www.thegrcc.org

2009 Annual Report

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From the ChairmanFellow Citizens of Genesee County

This the first Annual Report of the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce since the organization was formed in 2006. In years past we

have delivered a “report card’ to the community at our annual meeting. This year we felt it was important to go one step further and document the success our organization has achieved in our three areas of activity: Economic Development, Employer Education and Training and Member Services.

The Regional Chamber has made significant progress in all three areas. The Operating Board and staff are focused on delivering high value to our members, investors and the community of Genesee County. We cannot accomplish this on our own. We understand this community will be successful if organizations and individuals partner and collaborate to reach shared goals. More than ever before, our public, private and foundation partners have alignment on key issues. More than ever before, we need to use this consensus to enhance the quality of life for all the citizens of this community.

While we have a very aggressive work plan for 2010, it is important to look back and measure our efforts in 2009. After reading our report I think you will conclude that we are heading in the right direction and we are achieving success in the face of challenging times.

Dr. Julianne PrincinskyChairman, Operating Board of DirectorsPresident, Baker College Flint

From the CEO

T he 2009 Annual Report is a record of the many ways the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce is helping Flint and Genesee County

become a strong and vital 21st century community. The Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce is a leadership organization that facilitates partnership and collaboration with the public, private and nonprofit sectors in our community to enhance our quality of life. The Regional Chamber is a hybrid chamber of commerce model that is a reflection of the needs of Flint and Genesee County. We work in areas that are not commonly the charge of a traditional chamber of commerce.

We are the principal economic development agency for Flint and Genesee County. With the help of public, private and foundation investors Flint and Genesee County made significant progress in 2009 improving its economic foot print.

The Regional Chamber also takes a leadership role in training area youth to prepare them for the world of work. Our TeenQuest and Summer Youth Initiative programs are cutting-edge education programs that have a significant impact on the lives of 14-18 year students from across the county who take advantage of these opportunities. Our Career Preparation programs reach thousands of students every year.

The affinity and networking programs we provide our members save them hundreds of dollars every year. We have one of the finest collections of affinity programs to be found anywhere in the State of Michigan. And our networking events continue to grow as we reach out to Chambers of Commerce across Genesee County to connect, collaborate and communicate the significant opportunities within our business community.

As we enter our fourth year as the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce we can look back at 2009 and see the real, tangible results of our strategic planning and concentrated work plans. I think you will be pleased with the efforts you see on the following pages.

Tim HermanCEOGenesee Regional Chamber of Commerce

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Economic Development

Retention VisitsAn important objective of the Regional Chamber’s economic development team is to visit local companies and discover how best to assist them with issues that are impacting their business. Overall 107 retention visits that impacted 2,298 jobs were conducted in 2009. The Regional Chamber staff helped companies with everything from bringing a new green technology to market to selling furniture to the U.S. Navy.

A total of five retention investment projects were completed in 2009. This represented an investment of $13,156,187, with a total of 134 jobs created, and 207 jobs retained.

C reating new jobs and retaining current jobs are uppermost in the minds of the citizens of Genesee County. In 2009 the Regional Chamber economic development staff and partners made significant

accomplishments that will aid the local economy for years to come. Projects that took months and in some cases years to accomplish came on line. Private sector investment in the community and the winning of new government contracts for existing businesses generated nearly $169 million in new business activity.

Barrette Outdoor Living Barrette Outdoor Living (formerly U.S. Fence) is a Flint manufacturer of outdoor fencing products. When they wanted to obtain a tax abatement for a new investment they came to the Regional Chamber for assistance. The result was a cooperative effort with the City of Flint that provided the abatement. Barrette Outdoor Living then invested $10 million in new equipment and made plans to hire at least 82 people over a two-year period.

L&L Machine Tool L&L Machine Tool has been in business since 1977 doing precision CNC vertical and horizontal turning, boring and jig milling with small to mid size production runs of five to 5000 pieces. When the company decided to expand and invest $456,187 they asked the Regional Chamber for assistance. Through consultation with staff and collaboration with Grand Blanc Township they were able to obtain three-year personal property tax abatement. The company purchased five pieces of equipment that they plan to use to serve current customers with new services and diversify into new markets with the potential of adding eight new jobs.

Retention projects brought $13,156,187 of

investment to the community creating 134 jobs

and retaining an additional 207 jobs.

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Economic DevelopmentMichigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC)The Genesee Valley office of the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center housed at the Regional Chamber helps local manufacturers adopt lean practices and processes that help improve their bottom lines. The MMTC also helps area manufacturers identify and go after new markets for their products and services. July 1, 2009 marked the start of the MMTC fiscal year, and since then the Regional Chamber’s MMTC has done more than $100,000 in projects with 18 companies, which were subsidized by a federal grant. The program far exceeded its yearly requirement of $80,000 in projects, ending the year at $204,587 resulting in new sales, cost savings and other significant measurable results for the companies served .

TMI Custom Air Systems TMI Custom Air Systems worked with MMTC to improve their quoting system and assembly plant efficiency in 2009. Through the application of lean process improvement tools they were able to improve work flow, plant productivity and ultimately decrease the build time per unit.

Additionally TMI improved office procedures for creating quotes. Quote reworks were reduced by more than 50%. Jobs quoted have increased and profitability is up, enabling them to hire additional people.

Mac Arthur Corporation Mac Arthur Corporation creates labels, die cuts and other products for automotive OEM and tier 1 customers. The MMTC at the Regional Chamber was able to help them obtain grant funding through the From Surviving to Thriving (FSTT) program and Incumbent Worker Training fund. The company used the opportunity to redesign their plant floor layout and office systems.

Through these two initiatives the company has been able to save more than $100,000 per year.

Additional 2009 projectsSeveral area companies have worked with MMTC to develop new websites. The companies include Weinstein Electric, Webasto Product North America, Cardinal Machine and Blevins Screw Products.

MMTC completed consulting projects

valued at $204,587 in 2009

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Economic DevelopmentProcurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)The Regional Chamber’s Procurement Technical Assistance Center is a federally funded program aimed at helping area businesses become certified and compete for government contracts. Last year, 566 contracts were awarded to PTAC clients, valued at $77,901,626. PTAC representatives hold ten training sessions each year and counsel hundreds of businesses on the ins-and-outs of government contracting. PTAC counseled 245 businesses in 2009.

Adaptive Manufacturing Systems and Burton Industries Adaptive Manufacturing Solutions (AMS) and Burton Industries secured a $6.8 million defense contract. Burton Industries will retain five jobs as they serve as the lead company on the two-year contract to design and manufacture equipment for Pine Bluff Arsenal in Arkansas. The equipment will allow the arsenal to assemble smoke grenades. Additionally, the Regional Chamber partnered with Atlas Township to help the company obtain a Tool & Die Recovery Zone designation.

J. Perez Construction CompanySeveral years ago, J. Perez Construction Company in Flint catered almost exclusively to commercial clients. Today, nearly 80 percent of the company’s work comes from one of the largest clients in the country—the U.S. government. The 25-year-old company now has a five-year, open-ended contract with the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) to perform defense-related construction work. PTAC staff worked with the company to secure the contract, which was awarded last year. Over the life of the contract, the construction company has the potential to have sales up to $15 million.

PTAC activities helped local companies

win 566 government contracts worth

$77,901,626 in 2009.

EREZ

CONSTRUCTION INC.

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Economic Development

Site ConsultantsBuilding relationships and communicating effectively with site consultants is a very important part of Regional Chamber attraction activities. Site consultants advise their business clients on possible locations for expansion. In 2009 the Regional Chamber developed new relationships with national site consultants through active participation in three conferences during the year. The goal is to have these important decision makers visit our community. Four site consultants and other multiplier groups were hosted in Genesee County in 2009 to increase their knowledge of our strengths and assets.

AttractionThe Regional Chamber completed nine attraction projects in 2009 representing $91,027,000 in investment that will add 902 new jobs to the community. These projects include:

Magna Electronics, Inc.The Magna Electronics project is expected to bring 525 jobs and an estimated $70 million in new investment to Genesee County and Grand Blanc Township. The project will include the manufacture of motors for electric vehicles. Magna Electronics plans to begin manufacturing the electric motors in early 2011. The project also includes expansion of the company’s existing facility to build the electric propulsion system controls for the 2012-2017 Ford Focus and other battery electric vehicles.

Frank W. Ervin III, manager of government affairs for Magna International, said the company considered three other states and several other Michigan sites for the project. “But the help we received from Grand Blanc Township and from the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce convinced us to locate this project in Genesee County,” he said. “The help we received was the deciding factor.”

Woodworth Inc.Woodworth Inc., a Detroit-based company that provides heat-treating for the automotive wind power and other industries, will invest more than $20 million to renovate and equip a building on Pier North Boulevard and plans to construct an expansion of the building at I-75 and Pierson Road in Mt. Morris Township.

Woodworth is a brownfield redevelopment project and has qualified for state tax credits and a tax abatement from Mt. Morris Township. This project in Liberty Business Park will create 40 to 50 jobs initially, primarily skilled trades and technical positions, and 30-40 more when a new addition is constructed in 2012.

Other 2009 projects include• University of Phoenix, Flint Township• IC Agency Interactive Communications,

Flint Township• Dean River Productions,

Genesee Township

• SI Sunrooms, Burton• Rogers Foam Corporation, Flint• Census Bureau, Flint• Icecat, Fenton

Nine private sector projects brought

$91,027,000 in investment and 902 new jobs

to the community in 2009

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Employer Education & Training ConnectionThe Employer Education and Training Connection “connects” Genesee County employers, workers and

students to programs designed to enhance their business and work place skills. EETC provides several programs to achieve this objective. Each year the Regional Chamber conducts workshops for area employers and their employees on a wide array of topics. In 2009, 41 different workshops were held that served 610 businesses and more than 800 employees.

TeenQuest & Summer Youth InitiativeEETC also provides the TeenQuest program, which provides pre-employability skills to area youths. TeenQuest is a five-week after school program that is free and open to all Genesee County high school students ages 14-18. Successful completion of the program gives students eligibility for the Summer Youth Initiative. Through the Summer Youth Initiative students are given the opportunity to interview for positions with local nonprofit and for profit organizations for 8-10 weeks of summer employment. This Regional Chamber program, through the support of local foundations, provides the minimum wage paid by non-profit organizations to the students. When students work for a for profit business, the Regional Chamber subsidizes half of a student’s salary.

In 2009, 494 students graduated from the TeenQuest program. Students employed in the Summer Youth Initiative totaled 593 (graduates s from previous years can seek employment through the SYI program).

Career PreparationAnother important component of the EETC program is career preparation workshops. These workshops provide area high school students a chance to learn about resume writing, business etiquette, and other important skills necessary for the work place. Local businesses connect with students by assisting at career fairs, holding work site visits and doing mock interviews with students. These activities provide students with an inside view of the world of work. In 2009, 279 workshops were conducted in 40 different Genesee County schools. In all 354 Genesee County firms met with more than 12,000 students last year.

TeenQuest graduated 494 students

and another 593 students were employed

through the Summer Youth Initiative.

EETC also conducted 279 workshops

that served over 12,000 students in 2009.

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Member ServicesMember Services completed a very solid year in 2009. While Chambers of Commerce across the state

faced significant declines in membership, the Regional Chamber experienced its fewest lost members in a decade. Through an aggressive sales program, the Member Services team made 256 face-to-face sales meetings resulting in 122 new members. Through sales activities, the Member Services team also retained 202 businesses that were contemplating dropping their membership. Membership at year end was 874.

Money-savings ProgramsMember Services at the Regional Chamber encompasses many different activities. The Regional Chamber offers affinity or money-saving programs for its members. In 2007, the Regional Chamber offered seven affinity programs. At the end of 2009 the Regional Chamber offered 30 different programs for members.

Networking EventsNetworking opportunities for our members and the community at large are offered through Member Services. In 2009, the Regional Chamber hosted 25 networking programs such as Lunch is on Us, After Hours Connection, the Business Awards and the Business to Business Expo. Thousands of area business people attended the events and made new business connections.

Business CommitteesThree business committees that address specific concerns in the community are overseen by Member Services. Those committees are the Women’s Business Committee, Small Business Committee and the African American Advisory Committee. In all, 45 committee events were held in 2009.

In 2009, Member Services hosted 70 networking

and committee events attended by thousands

of area residents. Affinity programs now stand at 30,

one of the most comprehensive set of programs in the state.

www.thegrcc.org

519 S. Saginaw St. | Suite 200Flint, MI 48502

ph: 810.600.1404f: 810.600.1461

InvestorsPremierA. G. Bishop Charitable Trust

Baker College of Flint

Charles Stewart Mott Foundation

Chase - Plaza One Branch

City of Flint

Community Foundation of Greater Flint

Consumers Energy

Genesee County Commissioners

Genesys Health System

HealthPlus of Michigan, Inc.

Hurley Medical Center

Lewis & Knopf, CPAs, PC

McLaren Regional Medical Center

Mott Community College

ROWE Professional Services Company

CorporateAT&T - Michigan

Career Alliance, Inc.

Citizens Bank - Main Office

Dee Cramer, Inc.

Genesee Packaging, Inc.

Goyette Mechanical Company, Inc.

Grand Blanc Township

Hubbard Supply Co.

Hurand & Hurand, LLC

Kettering University

Koegel Meats, Inc.

Landaal Packaging Systems

Mass Transportation Authority

Plante & Moran, PLLC

Ruth Mott Foundation

Security Packaging, Inc.

Serra Automotive

Shaltz Automation, Inc.

Siwek Construction

Sorensen Gross Construction Services, LLC

THA Architects Engineers

The Flint Journal

University of Michigan-Flint

Weinstein Electric Company

BusinessAce Asphalt & Paving

Bishop International Airport

City of Fenton

Compak - Webcor-C/W South Corporations

Davison Township

Flint Cultural Center Corporation

Genesee Intermediate School District

IMA Recreation Association

Metro PCS

Morgan Construction

Mott Children’s Health Center

National City Bank

Randy Wise Auto Mall

Randy Wise Buick GMC

Randy Wise Chevrolet, Inc.

Target Stores (T0350)

Target Stores-Lapeer

The Kroger Company Of Michigan

Wade Trim, Inc.