The Difference a Year Makes!
The Difference a Year Makes!
Last year at this time the Flint Area Chamber of Commerce was an idea on a White Board. Local leaders and business owners sat at the table to see if they could bring back the Flint Area Chamber of Commerce, they did it.
Now over 60 businesses make up the FACC. Was it easy? “Not at all,” says Nick Singelis, the Chamber VP and Founder. “We had to do it, no matter how hard or how much it cost. Flint needed a Chamber of Commerce and we knew that it would be hard, but could be done.”
Five years ago the Flint Area Chamber merged with a regional organization, the merger was a failure. The Flint Area Chamber of Commerce in 2005 had just under 2000 members. At the time Larry Ford was the president and had served the community and chamber well, for 30 years.
“Mr. Ford had a clear vision. He was able to lead the Chamber with the respect and support of all its members. After he left, things weren’t the same,” Singelis stated.
In 2010 the Regional chamber has less than 800 members. The economy plays a part in the loss of membership, but clearly Ford had a better handle on things. With the regional push, many businesses saw the need for a Flint focused organization. Within a few months the Flint Area Chamber of Commerce was up a running with its mission to focus on Flint.
2009 presented it challenges to the struggling organization, but the Flint Area Chamber of Commerce was able to accomplish many goals and is ready to help its members succeed for years to come.
Flint Chamber
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