(FLINT, Mich. Sept. 26, 2013) – Every group, large or small that comes to Flint & Genesee County boosts the local economy. Whether staying at a local hotel, eating in a local restaurant, buying gas at a local station, shopping or visiting a local cultural attraction, visitors bring in revenue.
The Community Champion Program of the Flint & Genesee Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is designed to increase the economic impact of tourism and generate more local overnight hotel stays. It is as simple as inviting organizations they are involved with to hold meetings in Flint & Genesee County. Community members are the area’s best resource to connect potential visitors with all that Flint & Genesee have to offer.
According to Tim Herman, CEO of the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce, the Community Champion program has proven to have a positive economic impact on the area already.
“David White, Community Champion for 2012, brought $13,000 of revenue to Flint & Genesee County last year by inviting the Society of Automotive Historians to hold their annual meeting in the county,” said Herman.
White invited the international organization to hold their annual meeting in Flint, with the help of a local member. A group of more than 35 people spent two to three days in the area, visiting local historical attractions such as Sloan Museum and the Scharchburg Archives, eating in downtown restaurants, touring the Cultural Center and Flint Farmer’s Market and staying overnight in local hotels. He also hosted more than 300 members of the Michigan Historic Preservation Network for their state-wide convention.
“Both groups enjoyed their visit and had nothing but good things to say about Flint and Genesee County,” said White, director of the Scharchburg Archives at Kettering University. “Having had a hand in the redevelopment of our city, their kind words and smiles made me feel proud to be a Flintstone.”
Imagine the economic impact it would have if White’s efforts were multiplied hundreds of times across the county by other Community Champions.
How can you become a Community Champion? If you are a member, leader, or an influencer of a group that holds annual, quarterly or monthly meetings, invite them to meet in Flint & Genesee. Flint & Genesee is an attractive place to hold meetings:
- Our affordable, excellent meeting/hotel facilities are second to none in the small to medium group range
- Flint & Genesee is the crossroads of Michigan, with easy access from anywhere; I-69, I-75, US 23, Bishop International Airport and Amtrak railroad service
- Access to restaurants, arts venues, museums, golf and sports venues and much more
Partner with the CVB, just fill out the Submission Form to identify groups that could help drive economic activity in Flint & Genesee. The CVB will make the contact and explain what Flint & Genesee County have to offer. They will work with your group from beginning to end.
As a Community Champion you will receive:
Recognition on the Community Champion Honor Roll on the Flint & Genesee Chamber web site.
Potential mention in community newspapers.
- Recognition on the Community Champion Honor Roll
- Potential mention in local newspapers for you and your organization
- A token of our appreciation for your assistance
- And, if your suggestion leads to overnight stays at a Flint & Genesee hotel, you will be eligible for the Community Champion of the Year Award ($500 gift certificate), presented at the FGCVB’s annual Hospitality Awards program