Eight site consultants from around the world visited Flint-Genesee County recently as part of the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce “Crossroads of Opportunity” Familiarization (FAM) Tour. Consultants traveled from as far away as Vietnam and as close as Southfield to participate in community tours that featured sites and other assets.
The highlight of the three-day tour was a session with CEOs of growing firms in the region who shared their insights on the cost competitiveness and strategic location of the region.
Linda Burns of Dallas-based Burns Development Group noted the collaborative spirit in Flint and Genesee County.
“That’s what we look for when identifying a potential location. We need to know that the key players know how to work together to get things done. It gives me confidence that if I brought a client here, they would be in good hands,” said Burns.
According to Tim Herman, Regional Chamber CEO the goal of the tour was to show site consultants the strengths and assets of the region that combine to make Flint one of Kiplinger’s “2011 Comeback Cities”.
“This area offers great site location advantages, high quality workforce and assets, competitive business costs and a professional, responsive economic development team,” said Janice Karcher, Regional Chamber Vice President of Economic Development.
The tour was sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Fifth Third Bank, Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy and Insight Institute of Neurosurgery & Neuroscience.