George Wilkinson calls on change agents to transform Flint

George Wilkinson calls on change agents to transform Flint

We’re all going to leave this earth. That’s inevitable. The question we need to ask ourselves, says NorthGate President and Word of Life Christian Church Pastor George Wilkinson, is: How much of ourselves do we want to leave behind?” Despite his many personal and professional achievements, Wilkinson preaches that self-fulfillment cannot be achieved without purposeful […]

Flint’s economic development director readies for new investments

Flint’s economic development director readies for new investments

Investors wanted. That’s Roderick Miller’s mantra. The City of Flint’s incoming economic development director is assembling proof that Flint is more nimble, responsive and ready for development than many might think. The Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce has, for example, supported more than $296 million in new investment and government contracts in 2017, according […]

Local grocers gain ground in Flint

Local grocers gain ground in Flint

When the last big-box grocery store left Flint, about 100,000 residents were left with one less major shopping option for affordable, fresh food. The void punctuated by Kroger’s closing on Davison Road in 2015 left residents, community leaders and local government to seek solutions, but the effort has grown into something bigger. Several independent retail […]

Business growth in Flint’s downtown district shows promising signs

Business growth in Flint’s downtown district shows promising signs

There are promising signs of rising investment interest in Flint. There are fewer parking spaces and more open for business signs along Saginaw Street, the city’s downtown business corridor. The anticipated opening of Mott Community College’s $13 million Culinary Art Institute, the newly minted $31.4 million renovation of the Capitol Theatre and launch of the […]

Women-owned businesses are driving Flint’s small business boom

Women-owned businesses are driving Flint’s small business boom

You can make it. That was a central theme of Flint’s recent GoGetHER Conference, which showcased the success stories of women like Naturalicious Hair Care Products Founder & CEO Gwen Jimmere. As an unemployed, single mother, Jimmere launched her national business with only $32 in assets and a desperate mandate to support her young son. […]