For the first time ever, the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce and its partners will host Flint Homecoming on August 16-17, recruiting Flint expatriates from across the country to the invitation-only, one-and-a-half-day event. Loosely modeled after the Crain’s Detroit Business event, Flint Homecoming is designed to provide opportunities to reconnect, rediscover and invest in the future of the Flint area. Distinguished keynote speakers, panel discussions, networking opportunities, site tours and more will be offered, providing attendees with a front-row seat to Flint’s revitalization and opportunities for expats to be a part of the forward momentum.
“We are thrilled to open our doors to returning expatriates, as well as those who have been here all along, to celebrate the next chapter of Flint and the surrounding region,” said Phil Hagerman, CEO and Chairman of Diplomat and Flint Homecoming Co-Chair. “Flint Homecoming aims to capture the city’s burgeoning energy and empower attendees to share in our momentum.”
Keynote speakers that have been announced include Brian Calley, Lieutenant Governor, State of Michigan; Mark Reuss, Executive Vice President, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain for General Motors Company; and Mary L. Kramer, Group Publisher for Crain’s Detroit Business. Returning expats to date include Dan White, Pulitzer Prize-winning Photographer; Jon Scieszka, Award-Winning Author of The Stinky Cheese Man and the Time Warp Trio series; Dale Gillmore, Partner, Viking Mergers & Acquisitions; Herb Stephens, President, Democracy Earth; George E. Ross, Ph.D., President, Central Michigan University; Herb Washington, former Major League Baseball Player and Owner/Operator, McDonald’s restaurants; Dr. William F. Pickard, PhD, Chairman of Global Automotive Alliance, Co-Managing Partner, MGM Grand Detroit Casino; and Chris Rizik, CEO, Renaissance Venture Capital Fund.
Flint Homecoming aims to acquaint expatriates with “Flint today” – the city’s progress, its challenges and what’s needed to continue to change the narrative about Flint. The event will offer ample opportunity for the exchange of ideas to help shape the vision for the recovery and revitalization of Flint and the surrounding region.
“Flint is on the cusp of a renaissance with growing business investment and tourism, but there’s still more to do,” said Tim Herman, CEO, Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce and Flint Homecoming Co-Chair. “In hosting Flint Homecoming, we seek to inspire our expats to get engaged in the city’s resurgence, and play a role in continuing to make Flint a great place to conduct business, live, work and play for years to come.”
Themes of panel discussions and keynote speeches will include:
- Flint As I Knew It;
- Flint Water Crisis – Current State;
- Detroit Homecoming – A Vision of Success;
- Flint Works For Me. It Can Work For You.;
- Philanthropy’s Changing Role in Flint’s Revitalization;
- Educations’ Role in Moving Flint Forward;
- Economic Development Strategic Initiatives;
- Entrepreneurism in Flint; and
- Flint’s Top 10 Project Wish List.
“The water emergency is and will forever be a part of our city’s story, but it’s not the only story to tell,” said Herman. “We are asking Flint expats to join us in re-imagining and creating the brighter tomorrow that is already on its way in Flint.”
Flint Homecoming is made possible through the work and support of the following partners: Diplomat, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, United Way of Genesee County, General Motors, Ruth Mott Foundation, Deloitte, Kettering, University of Michigan-Flint and Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce.
Homecoming Host Committee members range from college/university presidents to business leaders such as Bob Waun, CEO, C3 Ventures Flint to Mark Davidoff, Michigan Managing Partner, Deloitte, LLC to entrepreneur Phil Shaltz, CEO, Shaltz Automation to community leaders such as Ridgway White, President, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and Handy Lindsey, CEO, Ruth Mott Foundation.
For more information about Flint Homecoming 2017 and to stay updated throughout the event, please visit FlintHomecoming.com.