chamber news - windows · pdf filere-emergence by shinola president jacques panis ......
TRANSCRIPT
Chamber News Livonia’s Business Connection
September/October 2016
A strong message of Detroit pride and re-emergence by Shinola President Jacques Panis inspired a crowd of regional business and political leaders gathered October 4 in Dearborn.
Some 370 convened at the Ford Motor Company Conference and Event Center for the fourth annual Western Wayne Business Leadership Banquet, a program coordinated by the 18 western Wayne County communities and their chambers of commerce. Panis was the keynote speaker who shared the story of the popular rise of the young company that has manufactured 457,000 trendy watches in four years, and is expected to top $100 million in revenue in 2016.
In his blunt, irreverent style, Panis detailed the energy used to produce the quality work and branding of Shinola products, he captivated the audience with his passion for living and working Detroit.
“I travel all over the world, and I will get some cross-eyed looks from people when I tell them I am from Detroit,” Panis said. “But I am proud to say I run a business in the city of Detroit, I live in the city of Detroit, and I hang out with great people in the city of Detroit.”
The company’s story, Panis said, is deeper that making quality watches, bicycles, leather products, and plans for other new projects in the future. He talks about how Shinola has changed sections of Detroit and Detroiters’ lives.
Shinola built its Detroit flagship retail store in Midtown, which has evolved into an attraction surrounded by microbrews and restaurants, reviving an area that was crumbling several years ago.
Shinola’s Factory Headquarters is located inside a building shared with the College of Creative Studies, formerly a General Motors automotive research lab. People who used to work security in the building are now making better livings as watch makers and production leaders at Shinola.
“We are in the greatest city in the United States, I would argue,” Panis said. “This is the city that created the middle class of America. This is a city
(that) created a man like Henry Ford, and the assembly line. The stuff that has come out of this city; It’s like what can’t we do?”
Event emcee Ron Fournier, an award-winning national political analyst and author who returned to his hometown this fall to work at Crain’s Detroit Business, also expressed his excitement of coming home where there he feels like he can be a part of something on the rise.
Many in the audience felt inspired by the Banquet’s keynote program.
“The energy and excitement in the room was great,” said John Hiltz, president of OHM Advisors in Livonia. “Now our challenge is to take it to the next level. How do we take the story of Shinola, and use that energy here in Western Wayne County?”
The event was attended by elected leaders from Livonia, Plymouth, Westland, Northville, Garden City, Inkster, Wayne, and neighboring townships as well as U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingle and Dave Trott.
SHINOLA’S PANIS SHARES DETROIT PASSION WITH WESTERN WAYNE’S LEADERS
INSIDE Upcoming Events..................2 New Chamber Members....3 & 4 Ribbon Cuttings...........4, 5 & 6 Renewals.............................7
Manufacturing Day..........8 & 9
Erase Employment Barriers...12 Ambassador Briefs...............15
CHAMBER SEEKS
NOMNIATIONS FOR BOARD
OF DIRECTORS The Livonia Chamber of Comm er ce i s a c cep t ing nominations to fill at least three open spots on the Chamber’s Board of Directors. The 21-member Board is the governing body of the Livonia Chamber of Commerce, a non-partisan, non-profit trade organization. Members in good standing can be nominated, or nominate themselves, to be considered for selection to the Board. All nominations must be submitted in writing by 4 p.m. Tuesday, November 15. Nominations should be sent to the attention of Dan West, president of the Livonia Chamber, via email at [email protected], or via fax at 734.427.6055. The selection process will be completed in December with those selected being invited to serve a three-year term beginning February 1, 2017. For more information, call the Livonia Chamber office at 734.427.2122.
Ron Fournier, left, and Jacques Panis address audience questions.
2016 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Chair KAREN SANBORN Madonna University
Chair Elect DAN LAIBLE NYX, Inc.
Treasurer CHARLES DARDAS AlphaUSA
PAUL BOHN Fausone Bohn, LLP
BRENDA DURLING Schoolcraft College/VisTaTech Center
2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
TERRY CROUSON The Growth Coach of West Metro Detroit
VANESSA DENHA-GARMO Denha Media Group
DENISE FAIR Henry Ford-Livonia Medical Center
STEVE FUTRELL Technology Solutions
JOHN HILTZ OHM Advisors
JAMISON JANDA Embassy Suites
JOE MCCALLION Lis, McCallion, Raymor & Co., P.C.
BETSY MCCUE Huntington Bank
JOHN MURPHY Commercial Lawnmower
ANDREA OQUIST Livonia Public Schools
DAVID SPIVEY St. Mary Mercy Livonia
MARK TAORMINA City of Livonia
BEN TISEO Tiseo Architects
KIMBERLY VAN VLIET Ford Motor Company
PETER VENTURA Principal Associates
STAFF
DAN WEST President/CEO
DAWNNE TOPPA Vice President/CCO
DEBBIE FERENSIC Office Manager
LAURA TAHMOUCH Director of Marketing & Events
RACHEL FETTER Marketing Assistant
LIVONIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 33300 Five Mile Road, Suite 212
Livonia, MI 48154 734.427.2122
734.427.6055 (Fax) www.Livonia.org
Chamber News 2
Upcoming Events
Login and register for events at www.livonia.org.
Need to setup your login or forgot your password? Email-
NOVEMBER
Thursday, November 3 Brewin Business Sponsored by
Community Alliance Credit Union 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Pop in for a cup of coffee and
networking on your way to work.
Thursday, November 10 Annual Member
Appreciation Reception Sponsored by AlphaUSA,
St. Mary Mercy Livonia, Schoolcraft College, Embassy Title Agency,
Bright House Business Solutions and Bill Brown Ford
Embassy Suites (19525 Victor Parkway) 5:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Free for All Members Members are invited to enjoy a
fun evening on us as a thank you
for a great 2016!
Thursday, November 16
Neighborly Networking USA Hockey Arena
(14900 Beck Road, Plymouth) 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. Free Networking Opportunity
Join us as we network with the Northville and Plymouth
Community chambers of commerce
DECEMBER
Wednesday, December 14 Holiday After Hours
Livonia Chamber of Commerce (33300 Five Mile Road, Suite 212)
5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Admission: $5 donation or toy donation to the Livonia
Goodfellows.
www.facebook.com/ LivoniaChamberofCommerce www.youtube.com/
TheLivoniaChamber
@djwest777 @livoniachamber
New Overtime Regulations
Begins December 1
The new federal guidelines will significantly impact how businesses handle salaried employees.
All business and non-profit organizations must adhere to
these policies. Only teachers, doctors and lawyers, contract sales and contract IT personnel are exempt.
For more information, visit www.livonia.org
Chamber News Chamber News 3
101 Mobility of SE Michigan
Category: Medical Contact: Sheri Crocenzi
37475 Schoolcraft Road Livonia, MI 48150
734-779-2900
101mobility.com/LivoniaMI
3M Automotive Innovation Center
Category: MFG:Fabricated
& Metal Products Contact: Johnnie Williams
19460 Victor Parkway Livonia, MI 48152
734-779-5213
www.3M.com
Accurate Hoist Company Category: Manufacturing
Contact: John Plichota 38291 Schoolcraft Road
Suite 106
Livonia, MI 48150 734-293-5388
Advantage
Marketing Solutions
Category: Marketing Services Contact: Terry Krieg
39500 Orchard Hill Place Suite 155
Novi, MI 48375
248-912-1285 www.MarketingMich.com
Apple Graphics and Printing Category: Printing, Marketing
Programs & Services Contact: Kate Lambert
PO Box 701046 Plymouth, MI 48170
734-776-3000 www.applegraphicsandprinting.com
Burskey & Associates, LLC
Category: Financial Planning Contact: Rodger J. Burskey
30689 Jeffrey Court New Hudson, MI 48165
586-438-7413
CGI Communications, Inc
Category: Media Contact: Amy Curran 130 East Main Street
Rochester, NY 14604 800-398-3029
www.cgicompany.com
CJ Graphic Design, LLC
Category: Graphic Design Contact: Cathy Johnson
561-573-0801 www.CJGraphicDesign.com
Cousins Clothing Category: Retail
Contact: Rosemary Phillips 33180 Industrial Road, #B
Livonia, MI 48150 734-743-1152
www.cousinsclothing.com
Granite City Food & Brewery
Category: Restaurants & Bars Contact: Danielle Burciaga
39603 Traditions Drive
Northville, MI 48168 248-662-3400
www.gcfb.com
Helm Law
Category: Attorney at Law Contact: David Helm
598 N Mill Street Plymouth, MI 48170
248-679-8804
www.helmlawpc.com
Ian Clemens Foundation
Category: Non-Profit Contact: Michelle Clemens
9950 Levan Road Livonia, MI 48150
734-915-0180
IanClemensFoundation.org
Juice Plus+ Category: Health & Wellness
Contact: Angie Wilson
734-812-9044 www.angelawilson.juiceplus.com
Keys2Business, LLC Category: Consultants
Contact: Cyndi Collins 32401 W. Eight Mile Road
Livonia, MI 48152 248-991-3858
www.Keys2Business.com
Kroger
Category: Grocery Contact: Rick Hunly
30935 Five Mile Livonia, MI 48154
734-421-1685
www.Kroger.com
Liberty Tax Service Category: Tax Preparation Contact: Susan Hampton
32013 Plymouth Road Livonia, MI 48150
734-523-1040 www.LibertyTaxService.com
Pizza Fresca Category: Restaurants & Bars
Contact: Nicholas Roberts 27609 Plymouth Road
Livonia, MI 48150
734-421-2525 eatpizzafresca.com
NEW MEMBERS FOR AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016
Congratulations to the following organizations for recently
investing in the work of the Livonia Chamber of Commerce.
New Members continue on page 4.
Chamber News 4
NEW MEMBERS FOR AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016 CONTINUED Staples, Inc. Corporate Office
Category: Office - Equipment & Supplies
Contact: Stephanie Bessen 17187 N Laurel Park Drive
Livonia, MI 48152
734-452-4734 www.staplesadvantage.com
The Smoke Shop Category: Retail
Contact: Abe Saif 33463 Seven Mile Road
Livonia, MI 48152 248-987-4159
Tip Top Temps
Category: Staffing Contact: Joe Coscia
38058 Jamison Street Livonia, MI 48154
734-756-7119
Triumph Chiropractic
Category: Chiropractors Contact: Dr. Alex Rodnick 20216 Farmington Road
Livonia, MI 48152 734-237-8916
www.triumphchiropractic.com
Zax Auto Wash
Category: Car Wash Contact: Bian Blasky
36001 Plymouth Road Livonia, MI 48150
734-422-1670
www.zaxautowash.com
Zonta Club of Northwest Wayne County
Category: Clubs & Organizations
Contact: Carol Naugle 734-427-8342
Rels Homecare Corp celebrated their grand opening on August 11.
They are located at 9206 Middlebelt Road,
Livonia, MI 48150 and can be reached at
734-215-2211. www.relshomecare.org
Radiant Wholesale celebrated their grand opening on August 8.
They are located at 34171 Schoolcraft Road,
Livonia, MI 48150 and can be reached at
734-206-2011. www.radiantflowers.us
LIVONIALIVONIALIVONIA RIBBONRIBBONRIBBON CUTTINGSCUTTINGSCUTTINGS!!!
Alkevicius Breads celebrated their grand opening on August 25.
They are located at 33825 Five Mile Road
Livonia, MI 48154 and
can be reached at 313-806-4354.
Phoenix Freerunning Academy celebrated their grand opening on August 26.
They are located at 12936 Farmington Road,
Livonia, MI 48150 and can be reached at
734-744-6220. www.phoenixfreerunning.com
Chamber News 5 Chamber News
The Smoke Shop celebrated their grand opening on September 1.
They are located at 33463 Seven Mile Road,
Livonia, MI 48152 and
can be reached at 248-987-4159.
FDX Pure Sole LLC celebrated their grand opening on August 29.
They are located at 16312 Middlebelt Road,
Livonia, MI 48154 and can be reached at
734-466-5050. www.fdxpuresole.com
Pizza Fresca celebrated their grand opening on September 23.
They are located at 27609 Plymouth Road
Livonia, MI 48150 and can be reached at
734-421-2525. www.eatpizzafresca.com
LIVONIALIVONIALIVONIA RIBBONRIBBONRIBBON CUTTINGSCUTTINGSCUTTINGS!!!
HealthQuest of Livonia celebrated their grand re-opening on September 24.
They are located at 36016 Five Mile Road,
Livonia, MI 48154 and can be reached at
734-591-0404. www.healthquest.us
Fireside Church of God celebrated their grand re-opening on September 26.
They are located at 11771 Newburgh Road,
Livonia, MI 48150 and can be reached at
734-855-4056. fschurch.com
Lake Michigan Credit Union celebrated their grand opening on September 28.
They are located at 19025 Newburgh Road,
Livonia, MI 48152 and can be reached at
734-551-0015. lmcu.org
Chamber News 6
XFER Communications celebrated their grand opening on October 5.
They are located at 31478 Industrial Road,
Suite 200 Livonia, MI 48150 and can be reached at
734-927-6666. www.xfer.com
Triumph Chiropractic celebrated their grand opening on September 30.
They are located at 20216 Farmington Road,
Livonia, MI 48152 and can be reached at
734-237-8916. www.triumphchiropractic.com
Livonia Family YMCA celebrated their grand re-opening on October 6.
They are located at 14255 Stark
Livonia, MI 48154 and can be reached at
734-261-2161. ymcadetroit.org/livonia
LIVONIALIVONIALIVONIA RIBBONRIBBONRIBBON CUTTINGSCUTTINGSCUTTINGS!!!
Congratulations to Financial & Portfolio Advisors on their 30th Anniversary!
Pictured above: Bill Joyner,
Dan West and Bob Hardies.
CHAMBER SNAPSHOT
More than 40 people attended our sold out Fall Into Opportunities event on September 22 at Buca di Beppo.
After a delicious lunch with some casual networking, members played a game that allowed them to meet new people and create their new business opportunities.
Chamber News 7 Chamber News
Thank you to the following organizations for continuing to invest in the Livonia Chamber.
RENEWALS AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016
A2Z Balloon Company
Aactus, Inc.
Abbey Flooring & Design
Accurate Hoist Company
Admiral Tool &
Manufacturing Company
Advance Novelty
American Cancer Society
American House
Angela Hospice
Aoun & Company, P.C., C.P.A
Arbor Crossing
Chiropractic Life Center
Aristeo Construction Co.
Bath Fitter of Livonia
BNI-Greater Livonia
Brass Mug Liquor
Brookdale Northville
C.C. King Entertainment
Camelot Hall
Convalescent Center
Century 21 Row
Charles Schneider, P.C.
Cheryl Bowker Agency-
Allstate Insurance
Claddagh Irish Pub
Community Alliance Credit Union
Costco Wholesale
D.A. Alexander & Co.
Designer Installation Services
DTE Energy
Elite Foot Spa
Emtek LLC
EnablePoint Websites by the
Menu
Ferguson Carpet & Furniture
Cleaners
First Centennial Title, Inc.
Gathering Place Clubhouse-
Lincoln Behavioral Services
Geisler Company
Glen Eden Memorial Park
Hellenic Cultural Center
Help Room, LLC.
Holiday Inn Hotel and
Conference Center-Livonia
Jay-Bilt Construction
Kenwhirl Appliance
KeyBank
Kirk’s Auto Care
Kopmeyer & Talty, P.C.
Laurel Manor Banquet
& Conference Center
Liberty Tax Service
Lis, McCallion,
Raymor, & Co., P.C.
Livonia Family Dental
Livonia Public Schools
Livonia Symphony Orchestra
Livonia Trophy &
Screenprinting, Inc.
MASCO Corporation
Men on the Move
Metro Cheer & Dance
Morello Law Group , P.C.
Morgan Stanley-
The Jacob’s Group
Neely-Turowski Funeral Home
Nemier, Mathieu,
Nash & Johnson, P.L.L.C.
NWC Program Administration
Primo’s Pizza
Qualigence
Realcomp II Ltd./
MoveInMichigan.com
Renewed Equipment
Robinson Welding Supply
Rx Optical
Shaw Construction
& Management Co.
Skyway Precision, Inc.
St. Louis Center
State Representative Laura Cox
The Packer Group
The Salvation Army Thrift Store
& Donation Center
Tri-County Title Agency, Inc.
Trinity Church of Livonia
UPS
Vento Decorative Concrete
W.J. O’Neil Company
Wine Palace
Woodridge Apartments
Chamber News 8
Thank you for a successful
Manufacturing Day 2016!
Chamber News Chamber News 9
More than 500 middle school students from four Livonia middle schools toured six local manufacturing facilities Oct. 7 as part of Manufacturing Day.
This is the second year Livonia students participated in the annual nationwide effort to introduce young people to the modern world of manufacturing and pique their interests in the industry’s high-tech careers. The daylong field trips were organized by the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC), Schoolcraft College and Livonia Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with Livonia Public Schools and the Clarenceville School District.
“There is a great demand for skilled and technical talent for manufacturing companies in Livonia and around metro Detroit,” said Dan West, president of the Livonia Chamber of Commerce. “This is an important introduction to today’s industry for students and their parents.”
Last year’s Manufacturing Day in Livonia introduced 135 Emerson Middle School students to three Livonia companies. This year, students from Emerson, Holmes, Frost, and Clarenceville middle schools filled 11 charter buses to visit NYX Inc., Roush Performance Technologies, AlphaUSA, Quality Metalcraft, McLaren Engineering, and Delta Gear.
The students also toured the various applied sciences laboratories at Schoolcraft College, where they enjoyed lunch and saw industry displays from Linear AMS, Key Plastics, and Standard Die and Fabricating.
“We were able to grow the effort this year thanks to the generous support we received from the MMTC,” West added. “Experts say the majority of future jobs in the coming years will be for people trained in skilled and technical trades, so it is important for young people to have hands-on experiences like this.”
Harvard University recently reported that 60 percent of new jobs in 2018 will require post-secondary training in either a one-year certificate or two-year associate degree program in specific skills. These types of jobs include advanced manufacturing, welding, electronics, drafting, and IT. Meanwhile, Harvard estimates only 33 percent of new jobs in 2018 will require a bachelor’s degree or more.
With upcoming retirements for the aging skilled-trade workforce and increased demand for talent, experts estimate the U.S. manufacturing industry will have a shortage of at least two million workers by 2020.
This outreach by manufacturers to students is a vital part of the process of rebuilding the local talent pipeline, said Chuck Dardas,
president and chief operating officer of Alpha USA.
“It is so important for our industry to reach out to the community like this,” Dardas said. “Also, it is exciting to see the kids’ enthusiasm as they explore what we do.”
Across Wayne County, some 3,000 students
toured facilities as part of Manufacturing Day
2016.
LIVONIA MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS TAKE PART IN MANUFACTURING DAY
Students learning about machine repair and maintenance trades at Innovative Manufacturing Engineering. Photo from I:ME.
Holmes and Clarenceville middle school students learn more about
NYX, Inc’s operations.
Chamber News 10
Some 180 business people gathered Thursday at Schoolcraft College for an event to inspire more interactions among ethnic business cultures in and around Livonia.
The Livonia Chamber of Commerce organized a panel discussion featuring business leaders from Asian-Pacific, German, Chaldean and Hispanic communities, all of which continue to see an increase in residents and business ownership in metro Detroit.
“Experts say communities and companies that do the best job of attracting foreign investment will have the best chance for economic success in the future,” said Livonia Chamber President Dan West. “As our community and world become a more diverse place, it is important that we all learn to look beyond any cultural barriers and build productive relationships.”
The Connecting Cultures to Business panel included Van Nguyen, executive director of the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce; Reinhard Lemke, a senior advisor to the American Chamber of Commerce in Germany; Martin Manna,
president of the Chaldean-American Chamber of Commerce; and Paul Ureste, a Westland business owner who serves on the executive committee for the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Television reporter Roop Raj, from WJBK-TV (Channel 2), a first-generation American of Indian heritage, was the moderator.
Nguyen said connecting with the Oriental and Indian business people she represents takes patience and time to build a trusting relationship.
“It is really no different than building any good relationship with anyone else,” said Nguyen, who leads a chamber that represents 4,700 business and organizations across the Midwest.
Lemke said there is a lot of economic development opportunities with German businesses looking to establish operations in the United States.
“German companies are looking for communities that are willing to work with them long term,” said Lemke, who added 20 percent of Michiganders are of German descent.
The Chaldean Chamber looks to represent some 15,000 Chaldean-owned businesses in Michigan. Manna said 40 percent of his membership is not Chaldean, but those members see value in connecting with his chamber.
“While we look forward to connecting people to opportunities with our members, likewise, we encourage our members to meet new people themselves with the geographic chambers and other business groups,” Manna said.
The Michigan Hispanic chamber aims to be a gateway to the 11,000 Hispanic-owned businesses and 400,000 Latinos in Michigan.
“We continue to be a fast-growing community here in Michigan and across the country,” Ureste said.
Student leaders from all five of Livonia’s high schools were in
the audience. Also, municipal leaders from Westland, Wayne,
Macomb County and Livonia attended, exploring ideas for
more multicultural business interactions in their communities.
LIVONIA BUSINESSES GATHER TO EMBRACE
OTHER CULTURES
Fox 2 Detroit’s Roop Raj led the panel of chamber executives at the sold out event.
Chamber News Chamber News 11
Chamber News 12
IT’S TIME TO ERASE ALL BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT For many individuals with disabilities, including intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD), employment is a source of pride. It gives that person a sense of community and allows them to be connected to normal, day-to-day life.
According to recent census data, there are more than 56 million Americans with disabilities, nearly 20% of the population. For those living with a disability, there are many challenges they have to overcome -- This includes finding a job.
October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month – A month dedicated to educating others about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities.
However, most Americans with intellectual or developmental disabilities, which can include conditions such as autism or Down syndrome, remain shut out of the workforce, despite changing attitudes and billions of dollars spent on government programs to help them. Even when they find work, it’s often part time.
A job provides a crucial link for improving the quality of life. Yet only 34 percent of intellectually disabled adults are actually working, according to a survey by Special Olympics and conducted by Gallup and the University of Massachusetts at Boston.
Even with tremendous progress removing the barriers to employment, barriers still exist. The largest barrier to employing someone with a disability is perception. We can eliminate the barriers by continuing to educate others on the value and benefits of hiring workers with disabilities.
Men and women living with a disability are smart hires. Employing someone with a disability, such as behavioral health problems benefits both employers and employees.
We at STEP have had success with our Livonia neighbor DQB (Detroit Quality Brush). Our clients work there every day and have become a significant part of their team. The DQB administration believes in the value our folks bring, “DQB Industries and STEP have had a mutually beneficial relationship for more years that we can remember. Dan (the job coach) and his crew are an integral part of DQB Industries, and we credit our smooth-running packaging operation to all of their hard work and dedication to a job well done.”
Last year’s MI Hidden Talent tour, put on by the Livonia Chamber of Commerce, featured Lt. Gov. Brian Calley and Michigan Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein who launched a partnership to highlight the opportunities for hiring Michiganders with disabilities across the state. The MI Hidden Talent tour was focused on highlighting the skills of people with disabilities that are often overlooked. “Employers that hire
disabled people are ultimately rewarded with team members who bring passion, energy, and loyalty to the workplace. Disabled employees rally their fellow workers and serve as a unified force who can teach the values of resiliency, compassion, and understanding,” said Justice Bernstein. “More often than not, people who have infirm bodies also possess the strongest souls and the most powerful spirits, traits which enhance the workplace and our economy as a whole. People with disabilities are hardworking, energetic, and engaged people who will be loyal to their employer. The offer of employment for a disabled person is a game changer – they do more and achieve more because they are thrilled to have been given an opportunity.”
Employing people with disabilities leads to increased independence and happiness not just for the person with the disability, but for everyone else in the workplace thus bolstering morale, People with disabilities are known to have a strong work ethic, low turnover and desire to succeed. Hiring people with a disability makes good business sense and is good for business. It also demonstrates a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
To sustain a workforce in Michigan the business community must hire smart and remove the barriers for employing people with disabilities, this includes the stigma of people with IDD.
It is time business leaders stop underestimating people with disabilities. Stop focusing on what they can’t do and focus on what they can do and can offer. A job is more than a paycheck. It is about respect, it is about dignity and it is about the opportunity to make your life a productive one.
We have made tremendous progress since the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed 25 years ago. However, a disability should not define a job candidate. We need to continue to support funding for special education, high school transition program and other ways to think beyond the label and encourage Detroit companies to support and celebrate workplace policies of diversity and inclusion in employing those with a disability.
Brent Mikulski is the President and CEO of Services to Enhance Potential a Community Based Non-profit organization helping individuals with a disability find employment. For more information visit stepcentral.org.
Brent Mikulski
Chamber News Chamber News 13
Thank you to all our
Landmark Businesses
& Trustee Members
for their continued support!
UNDERCOVER SELF STORAGE
Lighted & Fenced
Gated Entry
Climate Control Units
Short & Long Term Rental
Extended Access Hours 7 Days a Week
Locks, Boxes & Packaging Supplies Available
13995 Haggerty Road Plymouth, MI 48170 734-354-9855 www.undercoverselfstorage.com
Security Alarms
with Every Rental
Chamber News 14
Photo: Michael Shuster Photography
CHAMBER SNAPSHOT
Some 300 members of the Livonia community attended September 12’s #WeBackLivoniaBlue event at the Livonia Police Department. Six Livonia churches presented banners of support that was signed by their congregations to Chief Caid and the department. The event featured food and drinks donated by Primo’s Pizza, Jimmy John’s and Annie’s Family Restaurant. Children enjoyed talking to the officers, touring the department, meeting Kuno the LPD K-9 dog as well as climbing on and in the various police vehicles on site.
Chamber News Chamber News 15
These featured members are honored as Ambassadors of the Month for their volunteer time for member
retention, member development and Chamber events.
SEPTEMBER
AAAMBASSADORSMBASSADORSMBASSADORS OFOFOF THETHETHE MMMONTHONTHONTH
OCTOBER Jeff Ukrainec
Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit (313) 557-8773
www.goodwilldetroit.org
Jeff, VP, has overall responsibility for the organization’s Donated Goods Division, including store operations, warehousing, distribution, transportation and e-commerce operations. Through his role with Goodwill, Jeff appreciates the opportunity to help restore lives through job creation. Each individual’s success story drives Jeff and his team to achieve the vision through strategy and execution of all aspects of the retail operations division. Goodwill is the leading non-profit innovator of Social Enterprise throughout Southeast Michigan dedicated to creating businesses to create jobs and giving people the skills necessary to get a job. Away from work, Jeff enjoys spending time with his wife and their three children. He earned a bachelor's degree from MSU and a MBA from Wayne State. He’s also a 2015 graduate of the Goodwill Industries International Executive Development Program.
Stewart is a marketing consultant who helps organizations focus on the next sale. By applying his 35 years in marketing, he has created and initiated successful sales promotions, market research, mystery shopper projects, direct mail campaigns and initiatives to install product names. His successes include: Search Engine Optimization that has returned client’s investment overnight; a Direct Mail campaign that generated a 40% response; refined marketing plans to double Sales by eliminating wasteful operations. Recently, he serves as an Ambassador for the Livonia Chamber of Commerce where he helps staff by volunteering with a variety of projects. Like with marketing, he sees community involvement as essential to stay engaged with people and connect with the needs of the city.
Stewart McAlpine
McAlpine Marketing
(248) 756-4987
CHAMBER SNAPSHOT
If you are interested in advertising in
Chamber News contact Laura Tahmouch at
734.427.2122 or email [email protected]
Don’t forget to ask about discount
with a full year of advertising.
Advertising Rates
Business Card 2 x 3.5 $100.00 per issue
Quarter Page 4 x 5 $200.00 per issue
Full Page Inset $200.00 per issue
Half Page 5 x 8 $350.00 per issue
Full Page 8 x 10 $700.00 per issue