GRCC Hosts FAM Tour for National Site Consultants
(FLINT, Michigan – AUGUST 17) Exposure to public and private sector leaders and community tours are just part of the regional exposure that consultants will experience this week as part of a visit coordinated by the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce. During the Crossroads of Opportunity Familiarization Tour national site consultants, will visit the area from Wednesday, August 17 through Friday, August 19 to tour potential sites, as well as learn more about the strengths of the region. The tour is designed to show the opportunities available in the region.
According to Tim Herman, Regional Chamber CEO this is the right time to bring the eyes of the world to Flint and Genesee County. “As we diversify the local economy , it is very important to let the world know that businesses are investing and we have the welcome mat out for more businesses,” said Herman. “The Regional Chamber is committed to growing the region. We are hosting site consultants who influence their clients’ business location decisions and could ultimately bring new business to the region. This tour is an important part of a much broader economic growth strategy.”
Dallas-based site consultant Linda Burns of Burns Development Group says FAM tours provide an efficient and effective way to learn more about a state or a community.
“By identifying key amenities, attractions, real estate and corporate clients, economic development planners – like the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce – save us research and planning time,” said Burns. “We currently have active site search projects underway in 12 states in the U.S. and Canada and others in the due diligence phase for pending searches. This trip will be beneficial in collecting on-site information for these and future projects.”
Janice Karcher, Regional Chamber Vice President of Economic Development describes the tour as one of many ways the Chamber is working to build relationships that can ultimately help grow the region. She says hosting a FAM tour has the potential to yield long term economic development results.
“It’s great to have site selectors visit our region who are working to recommend locations to their clients,” said Karcher. “Our goal is to familiarize them with what the region has to offer in hopes that when our offerings match their clients’ needs they will consider Flint and Genesee County as a potential option. This is an exciting opportunity to show off the progress we have made. I expect this to be a productive week.”
Site consultants from Phoenix, Dallas and other locations are slated to participate in the tour, which kicks off on Wednesday, August 17 with a welcome reception. On Thursday, August 18 the consultants will meet area business leaders at a CEO Roundtable. Activities conclude on Friday, August 19 with an economic development overview, a community tour and a panel discussion and assessment of the consultants’ impressions of the region.
All sessions and events are closed to the media, except the Friday site consultants’ roundtable luncheon. More details will be forthcoming.
Tour sponsors include Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Fifth Third Bank, Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy and Insight Institute of Neurosurgery & Neuroscience.
About the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce
The Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce (www.flintandgenesee.org) is the voice of business and community advocacy in Genesee County. The Regional 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 Regional Chamber as it enters its second century of service: collaboration and partnership. It is our goal to work with government, business, education and nonprofit organizations to support the growth and development of the community economically, culturally and socially.