Copyright M Live Michigan
FLINT, MI - Nearly 700 people gathered Wednesday, Nov. 5, at the historic FIM Capitol Theatre in downtown Flint to celebrate the 11th annual Art of Achievement Awards, where 17 individuals and organizations were recognized for their outstanding contributions to Genesee County. The awards, hosted by the Flint & Genesee Group, spotlight leaders across business, hospitality, and community sectors who are driving positive change in the region. This year’s event drew nearly 200 nominations from the public, which were then reviewed by two independent committees representing business and hospitality. “If you ever wonder about the direction of Flint & Genesee and where our region is headed, I encourage you to attend the Art of Achievement Awards,” said Tim Herman in a statement, CEO of the Flint & Genesee Group. “You’ll see the dedication and innovation that define our community. From local business leaders and hospitality professionals to nonprofits and businesses making a positive impact, the honorees represent the very best of what Flint & Genesee has to offer. I always leave the event feeling proud and inspired.” Herman noted that the nominees ranged from small grassroots groups to long-established institutions. Hospitality Awards (Presented by Explore Flint & Genesee) Attraction of the Year: FIM Capitol Theatre & Flint Drop Fest Bryant “BB” Nolden Community Champion: Antonio Riggs Certified Tourism Ambassador of the Year: Anthony Walter, CTA Frontline Ambassador of the Year: Paula Forbush, CTA, Flint School of Performing Arts Hotel Ambassador of the Year: Sheryl Champine, CTA, Hilton Garden Inn Flint Downtown Hotel of the Year: Knob Hill Bed & Breakfast Restaurant of the Year: Timothy’s Pub Business Awards (Presented by the Flint & Genesee Chamber) Business Impact Award: NorthGate Claire M. White Award: Lottie L. Ferguson Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Champion: Communities First, Inc. Economic Development Project of the Year: Miller Industries Minority-owned Business Award: Healthy Just Feels Right Nonprofit Impact Award: Prism Project Small Business Award: Pawpaws Pickles Young Professional Leader Award: Nikki Koliopoulos Special Awards (Presented by the Flint & Genesee Group) Art Hurand Award: The Cramer Family Charles Stewart Mott Award: George Wilkinson The evening’s presenting sponsor was Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network, with support from dozens of local businesses. Key sponsors included Huntington Bank, Al Serra Auto Plaza, Choice One Bank, Flatrock, NorthGate, and WJRT ABC12. Communities First, Inc. won the DEI Champion award sponsored by MLive. Founder Glenn Wilson, who has led the organization for 15 years, accepted the award. “My motivation is we want the community to be whole in whatever way we can play a part in that,” Wilson told MLive. “Whether it’s housing, economic opportunities, I want to see the community I grew up in whole.” Additional support came from Andrews Hooper Pavlik, Dort Financial Credit Union, Mott Community College, Team One Credit Union, and Yeo & Yeo. Individual award sponsors included Communities First, Inc.; Consumers Energy; ELGA Credit Union; University of Michigan-Flint; and Genesee Health Plan.
