The Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce and the Convention and Visitors Bureau on Nov. 9 honored local businesses and hospitality providers for their contributions to the well-being and success of the region in 2017.
CEO Business Award —
Huntington Bank; Greg Viener, Community President Flint
Economic Development Project of the Year Award – CNXMotion; (left) Matt Hagans, Controller, and Kevin Manager, General Manager
Small Business Award – Hoffman’s Deco Deli & Café; Owner Heath Hoffman
Small Business Contractor of the Year – W. T. Stevens Construction; Owner Rhonda Grayer
Minority Owned Business Award – Honey Bee Palace Child Care; Owner Teyana Sprinkle
Nonprofit Impact Award – Crim Fitness Foundation; (left) Andrew Younger, Race Director, and Theresa Roach, Program Manager/Communications
Young Professional Award – Isaiah Oliver, Community Foundation of Greater Flint
Community Champion Award – Venus and Bernie Langlois, American Legion
Claire M. White Award – Julie Lopez, Crime Stoppers of Flint & Genesee County
Art Hurand Award – Mark Braun, Mr. B’s Joybox Express; Laurel Braun, accepted on his behalf
C.S. Mott Award – Gary Hurand, Owner, Management Diversified, Inc.
Gloria J. DeHart Award – Mary Kramer, Sales Manager, Holiday Inn Flint-Grand Blanc
Hospitality Ambassador Award – Michael Lynn, Cork on Saginaw
Frontline Ambassador Award – Megan Mannor, Hampton Inn & Suites
Restaurant of the Year – Blondie’s Food & Spirits; (left) Kara Kunkleman and Owner Lisa Blondell
Hotel of the Year – Best Western Flint Airport Inn & Suites; Owner Sam Murachi
Entertainment Venue of the Year Award – The Machine Shop; (left) Mark Hudson and Justin Sprague
Art of Achievement Awards waiting in the wings
In addition, Tom Gores, Detroit Pistons Owner and Platinum Equity CEO, was awarded the Robert P. Gerholz Award; and Amber Taylor, Owner of Taylor Health & Wellness, was named the Certified Tourism Ambassador of the Year. Gores and Taylor were unable to attend the awards’ celebration.
In addition, Tom Gores, Detroit Pistons Owner and Platinum Equity CEO, was awarded the Robert P. Gerholz Award; and Amber Taylor, Owner of Taylor Health & Wellness, was named the Certified Tourism Ambassador of the Year. Gores and Taylor were unable to attend the awards’ celebration.