(FLINT, MICH) – Two Flint residents are participants in a rare opportunity as they travel through Cheongyang County, South Korea. Kyle McCree, Director of Business Financing for the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce and Non-Profit Consultant Natalie Pruett, both Flint natives, are among four professionals currently in South Korea as part of the Rotary Foundation Group Study Exchange. The trip is sponsored by Rotary District 6330, which includes portions of Michigan and Ontario, Canada.
The Rotary Foundation’s goals are mutual understanding, goodwill and peace between nations through concerted efforts focused on education, health and poverty. The Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation that is supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians.
“Kyle McCree is a son of Flint and a valued Chamber employee. His participation in the Rotary Exchange provides an important professional growth opportunity,” said Tim Herman, CEO of the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce. “Having two representatives from our area participate in an exchange with South Korea is a great way to introduce Flint and Genesee County to a global audience.”
The Group Study Exchange (GSE) program is a cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for young professionals. There are four areas of focus for the GSE – Vocational Visits, Cultural Experiences, Fellowship Opportunities and Rotarian Involvement.
During the exchange, Rotary districts are paired to send and receive professional study groups comprised of non-Rotarians and one Rotarian team leader as they travel abroad. The visit to South Korea by this region’s delegation will be reciprocated by a similar delegation that will come here to visit in May, staying in our area for a week during that time.
“This is a great opportunity and I am grateful to the Rotary Foundation and the members of Rotary District 6330 for selecting me to participate in the exchange. I also appreciate the encouragement I received from Chamber CEO Tim Herman to participate in this once in a lifetime experience,” said McCree.
During the GSE McCree will visit several communities including: Seoul, Asan City and Dang-Jin City to learn techniques and approaches to strengthening community and economy development.
“I am pleased to serve as a goodwill ambassador for Flint & Genesee County,” said McCree. “As representatives of the only international district of Rotary our group represents the unique economic, cultural and tourism connectivity our cross-border regions share.”
About the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce
The Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce (flintandgenesee.org) is one of the Top 10 largest chambers in Michigan. We are the voice of business and community advocacy in Flint & Genesee. The Chamber is over 100 years old, was established before the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and is a founding member of the United States Chamber of Commerce.
Two words describe the Chamber as it enters its second century of service: collaboration and partnership. It is our goal to work with government, business, education, nonprofit organizations and consumers to support the growth and development of the community economically, culturally and socially.