & Exposi- tion in Detroit. The Bowl of Hygeia Award, presented in cooperation with the American Pharmacists Association Foundation and the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations, is given to a pharmacist who has made outstanding professional contributions and has participated in community or governmental activities that reflect well on the pharmacy profession. Hagerman has served as chair and chief execu- tive officer of Diplomat Pharmacy, Inc. involving himself in all aspects of the Entrepreneurial ecosystem panel discussion at the April 11 Chamber Luncheon. Pictured from business and operations. He is currently L-R: David Ollila, chief innovation officer for Skypoint Ventures; Phil Hagerman, co-founder chairman emeritus of Diplomat’s Board of Diplomacy Pharmacy, Inc.; and Nick Pidek, owner of Foster Coffee; Tyler Rossmaessler, of Directors. Also at the MPA convention, director, Economic Development, Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce. 16 | Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce MEMBERS ON THE MOVE

Libin J. Philip, Pharm.D., an associate entrepreneurship development, and ven- General Motors and Switch are the clinical pharmacist educator at Diplo- ture capital communities. “We believe that first participants in a newConsumers mat, received the Fred W. Arnold Public by helping our clients to succeed, we will Energy program to help large business- Relations Award. succeed as a company, and as individuals,” es use large renewable energy sources. said TGI Direct President Doug Bacon. Both companies are now matching ROWE Professional Services Chair- “We are honored to receive this award 100 percent of their electric use at key man John D. Matonich, PS, received the as recognition of our great client part- operations in Michigan with wind-gener- Vernon B. Spalding Leadership Award nerships, and also of our years of thought ated power. The energy used at Switch’s from the American Council of Engineer- leadership, our determination to succeed, Pyramid Campus, a 1.8 million-square- ing Companies of Michigan (ACEC/M). our dedicated service, and our willingness foot data center campus in Grand Rapids, Matonich was recognized to continually invest in our future.” and General Motors’ Flint Metal for his outstanding lead- Center and Flint Engine Operations is ership roles in ACEC/M, The I-69 International Trade Cor- matched entirely with energy produced several other surveying and ridor Next Michigan Development by Cross Winds® Energy Park II in engineering industry orga- Corporation (NMDC), which promotes Michigan’s Thumb. “Switch and General nizations, and the commu- business growth in Shiawassee, Genesee, Motors are leading the way for compa- nity. Past leadership roles Lapeer and St. Clair counties, in April nies that want to operate efficiently in a include serving on Michigan’s Natural awarded Certificates of Recognition to competitive environment, yet also make Resources Commission, president of the three multi-modal companies that have and meet commitments to our planet,” National Society of Professional Sur- expanded in the region. The companies said Garrick Rochow, Consumers’ senior veyors, and chair of the Flint & Genesee are: CNX Motion, a Continental-Nexteer vice president of operations. Chamber of Commerce. Matonich, who joint venture that will develop vehicle retired as ROWE’s chief executive officer motion control systems for automated Genisys Credit Union has once again in 2016, continues to serve in several lead- driving and advanced driver assistance been named one of the 200 Healthiest ership roles, including as a board member systems; CRUST, a retail and wholesale Credit Unions in a financial health study of the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. baker of handcrafted baked goods; Laird, conducted by DepositAccounts.com, the a global provider of end-to-end vehicle largest and most comprehensive online Goyette Mechanical recognized three connectivity solutions including wireless publication in the U.S. dedicated to bank- employees with Excellence in Service charging, USB Interfaces, antenna cou- ing/savings information for consumers. Awards. Kevin Kinasz received the Curt pling, and telematics control units. The Each institution is graded on a number of Maser Excellence Award; Jonathon NMDC focuses on firms whose freight factors – including capitalization, deposit Esper received the George Hier Excel- transportation includes export and other growth and loan-to-reserve ratios. Geni- lence Award; and the newly created Greg trade, and require the use of two or more sys received an A+ health rating, a score Monzo Excellence Award went to name- modes of transportation. only 11 percent of banks in the nation re- sake Greg Monzo. The Curt Maser Award ceive, and was ranked 65th out of the 200 is given annually to the Goyette Service Hurley Medical Center has been recog- healthiest. In addition, Genisys surpassed Technician that exemplifies excellence nized as a Stage 7 healthcare system by the 200,000-member mark in March and in Customer Service, Training and Certi- HIMSS Analytics. HIMSS Analytics uses reached $1.5 billion in loan balances. fication. The George Hier Award is desig- eight stages (0-7) to measure a hospital’s nated for Installation Services as well as implementation and utilization of infor- The architectural firmGazall Lewis & Professionalism and customer reviews. mation technology applications. The final Associates is celebrating 50 years of ser- The Greg Monzo Award recognizes Out- stage, Stage 7, represents an advanced vice. The company was founded in Flint standing Residential Service. patient record environment where paper in April 1968 by Robert S. Gazall, who laid charts are no longer used. “This is vali- the foundation for integrity, client loyalty, Business News dation of the high-tech, innovative work hard work, dedication to design and the that we’ve done to better serve our com- importance of community leadership. TGI Direct has been recognized as one munity,” said Dr. Michael Roebuck, Hur- of the 2018 “Michigan 50 Companies to ley’s chief medical information officer. ROWE Professional Services received Watch” at the fourteenth annual Michigan “In the past few years we have focused a surveying excellence merit award from Celebrates Small Business gala event on on using our technology to improve our the American Council of Engineering May 3 in Lansing. Companies making it to service to our American Sign Language Companies of Michigan for a project on the “Michigan 50 Companies to Watch” patients, we have written prescriptions the University of Michigan-Flint campus. list are a remarkable group of second-stage for healthy foods at our Farmers’ Market ROWE completed the award-winning companies. Defined as having 6 to 99 clinic and our own Hurley Food FARMa- survey in January 2017 to prepare for the full-time-equivalent employees and gen- cy and we’ve used data from our system to Murchie Science Building expansion. The erating $750,000 to $50 million in annual give feedback to our clinicians to improve project included mapping 1,500 feet of revenue or working capital from inves- the quality of care that we provide.” Less underground tunnels, a winding building tors or grants, these companies form the than 5 percent of the hospitals in the configuration and aboveground walkways. backbone of Michigan’s economy. Winners country achieve Stage 7. were selected by Michigan-based judges from the banking, economic development,

May/June 2018 17 GUEST COMMENTARY

The Impact of Pure Michigan in Flint & Genesee By Dave Lorenz

he Pure Michigan campaign is perhaps we often talk about the pillars of natural beauty, best known for its beautiful imagery and unique destinations and authenticity. Anyone Tthe voice of Tim Allen reminding us that who has taken a stroll through For-Mar Nature 25,000 mornings, give or take, is all we humans get – so spend some of them here in Michigan. The emotions those ads evoke are key to getting Visitor spending from 2015 to 2016 in new leisure travelers to consider Michigan as they Genesee County increased 3.3 percent plan vacations and getaways. The rea- son why we do it comes down to jobs to more than $454 million and has and the economy. Visitor spending increased every year since 2012. in Michigan in 2016 reached $23.7 billion, which supported 337,490 jobs in the state, according to a report by Preserve & Arboretum or ridden through the Tourism Economics. This includes landscape on the Huckleberry Railroad knows the nearly 5,500 jobs in Genesee County region has terrific natural environments. The Flint in 2016. That same year, a study by Cultural Center is truly a gem of our entire state Longwoods International found the – there is nowhere people can experience such a Pure Michigan campaign was respon- broad array of cultural assets on one campus. And sible for $1.5 billion in leisure travel anyone who has met the people of Flint and the spending in the state by out-of-state surrounding communities has experienced the travelers. It is why tourism continues warm welcome the region offers to visitors. to be one of the most significant At our recent statewide tourism industry industries in the state. conference, I made a point to encourage people Michigan’s incredible diversity is who have not been to Flint recently to come see one of our greatest assets – whether for themselves the exciting things happening Dave Lorenz is vice president it is seasonal, with four distinct travel there. And it’s not just leisure travel – projects like of Travel Michigan, Michigan seasons, or geographic with nature’s great escapes the $37 million Capitol Theatre renovation, the Economic Development Corp. and unique urban getaways both in abundance. Flint Farmers’ Market and the Mott Community This means that every corner of the state benefits College Culinary Arts Institute moving into the from tourism. former Woolworth Building (and scheduled to Genesee County is a perfect example, with the open this fall) do double duty as places that offer state’s largest county park system, and a dynamic authentic experiences to visitors while enrich- downtown in Flint that offers an abundance of ing the overall community year-round. It is also cultural, entertainment and culinary experiences. the perfect example of how travel intersects And in the midst of great challenges, people are with community and economic development, discovering Flint as a leisure travel destination. both at the state level at the Michigan Economic Visitor spending from 2015 to 2016 in Genesee Development Corp. and with our local partners. County increased 3.3 percent to more than $454 We are excited about the future of the Pure million and has increased every year since 2012. Michigan campaign, and the role Flint & Genesee When you take a closer look, it really is no can play in our efforts to make our state a premier wonder why. When we talk about Pure Michigan, place to live, work and play.

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