“So, Why Flint?”
As we at RoleCall have been planning and promoting our inaugural Talent Attraction Summit in Flint, Michigan this June, a question that we’ve gotten frequently (both directly and indirectly) is:
“Why Flint?”
It’s a fair question — and one that will answer itself this June — but we wanted to take a moment to address it publicly before the event takes place. So, here we go:
1. Flint is a place with a long history of innovation and entrepreneurialism.
Flint is the birthplace of General Motors. The entrepreneurial spirit and drive (pun intended!) are deeply ingrained in the fabric of “The Vehicle City.” It’s impossible to be in Flint and not feel it! In fact, we’re closing our second day of the conference in the 1880s factory that GM called home. When we thought about gathering the most innovative and bright minds in our industry to ideate and envision the future together, Flint was an obvious choice.
2. There’s something special happening in Michigan.
We have all heard and seen the “Pure Michigan” branding for years. The collaboration and creativity it takes to pull off that strong of a statewide brand is no small feat. The partnership across the state of Michigan in the place branding and economic development space is strong and unique. It should be a great lesson for all of us.
3. The Flint team is a great model for chambers, economic development organizations, and CVBs.
The team at the Flint & Genesee Group is incredible, and we’re so thrilled to be partnering with them on our first summit. They’re smart and kind and passionate — and that only tells part of their story. With multiple economic development functions under one umbrella organization — including the chamber, the EDO, and the CVB — they can serve as a model for others thinking about merging or splitting. It seems to be an ongoing debate in our industry. The Group can help!
4. There’s no better place to honestly address perception issues and build understanding.
Nobody would have asked “why here?” if we planned an event in Chicago or Dallas or Nashville or any other conference-ready city. The fact is every city has its challenges. Every city has its shortcomings. Flint’s challenges and struggles have been national headlines for a long time, and it’s long past time to shift the narrative. This special place deserves it, and we all have the power to be part of its next chapter.
5. Experiencing a new place with an open mind makes us better at our jobs.
This event is about talent attraction. Everyone attending works in talent attraction. A central piece of all of our work is inviting newcomers into our cities and helping them form a positive opinion and a deeper attachment to the community. We want every Summit attendee to experience, in real time, what this feels like as we explore Flint together. Chances are you’ve never been to Flint. Chances are you have some preconceived notions about it. In addition to all the great content you’ll receive and connections you’ll make, one of the most valuable takeaways will be the firsthand experience of connecting to a place as a newcomer. We want you to really feel this process, bring it back home with you, and use it to inform and energize the work you do every day.
6. “Flint is the frontier of economic development.”
Our friend Ed Morrison told us that, and we agree. It would have been easy for leaders and residents here to give up when GM left. Or during the water crisis. Or when facing long-time environmental and structural racism. But they haven’t. They’re working impossibly hard to deliver success and growth and thriving institutions to the people of Genesee County. And delivering they are. Just wait and see.
We want to inspire economic developers — or anyone in a community — to tell a new story about their place. Being completely immersed in Flint’s culture and spirit and beauty is the perfect way to start crafting those stories. Join us. Time is short, and we’ve only got a few spots left.