Chamber Also Encourages Support for MSU Extension, Mott CC and Burton Police Initiatives

(FLINT, MICH. – October 25) Today, the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Committee (PPC) announced the  endorsement of eight candidates in the November 5 general election for the Flint City Council, as well as support for three ballot initiatives.

“The City Council plays an important role in shaping the future of Flint,” said Steve Landaal, President of Landaal Packaging and Co-chair of the Chamber’s PPC.  “We believe the endorsed candidates are committed to promoting legislation and public policy that will help strengthen Flint’s business environment and improve the quality of life for residents.  We are pleased to recommend these candidates, as well as encourage support for three important ballot initiatives.”

The Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce PPC made the following endorsements based on responses to a Chamber PPC survey and in-person interviews:

Ward 1                 Anita Brown

Ward 2                 Jackie Poplar (incumbent)

Ward 3                 Bryant Nolden (incumbent)

Ward 4                 Joshua Freeman (incumbent)

Ward 5                 Bernard Lawler (incumbent)

Ward 7                 Alex Harris

Ward 8                 Joyce Ellis-McNeal

Ward 9                 Scott Kincaid (incumbent)

“I truly appreciate the hard work that Steve (Landaal) and the Public Policy Committee put into this process,” said Tim Herman, CEO of the Flint & Genesee Chamber.  “Thanks to our Public Policy Committee and staff, we are weighing in on the election process with endorsements for the first time.  The endorsements are meant to serve as a guide for voters interested in supporting job providers and the business climate in Flint & Genesee.”

As part of the endorsement process, all Flint City Council candidates were invited to complete a questionnaire and to participate in an interview process.  Candidate participants were evaluated for endorsement consideration.  Candidates who chose not to participate in the process were not evaluated.

The Chamber PPC is comprised of local leaders from business, government and education, as well as representation from the Chamber.  They work to identify candidates and initiatives that support the Chamber’s public policy priorities, strengthen the business environment and provide benefit to the community at-large.

The Ballot Initiatives earning the Chamber’s support include:

  • Michigan State Extension Services Millage
  • Mott Community College Bond Millage Renewal
  • Burton Public Safety Millage

Based on the Chamber PPC’s evaluation, Landaal says the Michigan State Extension Services Millage, the Mott Community College Bond Renewal Millage and the Burton Public Safety Millage would benefit the community, if passed.  The Michigan State Extension Services millage provides resources for support of urban agriculture and downtown development authorities.  Mott Community College’s bond renewal millage will support capital improvements and the Burton City Police Millage will provide support for the city’s police department.

Media contacts:  

Elaine Redd Flint & Genesee Chamber (810) 600-1418

Regina Strong, APR Flint & Genesee Chamber (810) 600-1421

About the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce

The Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce (flintandgenesee.org) is one of the Top 10 largest chambers in Michigan based on revenue and number of members.  We are the voice of business and community advocacy in Flint & Genesee. The Chamber is over 100 years old, was established before the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and is a founding member of the United States Chamber of Commerce.

Two words describe the Chamber as it enters its second century of service: collaboration and partnership. It is our goal to work with government, business, education, nonprofit organizations and consumers to support the growth and development of the community economically, culturally and socially.  For more information,  about the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce, visit flintandgenesee.org, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/FGCofC, and #seewhatspossible, check out our blog at seeandbseen.org and “like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/FlintandGeneseeChamberofCommerce.