2011 Business Awards Recipients Announced; Congressman Kildee Named Citizen of the Year

(FLINT, Michigan – NOVEMBER 11)  The Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of the 2011 Business Awards during an awards banquet last evening at the Riverfront Banquet Center in downtown Flint.  More than 300 people were on hand as companies from across Flint-Genesee County were recognized as outstanding businesses in eight categories.  In addition, Congressman Dale Kildee was named C.S. Mott Citizen of the Year and Hurand & Hurand, LLC garnered the Robert P. Gerholz Business of the Year.

According to Tim Herman, CEO of the Regional Chamber this year’s honorees are a diverse and deserving group, and it is great to have an opportunity to share good news about our region.

“The companies and individuals that were recognized have truly made a difference in our community,” said Herman.  “Whether they are exploring new opportunities through alternative energy, leveraging social media to expand customer reach or providing great services that keep customers coming back, there is one thing our winners have in common.  They have all made a commitment to doing business right here in Genesee County.  That is clearly a good thing for our region.”

“We also recognized individuals with a true commitment to the success and viability of Genesee County.  This year’s recipients of the Robert P. Gerholz Business of the Year award have a long-standing history of commitment to Flint and Genesee County.  It can be said that the Hurand Family embodies the spirit of the award, which is named for a man who exhibited an undying commitment to his community.

“As owners of Hurand & Hurand, one of the most successful property management companies in the Midwest, they have demonstrated excellent business and community leadership.  It was also an honor to present the C.S. Mott Citizen of the Year Award to Congressman Dale Kildee.  After several decades in politics, Congressman Kildee has been a significant force in Michigan and continues to work tirelessly for his constituency.  During his time in office, it has been reported that our congressman has brought nearly $773 million to Genesee County.  He has been a great advocate for our region, our state and the nation for many years.”

The 2011 Business Awards honored the following businesses and individuals:

  • Robert P. Gerholz Business of the Year – Hurand & Hurand, LLC
  • C.S. Mott Citizen of the Year – Congressman Dale E. Kildee
  • Outstanding Service Business – NorthGate
  • Outstanding Retail Business – Vogt’s Flowers
  • Outstanding Manufacturing Business – Signs By Crannie
  • Outstanding Green Business – Mid-Michigan Solar
  • Outstanding Minority-owned Business – ERA Genesee Valley Real Estate
  • Outstanding Woman-owned Business – Crichton Creations
  • Outstanding Corporate Citizen – Fifth Third Bank-Flint
  • Community Beautification – Mott Community College
  • Ambassador of the Year – Kathy Rometty, Goodwill Industries

Nine area companies were recognized during the Business Awards for reaching significant anniversary milestones:

  • 100 years – Baker College, Chevrolet and Skaff Carpet
  • 80 years – Goodwill Industries
  • 75 years – Lewis & Knopf
  • 60 years – Dort Federal Credit Union, Elga Credit Union and Flint Advertising
  • 50 years – Skateland

The 2011 Business Awards was made possible by the following sponsors: Blue Care Network, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Baker College of Flint, Marketing Solutions Print & Mail LLC, The Flint Journal, ABC 12 and NBC 25.

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About the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce

The Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce (www.flintandgenesee.org) is the voice of business and community advocacy in Genesee County. The Regional 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 Regional Chamber as it enters its second century of service: collaboration and partnership. It is our goal to work with government, business, education and nonprofit organizations to support the growth and development of the community economically, culturally and socially.