(FLINT, MICH. – May 22) Today, the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce Shared Services Leadership Center announced a request for applicants to participate in the inaugural class of the Flint & Genesee Leadership Alliance (FGLA). The FGLA is a six-month program developed to provide private and public sector leaders with the skills required to facilitate shared collaborative services designed to enhance efficiencies. Participants will receive leadership and organizational development training and mentoring support.
The Shared Services Center is operated by the Chamber and was conceptualized by a coalition of community leaders from Flint and communities throughout Genesee County. Through the creation and facilitation of shared public services the center works to assist the community in finding ways to best utilize resources and save money through collaboration.
Last year, the Center was launched following the Future Genesee Coalition envisioning process. Since its inception the Center has developed an advisory council and works to facilitate shared services agreements with public entities including the City of Flint, the Genesee Intermediate School District and Genesee County.
Tim Herman, CEO of the Chamber says the Leadership Alliance program launch is an important step forward for Flint and Genesee County because it will assist in sustaining shared service processes and implementation into the future.
“Through this program we directly engage the public sector and individuals who can facilitate change,” said Herman. “The goal is to create economic efficiencies that will make this region more competitive and create growth. Using common processes, policies and procedures will make it easier to do business in Genesee County, which is a good thing for our region.”
According to George Wilkinson, Director of Operations and Shared Services for the Chamber the FGLA was created to equip leaders with the skills necessary to identify and facilitate shared services opportunities within their organizations.
“Shared Service partnerships have the potential to increase savings and efficiency throughout Genesee County,” said Wilkinson. “The FGLA will provide participants with a new way of looking at the work they do every day. By focusing on enhancing the skills necessary to envision a new, collaborative way of approaching government functionality, the FGLA provides the tools needed to successfully implement change.”
Applicants must submit applications for consideration before Thursday, June 6 at 4:00 p.m. A review board will select up to 15 participants for the FGLA. There is a $250 cost to participate, however a limited number of scholarships are available. The initial class is slated to begin in July. The six-month program includes one full-day session per month and a one-hour coaching session.
To learn more about the Leadership Alliance contact Michelle Hill at or (810) 600-1423. To obtain an application click here.