{"id":1587,"date":"2026-08-31T15:27:36","date_gmt":"2026-08-31T19:27:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/?p=1587"},"modified":"2026-08-31T15:27:36","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T19:27:36","slug":"third-business-summit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/2026\/08\/31\/third-business-summit\/","title":{"rendered":"Andrea Brimmer of Ally Financial speaks at UM-Flint Business Summit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Andrea Brimmer spoke at the University of Michigan-Flint Business Summit on Aug. 25. She is Ally Financial\u2019s chief marketing and public relations officer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Guests filled the Northbank Center\u2019s historic ballroom. They included over 100 people, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Business professionals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Faculty and staff members<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Students<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Alumni and supporters<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Community members<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why did the university ask Andrea Brimmer to be the event\u2019s keynote speaker?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Brimmer has earned a reputation for brand innovation. She has also pioneered a way companies can benefit society by investing in women\u2019s sports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Brimmer visited UM-Flint at the invitation of alumnus Larry Nichols, a director at University Bank. Nichols is the School of Management\u2019s executive in residence and a member of its advisory board. He is also vice chairman of the Ally Challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nichols recognized that Brimmer\u2019s talk would appeal to many UM-Flint students, especially those pursuing a:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/som\/undergraduate-business-programs\/marketing-bba\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bachelor of Business Administration degree in marketing<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/case\/academic-departments\/fine-performing-arts\/art-design\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in digital media and design<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/case\/academic-departments\/language-communication\/communication-studies\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bachelor of Arts degree in communications studies<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How did Andrea Brimmer become known for branding innovation?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Brimmer and her team rebranded General Motors Acceptance Corporation as Ally Financial in 2009. The company\u2019s subsidiaries include Ally Bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a97c1b2ab7e7&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a97c1b2ab7e7\" class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1368\" height=\"1823\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/andrea-brimmer.jpg\" alt=\"A woman with long black hair smiles for a portrait. She is wearing a black, short-sleeve top and a silver necklace with a small pendant. Behind her is a plain, off-white background.\" class=\"wp-image-1590\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/4;object-fit:cover;width:200px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/andrea-brimmer.jpg 1368w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/andrea-brimmer-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/andrea-brimmer-773x1030.jpg 773w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/andrea-brimmer-768x1023.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/andrea-brimmer-1153x1536.jpg 1153w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1368px) 100vw, 1368px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Brimmer<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhen we launched, it was a really hard challenge, particularly for me as a marketer,\u201d Brimmer said. \u201cWe had to convince people to do something that was very unnatural: send their money over the internet \u2014 during a financial crisis.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ally Financial\u2019s new brand allowed it to forge a new identity. It now positions itself as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>An innovator of digital-first financial services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Focused on younger consumers, or those who grew up with internet technology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cA financial partner in those real, day-to-day moments\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What did Andrea Brimmer do to help companies become more socially responsible?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Brimmer created the <a href=\"https:\/\/media.ally.com\/2026-04-14-Ally-Achieves-Historic-50-50-Sports-Media-Pledge-One-Year-Ahead-of-Schedule\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">50\/50 Sports Media Pledge<\/a> in 2022. This pledge required Ally Financial to do what had once been unthinkable: shift 40% of its sports marketing budget from men\u2019s to women\u2019s athletics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There was just one problem: Women received less than 5% of sports media coverage, according to Brimmer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe had to create a marketplace because the marketplace didn\u2019t exist,\u201d Brimmer said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How did Ally Financial create a marketplace for women\u2019s sports marketing?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Brimmer and her team partnered with Disney, ESPN, CBS, ION and others. Their long-term agreements have moved women\u2019s professional sports into prime time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe saw an opportunity before anybody else saw it,\u201d Brimmer said. \u201cWe created a marketplace that didn\u2019t exist, and when you create your own marketplace, you can establish your own pricing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Brimmer\u2019s foresight allowed Ally Financial to influence half of its advertising costs. These affordable costs allow it to compete with larger competitors. They have also provided women\u2019s teams with the capital they need to grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSince we made the 50\/50 pledge, revenue for women\u2019s sports has reached $3 billion a year,\u201d Brimmer said. \u201c[That revenue includes] 120% advertising growth since 2022.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(<a href=\"#continued\">Continued below<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1030\" height=\"687\" data-id=\"1615\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9217-1030x687.jpg\" alt=\"A woman stands on stage speaking to an audience seated before her. A blue-and-yellow University of Michigan-Flint banner sits to her right.\" class=\"wp-image-1615\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9217-1030x687.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9217-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9217-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9217-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9217-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1030\" height=\"687\" data-id=\"1617\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9134-1030x687.jpg\" alt=\"A man smiles as he shakes hands with a woman in a dining room. The man and woman who introduced them observe to their left.\" class=\"wp-image-1617\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9134-1030x687.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9134-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9134-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9134-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9134-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1030\" height=\"687\" data-id=\"1620\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9310-1030x687.jpg\" alt=\"A woman speaks into a microphone while seated next to a man on stage. Two women are seated at tables in the foreground.\" class=\"wp-image-1620\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9310-1030x687.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9310-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9310-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9310-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9310-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1030\" height=\"687\" data-id=\"1623\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9177-1030x687.jpg\" alt=\"Three people are seated at a table during a large event. They are smiling and engaging in conversation.\" class=\"wp-image-1623\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9177-1030x687.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9177-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9177-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9177-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9177-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1030\" height=\"687\" data-id=\"1634\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9160-1030x687.jpg\" alt=\"Three people are seated at a dining table engaged in conversation. Their table is filled with plates of food and drinks.\" class=\"wp-image-1634\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9160-1030x687.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9160-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9160-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9160-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9160-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1030\" height=\"687\" data-id=\"1626\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9114-1030x687.jpg\" alt=\"Three people are engaged in conversation at a dining event. They include two smiling women and a man who is gesturing with his back to the camera.\" class=\"wp-image-1626\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9114-1030x687.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9114-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9114-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9114-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9114-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"687\" height=\"1030\" data-id=\"1636\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9224-1-687x1030.jpg\" alt=\"A woman stands on stage speaking to an audience seated in the foreground. Blue-and-yellow University of Michigan-Flint logos appear on both a banner and a podium to her left.\" class=\"wp-image-1636\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9224-1-687x1030.jpg 687w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9224-1-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9224-1-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9224-1-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9224-1-1366x2048.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9224-1-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 687px) 100vw, 687px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"687\" height=\"1030\" data-id=\"1645\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9020-687x1030.jpg\" alt=\"Two women shake hands at a dining table set for an event. A stage in the background features a University of Michigan-Flint logo and purple lighting.\" class=\"wp-image-1645\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9020-687x1030.jpg 687w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9020-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9020-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9020-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9020-1366x2048.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9020-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 687px) 100vw, 687px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"687\" height=\"1030\" data-id=\"1628\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9246-687x1030.jpg\" alt=\"A woman smiles on stage as she speaks to an audience. Behind her is a backdrop of textured vertical banners that are purple.\" class=\"wp-image-1628\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9246-687x1030.jpg 687w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9246-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9246-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9246-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9246-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9246-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 687px) 100vw, 687px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1030\" height=\"687\" data-id=\"1639\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9157-1030x687.jpg\" alt=\"A group of people are seated at a dining table engaged in conversation during a formal business event. A screen behind them displays the logo of the Flint &amp; Genesee Chamber.\" class=\"wp-image-1639\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9157-1030x687.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9157-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9157-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9157-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9157-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1030\" height=\"687\" data-id=\"1631\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9124-1030x687.jpg\" alt=\"Two men wearing blue business suits shake hands at an event. Tables are set for a meal in the background.\" class=\"wp-image-1631\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9124-1030x687.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9124-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9124-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9124-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_9124-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1030\" height=\"687\" data-id=\"1641\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_8955-1030x687.jpg\" alt=\"A group of four people are engaged in conversation. One man shakes hands with another man while others observe and smile.\" class=\"wp-image-1641\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_8955-1030x687.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_8955-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_8955-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_8955-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/IMG_8955-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption\">Photo credit: Bella M. Bupp LLC<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"continued\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How did guests react to Andrea Brimmer\u2019s keynote speech?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Terri White is pursuing a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/som\/undergraduate-business-programs\/general-business-bba\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">BBA degree<\/a> through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/aodc\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Accelerated Online Degree Completion program<\/a>. She found it reassuring when Brimmer told attendees:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cEmbrace the slop\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cPressure is a privilege,\u201d in the words of tennis champion Billie Jean King<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cDistractions come when you lead with fear\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized is-style-default\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"434\" height=\"543\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/terri-white.jpg\" alt=\"A headshot of a woman with long, dark wavy hair smiling warmly at the camera against a neutral gray background.\" class=\"wp-image-1604\" style=\"width:200px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/terri-white.jpg 434w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/terri-white-240x300.jpg 240w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 434px) 100vw, 434px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>White<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI have spent a lot of time slogging through and fighting with the slop of life,\u201d said White, who, like Brimmer, spent many years as a single mother. \u201cIt was a wonderful new perspective to embrace.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The event also gave White a valuable opportunity as a remote learner from Swartz Creek. It allowed her to connect with not only faculty but also business professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI had an enjoyable conversation with Jorge [Avellan] in communications at Ally beforehand,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Brimmer\u2019s talk of gender disparities got Brandon Hopkins thinking about the automotive market. He graduated from U-M with a BS in mechanical engineering in 2016. He is now pursuing a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.umflint.edu\/graduateprograms\/business-mba\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Master of Business Administration degree<\/a> at UM-Flint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hopkins said that a car buyer\u2019s gender is often different than its end user\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"274\" height=\"342\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/brandon-hopkins.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1607\" style=\"width:200px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/brandon-hopkins.jpg 274w, https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2026\/08\/brandon-hopkins-240x300.jpg 240w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 274px) 100vw, 274px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Hopkins<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe discuss that a lot because my focus is the customers interacting with vehicles,\u201d said Hopkins, an assistant manager of customer engagement analytics and insights at General Motors. \u201cEverything [Brimmer] said helped to give me a different perspective on measuring their engagement.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who hosts the Business Summit?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The UM-Flint School of Management co-hosts the Business Summit annually. Its partner is the Flint &amp; Genesee Chamber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When did the first Business Summit take place?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first Business Summit marked SOM\u2019s 50th anniversary in October 2024. Previous keynote speakers have included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/2025\/10\/15\/um-flint-students-attend-business-summit-ii-featuring-fortune-500-ceo-garrick-j-rochow\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Garrick J. Rochow<\/a>, president and CEO of Consumers Energy and CMS Energy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/news.umflint.edu\/2024\/10\/04\/um-flint-school-of-management-to-host-business-summit-oct-31-featuring-lear-president-and-ceo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ray Scott<\/a>, president and CEO of Lear<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How is the Business Summit funded?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Funding for the third-annual Business Summit came from UM-Flint\u2019s Critical Issues Forum. The late Frances Willson Thompson created the CIF, as well as the university\u2019s library. The fund has since brought many guest speakers to campus.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Andrea Brimmer spoke at the University of Michigan-Flint Business Summit on Aug. 25. She is Ally Financial\u2019s chief marketing and public relations officer. Guests filled the Northbank Center\u2019s historic ballroom. They included over 100 people, such as: Why did the university ask Andrea Brimmer to be the event\u2019s keynote speaker? Brimmer has earned a reputation [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":597,"featured_media":1650,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[187,56,60,67,107,1],"tags":[209,208,149,184,144],"class_list":["post-1587","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-187","category-community-engagement","category-events","category-marketing","category-news","category-uncategorized","tag-ally-financial","tag-andrea-brimmer","tag-school-of-management","tag-som","tag-university-of-michigan-flint"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1587","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/597"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1587"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1587\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1648,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1587\/revisions\/1648"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1650"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1587"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1587"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.umflint.edu\/som\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1587"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}