Flint business leaders and pastors met May 10 with city and state officials to share firsthand accounts from their on-the-ground experiences of the water crisis during a private meeting hosted by the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce. The 12-member group included top officials from the Snyder Administration, including Lt. Gov. Brian Calley and Mission Flint Chief of Staff Kevin Weise.

The meeting was the first to bring state leadership together with business and faith-based leaders to discuss their concerns related to the impact of the water crisis. Updates and insights were shared about Mission Flint’s efforts to date. There was also an expressed commitment by the group to work together on communications initiatives and to maintain an ongoing dialogue.

The gathering is part of a collaborative effort to create a sustainable recovery plan for Flint. The Flint & Genesee Chamber is collaborating with Mission Flint, state government and the Snyder Administration to provide the community timely updated information on the progress being made to solve the infrastructure problems and other issues facing the residents and employers in Flint and Genesee County.

“The business community in Flint and Genesee County is resilient and committed to collaboration with the state to develop initiatives that continue moving the region forward,” said Tim Herman, CEO of the Flint & Genesee Chamber. “We look forward to continued opportunities to work with all stakeholders toward a bright and prosperous future for our region. We thank Lt. Governor Calley and Kevin Weise for meeting with our members and working with us to keep our members and the community at-large informed.”

Mission Flint, an interagency coordinating committee, created by Gov. Snyder, includes experts from the state, city, Genesee County, water experts and health officials.