E-mail reports promote Flint

By Alan Matthews Jan 2010

Katie Bach, new director of public relations for the Flint Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, has taken over publishing the Changing Perceptions of Flint and Flint College Movement e-mail reports from Matt Bach, the previous director. Bach said she will keep the format of Changing Perceptions of Flint true to its name and continue to encourage readers to respond to negative online commentary about the city.

She said Flint is safe — not the community often portrayed by outsiders.

While the focus of the Flint College Movement report is still dedicated to getting students interested in activities in and around Flint, she plans to move the report to a focus on "cool things to do and night life." She said while previous director Matt Bach laid a good template, the report needs to have a more robust design and "something people look forward to getting in their inbox."

Bach said her 15 years in journalism as a reporter and editor help her recognize a good story, and she is prepared to present the many links she receives through online resources. The bureau is on Facebook and has a web site, but she said the reports and the web sites aren't intended to overlap. She said social media, like the Facebook page, is intended to encourage commentary. The web sites are to inform.

She said the only time they should overlap is if there is a need to encourage a "groundswell of support," such as the recent support of Flint native Mark Ingram to be nominated for the Heisman trophy.

Bach said she has worked in the position for only a month, but the reports' uniqueness combined with community support has led her to be hopeful for the city and proud to be able to continue producing reports.

E-mail kbach@flint.travel to receive either report or to get your community events and news included.