(FLINT, Mich., Nov. 7, 2024) – After receiving more than 200 nominations for the 10th annual 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.
The event, attended by more than 670 people at the FIM Capitol Theatre, builds upon a legacy first established in 2014, when the organization now known as the Flint & Genesee Group combined the Flint & Genesee Chamber’s Business and Athena Awards programs with the Hospitality Awards program of Explore Flint & Genesee. In the years that followed, over 160 organizations and individuals have been honored through the awards program, and well over 1,000 have been nominated. The only exception was in 2020, when the event was paused due to the COVID-pandemic.
“This celebration has grown into something truly remarkable,” said Tim Herman, CEO at Flint & Genesee Group. “Each year, the Art of Achievement Awards showcase the talent and dedication that drive our region forward. It’s more than recognition. It’s a testament to the powerful impact of community, collaboration, and innovation in Flint & Genesee.”
The ceremony featured two tracks of awards, including hospitality and business. This year’s honorees include:
HOSPITALITY AWARDS – presented by Explore Flint & Genesee
- Attraction of the Year – Flint Drop Fest
- Certified Tourism Ambassador of the Year – Jacky Metcalfe, CTA
- Bryant “BB” Nolden Community Champion – Dr. Shan Jackson
- Frontline Ambassador of the Year – Collene Eller, Epoch Hospitality at Genesys Conference & Banquet Center (pictured)
- Hotel Ambassador of the Year – Taryn Young, Hilton Garden Inn Flint Downtown
- Hotel of the Year – Knob Hill Bed & Breakfast
- Restaurant of the Year – Spectacular Spudz
BUSINESS AWARDS – presented by the Flint & Genesee Chamber
- Business Impact Award – Patriot Ambulance Service
- Claire M. White Award – Paula Nas
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Champion Award – YMCA of Greater Flint
- Economic Development Project of the Year – NanoGraf Corporation
- Minority-Owned Business Award – Sunny Patch Learning Center
- Nonprofit Impact Award – The Way Coffee Co.
- Small Business Award – Entech Staffing Solutions
- Young Professional Leader Award – Kelly Garcia
SPECIAL AWARDS – presented by the Flint & Genesee Group
- Art Hurand Award – Chris Flores
- C.S. Mott Award – Joe Serra
The presenting sponsor of this year’s event was Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network. Additional sponsors included Al Serra Auto Plaza, which sponsored the red carpet; McLaren Flint, the photography; Huntington Bank, the program; EDF Renewables, the dessert; registration, Northgate; the theatre, Flatrock; and WJRT ABC12, the master of ceremonies. Also, Dort Financial Credit Union, Mott Community College, and Yeo & Yeo served as seat section sponsors.
Individual awards were presented in partnership with Chase Bank; Communities First, Inc; Community Foundation of Greater Flint; ELGA Credit Union; Flint Bishop Airport; Food Bank of Eastern Michigan; Genesee Health Plan; Huntington Bank; LaFontaine Automotive Group; Mass Transportation Authority; MLive Media Group; United Way of Genesee County; University of Michigan-Flint; and Wildfire Credit Union.