(FLINT, Mich., March 24, 2016) – The Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce today announced the recipients of four key business and community awards during its 2016 annual meeting at the Holiday Inn Gateway Centre.
The honorees, who received their awards in front of the more than 400 people in attendance, are professionals who are greatly invested in and committed to the betterment of Flint and Genesee County, said Chamber CEO Tim Herman.
“These are individuals from the private sector who exemplify the kind of community engagement and leadership that’s critical to the successful reinvention and revitalization of our region,” said Herman. “As a group, they’re part of the reason why Flint & Genesee is so resilient.”
Phil Shaltz, president of Shaltz Automation and managing partner of 501 Bar & Grill, was presented with the Robert P. Gerholz Award, named for a man with great integrity and an undying commitment to his community. Shaltz is renowned as a bridge builder and collaborator, and his leadership has been paramount in moving the business community in Flint and Genesee County forward.
Not only a successful businessman, Shaltz is also very active in the community. He co-founded the Flint Diaper Bank and created the Blueberry Ambassador program, which grew out of his “I'm Concerned About the Blueberries” billboard campaign. Shaltz serves on the Hurley Board of Managers and worked with the Hurley Foundation, First Merit Community Board and the Crim Fitness Foundation.
The C.S. Mott Citizen of the Year Award – which honors a citizen of the greater Flint area who has made significant contributions to the advancement and wellbeing of the community – was presented to John Matonich, Chairman and former CEO of Rowe Professional Services. Under Matonich’s leadership, Rowe moved its corporate headquarters in 2009 to downtown Flint, where the company today employs approximately 100 professionals.
Matonich also played a key role in the formation of the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce in 2006 and later renamed the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce. Matonich chaired the steering committee that led to the consolidation of four existing agencies: the Flint Area Chamber of Commerce, Flint-Genesee Economic Growth Alliance, Genesee Area Focus Council and Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.
Lawrence Moon, owner of the Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Homes, was recognized with the Art Hurand Award, which recognizes an individual or organization that exemplifies outstanding community spirit. Moon is often described by colleagues and associates as someone “who needs to make a difference in the lives of other people.” That commitment has manifested itself in numerous ways.
Moon is a longtime community advocate, and has worked extensively with local organizations, including the Community Foundation of Greater Flint and the Ruth Mott Foundation, for the betterment of Flint and Genesee. He also has been active on the governing boards for McLaren Regional Medical Center, Career Alliance, Inc. (now called GST Michigan Works) and the Genesee Global Intermodal Corridor Initiative.
Also recognized during the event was Frank Pepp, Director of Sales & Marketing at B’s Bowling and Richfield Bowl in Flint, who has exceeded expectations as an Ambassador for the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce. Chamber Ambassadors are employees of member businesses who support the Chamber by assisting at events and welcoming new members.
“Frank is a go-getter,” said Heather Kale, Director of Member Services for the Chamber, who presented Pepp with the Ambassador of the Year Award. “Whenever we need help at a ribbon-cutting event or a new member orientation, he’s one of the first to volunteer. We can always count on him and are thankful for his support.”
