The Flint & Genesee Group awarded 17 individuals and organizations for making a positive impact in Genesee County at their annual Art of Achievement Awards on November 5 at the FIM Capitol Theatre.
This year, nearly 200 nominations were received for the 11th annual event, which Flint & Genesee Group CEO Tim Herman described as a great gauge for growth in the community.
“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,” Herman said in a statement. “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.”
Nominations for the awards are submitted by the public and reviewed and evaluated for strength and quality by independent committees made up of local professionals and business leaders. Nearly 700 people registered to attend this year’s awards ceremony, according to the Flint & Genesee Group. Below is a recap of this year’s winners. All of the nominees for the awards are listed online.
Hospitality Awards, presented by Explore Flint & Genesee
Attraction of the year (Awarded to a venue or attraction that continues to raise the bar, offering top-notch entertainment or programming to the community and visitors): FIM Capitol Theatre & Flint Drop Fest
Bryant “BB” Nolden Community Champion (Recognizes an individual or organization that improves Flint & Genesee through community collaboration, advocacy, and engagement): Antonio Riggs
Certified Tourism Ambassador of the Year (Recognizes an individual Flint & Genesee Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) who has gone above and beyond to promote the region, bring awareness to attractions, spread a hospitality-driven culture, and grow the CTA network): Anthony Walter, CTA
Frontline Ambassador of the Year (Recognizes outstanding customer service in the non-hotel areas of food service, bartender, transportation, business, etc.): Paula Forbush, CTA, Flint School of Performing Arts
Hotel Ambassador of the Year (Recognizes a hospitality worker who has provided outstanding service in areas including, but not limited to, front desk, host, hostess, housekeeper, guest services, hotel restaurant, and maintenance): Sheryl Champine, CTA, Hilton Garden Inn Flint Downtown
Hotel of the Year (Recognizes a hotel for outstanding service, comfort, and attention to hotel guests, providing an excellent overall experience): Knob Hill Bed & Breakfast
Restaurant of the Year (Recognizes a restaurant for their outstanding service, menu, and overall experience of the customer): Timothy’s Pub
Business Awards, presented by the Flint & Genesee Chamber
Business Impact Award (Recognizes a company with 50 or more employees making a positive impact in Flint & Genesee): NorthGate
Claire M. White Award (Honors a woman working for the betterment of Flint & Genesee in community, career, or someone else’s life): Lottie L. Ferguson
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Champion (Recognizes a business or organization that has demonstrated leadership in helping make Flint & Genesee a place of opportunity and inclusion for those who live and work in the county): Communities First, Inc.
Economic Development Project of the Year: Miller Industries
Minority-owned Business Award (Recognizes a minority-owned business making a positive impact in Flint & Genesee): Healthy Just Feels Right
Nonprofit Impact Award (Recognizes a charity, church, or nonprofit making great strides to positively impact any facet of the Flint & Genesee community): Prism Project
Small Business Award (Recognizes a company with fewer than 50 employees making a positive impact in Flint & Genesee): Pawpaws Pickles
Young Professional Leader Award (Recognizes a young professional 40 or younger making great strides to benefit their company and/or the community): Nikki Koliopoulos
Special Awards, presented by the Flint & Genesee Group
Art Hurand Award: The Cramer Family
Charles Stewart Mott Award: George Wilkinson
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