Former All-Pro NFL Player Carl Banks to Keynote

(FLINT, Mich. – March 16, 2016) The Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce on March 24 will hold its 2016 Annual Meeting at the Holiday Inn Gateway, 5353 Gateway Centre in Flint.

The Annual Meeting will recap the Chamber's accomplishments in 2015 and highlight the focus areas for 2016. In addition, four individuals will be honored, respectively, with the C.S. Mott, Robert P. Gerholz, Art Hurand and Ambassador Awards at the meeting.

This year’s theme is “Flint and Genesee: A Story of Resilience.”

Keynote speaker Carl Banks, a former All-Pro NFL linebacker and two-time Super Bowl Champion, will deliver a motivational message about the importance of resilience, as Flint works through this challenging period in its history. Banks, an alumnus of Beecher High School and Michigan State University, is president of G-III Sports, a sports apparel company he founded more than 20 years ago.

Chamber CEO Tim Herman said, while it’s understandable that much of the recent news about Flint and Genesee has focused on the impact of Flint’s water emergency, the region remains vibrant and open for business.

“Our focus on business investment, economic growth and the vital role of tourism has not changed,” said Herman. “In fact, by collaborating with our partners and key stakeholders, we’re working diligently to convert this setback caused by the water situation into an opportunity for broader community revitalization. That’s the definition of resilience.”

The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. The luncheon and program will begin at noon.  To register, visit annual meeting.