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The official newsletter of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce.
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Official Newsletter of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce
CHALDEAN COMMERCEfall
2009
INSIDE
No rESpEct for DEtroIt grocErS
HEavy HIttErS at buSINESS coNfErENcE
StEppINg up for brEaSt caNcEr
Open fOr BusinessRibbon cutting celebrates new office
Membership Makes Sense (and Lots of Dollars, too)
The Chaldean Chamber: You Can’t Afford NOT to Join!
NoN-MeMbers MeMbers
JaNuary29:Quarterly
NetworkingMeetingatsam’sClub $35 Free
February19:Industryou
tlook:Franchisingatshenandoah $40 Free
MarCh11:CareerNightatshenandoah
$35 Free
JuNe5-7:ChaldeanFes
tivalinsouthfield Memberssave$100 onboothrentals
July21:Industryoutlook:urbanrestorationatshenandoah $25 Free
august27:QuarterlyNetworkingMeetingatComcaststudio $35 Free
septeMber10:NewofficeribbonCuttinginsouthfield $35 Free
septeMber17:Industryoutlook:socialMediaatshenandoah $35 Free
oCtober15:businessConferenceluncheonatshenandoah $60 $50
NoveMber11:annualelectionsandQuarterlyNetworkingMeeting $40 Free
aprIl24:annualawards
Dinneratshenandoah Membersgetfirstnotice tobuyticketstothis
sell-outevent
May21:QuarterlyNetworkingMeetingatsevenbarandgrille $35 Free
JuNe18:annualgolfo
utingatshenandoah Membersgetfirstnotice tobuyticketstothis
sell-outevent
DeCeMber10:holidayparty $35 Free
totalMeMbersavINgs: $460
Membersalsoreceive:
*exclusiveMember-to-Memberdiscountsoneverythingfrominsurancetoofficesupplies
*businesslistingintheChamberon-linedirectory
*businesslistinginChaldeanCommerce
*Monthlye-newsletters
*Quarterlyprintednewsletters
2009MeMbersavINgs
Fall 2009 CHALDEAN COMMERCE �
CHALDEAN COMMERCEOfficial Newsletter of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce
calendar
message
briefings
business spotlights
feature
legislative update
business luncheon
socials
business advice
membership
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45
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8
10
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Mark the Dates
From the ChairmanFrom the Executive Director
Making StridesSpecial DeliveryGrants GrantedAttention Men!Find Us on Facebook …… and LinkedIn Signing Up StudentsMembers in the News
Holbrook Insurance: 24/7 CoverageChurchills: A Smokin’ Hot Concept
Fruits of Their Labor: Detroit’s grocers feel taken for granted
Legislature Imposes Tax on DoctorsExtended Bar Hours?Consumer Finance Protection Group May Be ApprovedGranholm vs. Agricultural IndustryIraqi Refugees Returning Back to Home
Mulling Michigan’s Markets: Panelists debate state’s future Open for Business: Chamber celebrates new officeIt Was ComcasticMarketing MattersAn Evening with Crain’s
10 Basic Marketing Tips
New MembersRenewed Members
fall 2009
mark the dates
After months of planning, the chamber celebrated the rib-bon-cutting for our new office space on September 10.
Though we relocated less than a quarter-mile — just across Northwestern Highway, from Farmington Hills to Southfield — the move was a giant step in the Chamber’s journey. I doubt even the founders of this organization realized what they were creating just six years ago. Today we are nearly 1,000 members strong and continue to grow our diverse membership.
If you were among the several hundred members who joined us for the ribbon-cutting celebration, you got to see first-hand our spacious new office. Built by Tinelle Properties (which has also relocated to the new space), the building’s first-floor lobby is graced with historic pictures of the Chaldean community, thanks to the efforts of the Chal-dean Cultural Center. The second floor consists of the offices of the Chamber, the Chaldean Community Foundation, the Chaldean News and Interlink Media. More photographs and news clippings of interest to the community are on display throughout the Chamber office, and if you haven’t already seen the space, I encourage you to drop by.
Bring your sweet tooth — one of the niftiest features of our new office is the “Wall of Candy” donated by Trepco Distribution. You’ll find dozens of varieties of your favor-ite confections in the lobby — a real treat that is a big hit with visitors (not to mention Chamber staffers — and their dentists).
We were honored to count many local politicians among our guests at the ribbon cutting. Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence spoke eloquently of the fine partnership that exists between the Chaldean Chamber and the City of Southfield, which hosts our annual festival. Southfield elected officials joined me in cutting the ribbon.
In an effort to expand and per-petuate our membership, we have launched a new initiative designed to attract more young people. We are now offering a Student Membership for just $50 a year. This category in-cludes all the benefits of an individual membership but at a price designed to help out full-time students who, as we all recall from our college days, often struggle financially. I look forward to seeing more young people at our events.
Many thanks to Saad Hajjar, our former chairman, who has offered to get the ball rolling by personally fund-ing five student memberships. If you know of someone who would like to take advantage of this offer, please contact the Chamber at (248) 996-8340.
As my first term as Chamber chairman winds down (elec-tions are November 11), I’d like to thank all of you for your participation and support this past year. It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve the Chamber and its Members. The Chamber has numerous benefits and programs. Please take advantage of our offerings. “About the only thing that comes without effort is old age.”
Frank Jonna
FRANK JONNA
� CHALDEAN COMMERCE Fall 2009
NOveMbeR 11Annual Elections and Quarterly Networking Meeting6 p.m., Shenandoah Country Club
DeCeMbeR 3Industry Outlook6:30 p.m. Shenandoah Country Club
DeCeMbeR 10Annual Christmas Party6 p.m., Chamber office
JANuARY 14Quarterly Networking MeetingLocation TBD
from the chairman
GreetinGs
from the executive director
The Chaldean-American business community has come a long, long way here in Michigan — but apparently, we still have a
long way to go. I’m speaking specifically of the negative percep-tion toward Detroit storeowners exhibited by the media and local and state government. It is immensely frustrating to see time and again how Chaldean grocers are taken for granted and even blamed for many of Detroit’s ills.
As detailed in the article on page 10 reprinted from The Chaldean News, the perception remains deeply entrenched that it’s easier to find crack in the city than a fresh apple, that independent grocers do nothing but exploit their customers with moldy produce and unhealthy food choices. I am the first to admit that the city has some less-than-stellar stores, but to paint all grocers with the same broad brush does a great disservice to all concerned.
As history shows, Detroit’s chain stores abandoned the city in droves following the 1967 riots. Chaldean grocers stepped in to fill the gap. Of course these entrepreneurs were not being altruistic — as smart businessmen, they saw a niche and knew they could fill it and fill it well. They run their stores as a business with the motive of making a profit and supporting their families. Despite what filmmaker Michael Moore might have to say about it, there is nothing wrong with this capitalistic model. Smart gro-cers — and our community has plenty — know that it’s also good business (and good karma) to give back to their neighborhoods. This they do in the form of sponsoring sports teams, donating to charitable drives and helping fund the Mayor’s Angel Night Initia-tive. Last and certainly not least, 61 percent of the employees in Detroit stores live in the neighborhoods they serve.
Chaldean grocers have also invested millions of dollars into the city with gleaming new stores and renovations to existing ones. The Detroit Independent Grocers, a chamber affiliate, has expressed its commitment to shoppers with the Guaranteed Fresh program, which pledges safe, clean stores and a bounty of fresh and healthy foods from which to choose.
But it seems when it comes to Chaldeans and Detroit’s food choices, the glass is always half-empty. A new program to deliver fresh fruit to Detroit neighborhoods was practically hailed as the second coming of Christ when it was an-nounced this past summer. Rumor has it that the state government will launch a taxpayer-funded program to encourage food store ownership by African-Americans. The upcom-ing addition of a new Meijer is touted as giving choice-starved De-troiters a new breath of life. There are repeated calls for more super-markets in Detroit — despite the fact that the city’s population has fallen by nearly half.
We’ve seen time and again new stores aided by grants or tax abatements open to great fanfare — only to fail due to the tough realities of doing business in Detroit.
Meanwhile, Detroit’s independents toil away at their stores without the benefit of grants, abatements or any other govern-ment help. No one is asking for thanks, but a little acknowledg-ment for their decades of service to the city and its residents would be welcome. Since that does not seem to be forthcoming, we at the chamber will continue to drive home the message that without Chaldean storeowners, Detroit would indeed be the Food Desert everyone loves to call it.
Martin Manna
MARTIN MANNA
PubLISHeRSChaldean AmericanChamber of Commerce
Interlink Media
eDITORJoyce Wiswell
ART DIReCTORAlex Lumelsky
GRAPHIC DeSIGNSKY Creative, Inc.
CHALDeAN AMeRICAN CHAMbeR OF COMMeRCe29850 Northwestern Hwy.Suite 250Southfield, MI 48034Phone: (248) 996-8340Fax: (248) 996-8342www.chaldeanchamber.com
Chaldean Commerce LLCis published quarterly by the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce
Fall 2009 CHALDEAN COMMERCE �
� CHALDEAN COMMERCE Fall 2009
Making StridesThe Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce was proud to put together a team for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event on October 10. More than 20 chamber members walked five miles around Belle Isle Park in Detroit and raised nearly $6,000 in the process for the American Cancer Society. Chamber member Faye Burke raised the most funds ($1,185) and Ron Asmar of Vineyards Deli is generously donat-ing a portion of proceeds from sales of Flax Bars to the team. These efforts helped put the Chamber team in third place for most money raised.
Thanks to team leaders Sandra Hanna and Sharon Hannawa for organizing the team. You can still donate to the cause until November 30 by visiting www.cancer.org/stridesonline and searching for Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce.
Special DeliverySome 16 members took advantage of our new Member-to-Member mailing in September. The new program enabled members to promote their businesses and special offers to fellow members. Don’t be left out next time! The next Member-to-Member Mailing Promotion will be in March 2010.
Grants GrantedThe Chaldean Community Foundation has received word that its Mental Health Grant will be renewed for 2010 by the State of Michigan. The $500,000 grant provides mental health services to Iraq War refugees and other needy community members.
The Foundation has also received a $125,000 grant from the state for research and development on how to prevent certain diseases in the community, including hypertension, crohn’s and colitis. The Foundation is contracting with the Chaldean Federation of America to lead this initiative.
Attention Men!The Chamber is delighted to partner with Karmanos Cancer Center to offer free prostate cancer screenings on Saturday, November 7.
Prostate cancer is highly treatable with early detec-tion. The screening is a simple PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test and is recommended for all men ages 50 and older.
The event takes place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Karmanos Cancer Center, 31995 Northwestern High-way in Farmington Hills. Light refreshments will be served. Call (248) 538-4749 for more information.
BriefinGs
Find Us on Facebook …Search “Chaldean Ameri-can Chamber of Com-merce” on Facebook to become a fan of our page and stay updated on the latest Chamber news and event information. You’ll also be able to view photos and videos from our events as well as the latest news from around the globe that concerns our community.
… and LinkedIn You should have received an e-mail asking to join our LinkedIn group. By clicking on the link, you will join LinkedIn. This service provides you with access to more than 44 million users world-wide. The group page is updated with news of interest and also con-tains members’ contact information. This service is just one more way in which we are working to expand our network.
Read All About ItSurf on over to www.chaldeanfoundation.org to see the new website of the Chaldean Community Foundation. Learn all about the Chaldean Chamber’s charitable arm and get details on how to obtain our free mental health services.
Fall 2009 CHALDEAN COMMERCE �
MeMBers in the news
Omar George was the lone Chaldean in this year’s 40 Under 40 list from Crain’s Detroit Busi-ness. As the founder of Waste One Management in Clinton Township, George “has made a career of turning trash into cash,” Crain’s said in its October 5 issue. The firm, which started in 2008, has about 1,000 clients and rev-enue of $1.5 million — a number George expects to double next year.
Randall A. Denha and Jay Yasso have been named 2009 Michigan Super Lawyers. Dehna was named a Rising Star in Es-tate Planning and Probate. He is an attorney with Giarmarco Mullins & Hor-ton, PC in Troy. Yasso got the nod in the Entertain-ment and Sports category. He practices with Hertz Schram PC in Bloomfield
Hills. The Michigan Super Lawyers selection and ap-proval process is solely based on peer review and votes.
Chamber board member Sharon Hannawa has been appointed to the Southfield Total Living Commission for a three-year term. The commission is comprised of volunteers who make recommendations to City Council to promote South-field as a place in which to live, work and raise and educate a family.
First Independence Bank has expanded its bank operations to Oakland County. The new location, 28300 Orchard Lake Road, Suite 101, in Farmington Hills, formally opened for business on September 21. Chairman Don Davis is excited to expand beyond the city limits to serve the diverse community of Farm-ington Hills.
2009 Board of DirectorsCHAIRMANFrank JonnaCEO, Jonna Companies
exeCuTIve vICe CHAIRMANJacob BacallPartner, Bacall Development
vICe CHAIRMANPaul AskerPartner, Asker & Perlmuter, PLC
TReASuReREvan BahouraCPA, Bahoura & Barringer, PLC
SeCReTARYSandra HannaChemist, NSF International
IMMeDIATe PAST CHAIR/ exeCuTIve bOARD MeMbeRDave NonaPartner, Triangle Development
DirectorsSaad HajjarChief Executive Officer, Advanced Technology Systems
Sharon Hannawa
Kevin JappayaSales Associate, Thomas A. Duke Company
Mark KassaOwner, Heartland Market
PubLICATION COMMITTee CHAIRJohnny Oram
Chamber Staff and SupportMartin MannaExecutive Director
Lisa KalouProgram Manager
Paul AlraihaniController
2009 Partners
Tony KonjaPresident, Artistic Outdoor Services
Sonya KoryAssistant VP & Banking Office Manager, Huntington Bank
Johnny Oram
Amar Toma
Jay YassoPartner, Hertz Schram
Najat HamamaFoundation Outreach
Rita JonnaCase Manager
Joyce WiswellPublications
Valerie Cholagh Receptionist
Saad Hajjar
Signing Up StudentsThe Chamber has launched a new membership program for students at the discounted price of just $50 per year. The category includes all of the benefits of an individual member-ship but is priced at a rate designed just for students. The Chamber is students’ link to networking and creating contacts that can lead to internships and even careers.
To get the ball rolling, former chairman Saad Hajjar has generously offered to sponsor five students’ mem-berships. These will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more by calling Valerie Cholagh at the chamber office, (248) 996-8340, or e-mail [email protected].
Omar George
Randall A. Denha
Jay Yasso
Sharon Hannawa
� CHALDEAN COMMERCE Fall 2009
After 14 years in the business, Alicia Holbrook has launched her own insurance agency.
“I didn’t want to have to rely on other people. The economy is such that a lot of agencies are going belly-up and I am in a very good position right now to start my own,” she says. “Companies are look-ing for fresh, new agencies.”
Holbrook chose her office — located on the first floor of the building now occupied by the Chaldean Chamber — largely because of its proximity to commu-nity members. Though she herself is not of Chaldean descent, “Chaldeans are probably 80 percent of my business,” she says. She’s hoping the new space will be ready to move into by December.
Everyone is tightening their belt these days, and it can be tempting to cut back on insurance coverage as a way to save money. Such notions, however, can prove to be penny wise but pound foolish — especially as desperate times make desperate people, Holbrook says.
“When people are hard up for money they will do anything and bring on the most frivolous lawsuit. It just takes one person to slip and fall in your parking lot and sue you for a million bucks,” she says. “When a general liability policy is $500 a year, it’s silly not to have it. I tell people to not drop their insurance because you never know what’s going to happen. If you have a choice, keep it.”
As an independent agent, Holbrook offers a variety of insurance options from 10 to 12 different carriers — commercial, business, liability, worker’s compensa-tion, business auto, home auto, life and health. “I shop them all and bring you the best rate,” she says.
Picking an agent takes more than just a flip through the Yellow Pages. “You don’t want to go to an agent who just completed their week’s course and got their license — especially with business insurance, where you are protecting people’s livelihoods,” Holbrook says. “Ask the agent how long they have been in business, and ask around in the community.”
It’s important that an agent understands the needs of each kind of business. “Not every business needs the same kind of coverage. A manufacturer isn’t going to need the coverage a retail owner or a restaurant might need. You really have to know the line of business so you know what type of a policy to put together.”
Holbrook also advises clients on coverage that some may not realize exists. An example is business income insurance, which covers a business forced to close down for a calamity like a fire. “It’s not a very
expensive thing to add on to your regular policy, maybe just a couple hundred dollars a year,” Hol-brook says. “Besides your liability, that is one of the most important things to have. Why would you go without that? If you don’t have your income, how are you going to survive?”
A good insurance agent is also always available, day or night. “The biggest thing that sets me apart from other agencies is that my clients have access to me 24/7,” Holbrook says. “I don’t care if I’m on vacation — they can call my cell phone and I’ll answer it. I would rather set their mind at ease than have them worry.”
Holbrook Insurance Agency29856 Northwestern HighwaySouthfield, MI 48034(248) 921-0652
Holbrook Insurance: 24/7 Coverage
Business spotliGhts
Alicia Holbrook outside her new office in Southfield.
Fall 2009 CHALDEAN COMMERCE �
Cigar smokers will get a nice present this Christmas: the opening of Churchills Cigar Bar in West Bloomfield, a place where they can
choose from some 1,300 varieties and enjoy them out in public, an increasing rare event in these anti-smok-ing times.
The Cigar Bar is the latest offering from Nash Zai-touna, who has owned the Michigan franchise rights to Churchills since 2000. It will be the third in the chain, joining the Birmingham shop that opened in 1984 and the Southfield location that opened in November 2007.
“There are Churchills all over the country,” says Zaitouna. “People always ask to open more stores in Michigan but right now we’re not expanding.”
The Cigar Bar, located in a brand-new shopping plaza on Orchard Lake Road at 15 Mile, has a tentative opening date of December 20. It has a Class C license to serve alcohol and will offer amenities including two smoking lounges with comfortable chairs and couches, five plasma television sets, a fireplace, an old-fashioned barber, a shoeshine booth and, on the weekends, a manicurist. Gourmet sandwiches will be prepared daily and an outdoor patio will open in the warm weather. Smokers can browse the selections in a 500-square-foot humidor. The grand opening party is tentatively set for January 18.
Those not enamored of cigar smoke need not worry — like the Churchill retail stores, the Cigar Bar has a state-of-the-art ventilation system that includes five different filters.
“No place in Michigan has something like this,” Zaitouna promises of the Cigar Bar. “We want to attract not just men but the 8 to 10 percent of women who smoke cigars too.”
The Cigar Bar will also have 40 private lockers that can be rented for $400 a year. These are so popular that there is a waiting list to rent one at the Birmingham and Southfield stores. Not only do the mini-humidor lock-ers keep cigars fresh, they also allow renters access to a private lounge where they can light up while enjoying coffee, espresso or cappuccino. If smoking is outlawed in public places, private lounges would be exempt, Zaitouna says.
Zaitouna himself enjoys a fine cigar; his favorite is the Davidoff Aniversario No. 3. “It’s a mild and a
well-balanced smoke,” he says. “All cigars are like wine — the longer they age the better they get as long as they are in the humidor.”
His sister-in-law, Amy Zaitouna, runs the Birming-ham store. She likes the occasional small cigar. “They have to be mild or flavored,” she says. “That’s what most women like.”
Besides cigars, pipe tobacco and imported ciga-rettes, Churchills offers a variety of high-end gifts, in-cluding shaving accessories, wine accessories, cufflinks, pens, lighters, ashtrays, humidors and hookahs. Cigar brands include Arturo Fuente, Opus X, Dunhill, Acid Cigars, Ashton, Cohiba, Avo, Punch, Romeo y Julieta and Davidoff.
It can be tempting to buy a box of fine cigars for your favorite smoker, but Zaitouna said they’d probably prefer a gift certificate instead so they can pick out their own. “Guys who are aficionados like the cigars they have been smoking for years,” he notes.
Churchills of Birmingham142 S. Old Woodward AvenueBirmingham, MI 48009(248) 647-4555
Churchills of Southfield24545 W. 12 Mile RoadSouthfield, MI 48034(248) 948-9100
Churchills Cigar Bar6635 Orchard Lake RoadWest Bloomfield, MI 48322
Churchills: A Smokin’ Hot Concept
captions
Nash Zaitouna enjoys a smoke at his Southfield store.
Grocer Rick Farida takes talk of Detroit being a food desert in stride.
“It’s definitely inaccurate,” said the owner of Green-field Market at Puritan and Greenfield. “We will continue doing the best we can to ensure customers are getting the best quality and freshest foods, and these negative perceptions will eventually overcome themselves.”
Others are not so optimistic. The persistent image, often fueled in the local press, that Detroit has no quali-ty grocery stores frustrates the many Chaldeans who do business in the city, some of whom have transformed defunct Farmer Jacks and Krogers into independent markets.
“We’re taken for granted, definitely, and part of that is our fault. We have not done a good job of promot-ing all that we do,” said John Loussia, owner of Value Wholesale on Eight Mile, just over the city limits in Oak Park.
Loussia is co-chair of the Detroit Independent Grocers, a subsidiary of the Chaldean American Chamber of Com-merce. Last year the group launched its Guaranteed Fresh program, which promises customers a clean and safe shopping environment and healthy, fresh food choices.
So far, 25 stores have signed on, but Loussia wants to see more of the remain-ing 75 grocery stores in Detroit get on board.
“This needs to be supported and encouraged — right now,” he said.
“Right now” is key in this issue as the state appears poised to enter the picture. The Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS) is purportedly investigating a project that would fun-nel federal funds to enable grocery store openings by African-Americans.
“We don’t respond to rumors,” said Gisgie Dávila Gendreau, DHS marketing and public relations director in an e-mail replying to a query from the Chaldean News. “What I can tell you is that the Michigan Depart-ment of Human Services is committed to increasing access to healthy, affordable food for all Michigan resi-dents regardless of income or where they live. The de-partment supports a number of policies and programs to improve access to healthy food, including Bridge
Cards (they work like a debit card) and MI Neighbor-hood Food Movers. We continue to work with our partners and other agencies to find innovative solutions to increase access to healthy food for all residents.”
Chaldeans cry foul over the notion of a govern-ment-funded program to encourage entrepreneurship among African-Americans. “You don’t create entrepre-neurs with a federal grant,” sneered Michael Sarafa, president of the Bank of Michigan. “Entrepreneurs cre-ate entrepreneurs, instinct creates entrepreneurs. Aren’t Chaldean grocers and others sophisticated enough to fill this so-called demand, if it exists?”
Jane Shallal, CEO of the Associated Food and Petro-leum Dealers (AFPD), agrees.
“It needs to be equitable and that’s the main problem,” she said. “We should offer this to people of all color, no
matter who they are.”Shallal is co-chair of the Fresh Food
Access Initiative, a taskforce from the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC), a private non-profit organiza-tion that is closely affiliated with the city. The initiative was launched two years ago in response to a study, Examining the Impact of Food Deserts on Public Health in Detroit, which determined the city is vastly underserved by grocery stores. In his foreword, Urban Scholar Thomas Kingsley called the report “a wake-up call” that demonstrates that in Detroit, “a fundamental underpinning of poor nutri-tion is the death of retail outlets that sell a range of nutritious foods at reasonable prices.”
The report said that more than 500,000 Detroiters live in neighborhoods characterized as “food deserts” — areas that require residents to travel at least twice as far to reach a mainstream grocer as they do the closest “fringe food” location such as a fast food restaurant, gas station or liquor store. Most residents are redeeming their USDA Food Stamp retailers at fringe food loca-tions, the report said, which “creates a high degree of food imbalance that steals life and vitality from Detroit residents and from others throughout the region that live very close to many fringe food options, but far from a mainstream grocer. … That any major city located in a state with a rich tradition of agriculture can have such a
feature
Fruits of Their LaborDetroit’s grocers feel taken for granted
Last year, the DEGC received a $500,000 grant from the Kresge Foundation to attract more food stores and expand existing ones in Detroit.
high degree of food imbalance is troubling.”The AFPD’s Shallal takes exception to the report’s
findings. “They talk about food deserts and access to fresh fruit and vegetables, but the question is the choice that’s being made by consumers,” she said. “It’s the old cliché of supply and demand.”
Shallal said the report oversimplifies the situation. “It’s a lot more complicated than it’s presented,” she said. “People look at small convenience stores and blame them for not having fresh fruit and vegetables. But that is not the purpose of their format. People sometimes have high expectations of what these conve-nience stores should be and it’s just not realistic.”
Olga Stella, vice president of business develop-ment at the DEGC, prefers to look at the situation as a “missed market opportunity.” According to a study by Social Compact Detroit, as much as $270 million to $377 million in Detroit customer spending is not being captured by the city’s grocery stores as Detroiters shop in the suburbs instead.
Last year, the DEGC received a $500,000 grant from the Kresge Foundation to attract more food stores and expand existing ones in Detroit. After six months of meetings with grocers, wholesalers, banks, industry groups and academics, the Fresh Food Access Initiative came up with several recommendations and decided to first focus on grocery store attraction and expansion.
“We may have started focusing on bringing in new stores, but once we learned how complex the problem is it’s really important that we work first with what is here,” Stella said. The plan is to raise $10 to $15 mil-lion “just to get started” from public sources, founda-tions, banks and new market tax credits so grocers can improve their existing stores.
“That would only address about 20 percent of
the stores we have,” Stella said, “but you have to start somewhere.”
Potential grocers have learned the hard way that it’s often not easy to open a grocery market in the city. Two small markets — Zaccaro’s in Midtown and Downtown Foodland in Lafayette Park — were both open less than a year before closing earlier this year. Neither were owned by Chaldeans.
Detroit does have some excellent markets, Stella said, but with their old facades, bars on the windows and doors and outdated interiors, many appear unin-viting. “I’ve been in a lot that may not look that great from the outside but once you go in the food quality is really good,” she said. “We’d like to help them create an environment where it feels like a brand-new store and start to change the perception of these stores. Many people don’t realize the quality of the stores we have or the potential of some to be really top of the line.”
Stella encourages grocers thinking of expanding or improving to contact the DEGC. “It helps me build the case of raising funds,” she said. “We can offer help getting through zoning and the permitting process, and help connect them with other resources or loan programs for small businesses.”
Another task force recommendation says food stamps, which are sent to residents the first nine days of the month, should be more distributed more evenly throughout the month to lessen the uneven impact on urban grocery stores. The AFPD has long advo-cated this change, arguing that stores are flooded with customers in the beginning of the month only to see business drop off drastically once the food stamps are spent. This, in turn, makes it hard at the end of the month for stores to pay employees and keep fresh food
Seeing Is BelievingThe Chaldean Cham-ber has taken a num-ber of major candi-dates for Detroit City Council on store tours so they can see for themselves how much independent grocers have to offer.
The candidates have enjoyed personal tours with chamber Executive Director Martin Manna and John Loussia, chair of the Detroit Indepen-dent Grocers. “They
are seeing stores that have been there for 40 years, and stores that have been extensively rebuilt,” says Manna. “The reaction is, ‘wow, this is great.’”
Candidates who have taken the tour include Gary Brown, Ken Cockrel Jr., Saunteel Jenkins, Charles Pugh and Andre Spivey.
Fall 2009 CHALDEAN COMMERCE 11
GROCERS contiuned on page 12
Glory store manager Sal Foumia
Clockwise from top left: Gary brown, Ken Cockrel Jr., Saunteel Jenkins, Charles Pugh and Andre Spivey.
feature
Fruitful opportunity or spoiled fruit?
Chaldeans who own grocery stores in Detroit now have more competition, thanks to a state-sponsored pilot program. Governor Jennifer Granholm and other elected officials gath-ered the afternoon of August 25 outside Peaches & Greens, a small market in Detroit, to announce the kickoff of MI (pronounced “my”) Neighborhood Food Movers, a program that promotes selling fresh produce to Detroiters via delivery trucks that roll up and down residential streets.
Peaches & Greens owns one of three pilot-program trucks; the others are run by Food Of Our Dreams and Up-south Foods — also small city markets.
“These trucks operate much like an ice cream truck but instead of junk food, they sell fresh fruits and produce,” said Kim Trent, director of the governor’s Southeast Michigan Office.
Each truck has a designated weekly route and cover-age area. Together, they offer food to an estimated 131,000 Detroiters, according to Trent.
The governor’s office provided $75,000 in seed money to launch the program, along with others like urban gardens and cooking classes. They’ve been crafted in response to a 2007 study — disputed by Chaldean grocery store own-ers — that claims Detroiters have less access to full-service grocery stores and fresh produce compared to suburbanites, largely due to a paucity of stores in the city and a lack of transportation.
Granholm stressed that the delivery truck initiative is a pilot program, and that it isn’t a freebie.
“A pilot means we want to evaluate it and grow it,” the governor announced to a crowd of about 60. “If this works, and we think it will, it’s a project we can take all over the state. And it’s not a grant. It’s a loan.”
State officials passed out booklets to the crowd that detail how more entrepreneurs can apply for the Mi Neighborhood Food Movers loan and operate a food truck in the city.
“Three trucks are not enough; we need dozens,” said Congressman John Conyers (D-Detroit). “Eating healthy means having trucks stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables in our neighborhoods.”
Trent described the program as a supplement to stores already operating in Detroit. She said anyone with a business plan could apply for a loan.
“We know that a lot of grocery stores in the city are Chal-dean-owned, and we won’t stop trying to get more grocery stores,” Trent said. “This program helps address the transpor-tation issue of people not being able to get to the stores.”
12 CHALDEAN COMMERCE Fall 2009
on hand before it spoils. The Michigan Legislature did pass an act last year that would change food stamp dis-tribution to twice monthly, but in a case of bad timing it was preempted by rules in the Federal Farm Bill.
“We somehow got caught up with that,” said Shal-lal. “We won the battle but we lost the war.”
Other task force recommendations include greater education for Detroit residents about healthy eating and the important of consuming fresh foods, and reduc-ing the costs associated with item pricing and bottle deposit redemption regulations “that disproportionately burden urban grocers.”
Shallal is hopeful that state programs will help. One example is Public Act 231, passed late last year, which grants property tax exemption for 10 years for new or existing grocery stores that expand or improve.
Many Chaldean grocers have made large investments in their stores. Sam Sattam poured $1 million into his Farmer John Food Center at Gratiot and Harper, one of the city’s poorer neighborhoods. Sam Garmo and Jimmy Marrogy upgraded their Pick & Save at Seven Mile and Van Dyke at a cost of $1.4 million, and Farida spent $2 million on his Greenfield Market in Northwest Detroit. Jamal Abro has put in about $2 million at this two Mike’s Fresh Markets on Gratiot and Livernois.
But a dearth of national chains, many of which fled the city after the 1967 riots and the resulting “white flight,” fuels the perception that Detroit residents are only serviced by small, shabby stores. The Chaldean Chamber is working with the Detroit Independent Grocers to prepare an independent report to counter Food Deserts, as well as a public relations campaign to improve their image.
The notion that national chains are nirvana was highlighted by ecstatic press reports in August that Meijer is building a 190,000-square-foot store at Wood-ward and Eight Mile. What, if any, grants or tax breaks the development is getting remains unclear.
Shallal believes that Detroit’s lack of chain stores, seen by so many as downright tragic, is actually a good thing for the city.
“With chains, you see the same format wherever you go but the independent grocers are a lot more flex-ible at responding to what the neighborhood wants,” she said. “They cater to their customers, and can sur-vive where the chain stores can’t.”
GROCERS contiuned from page 11
Farmer John owner Sam Sattam (right) and his son Mario
Legislature Imposes Tax on DoctorsThe Michigan House of Representatives recently passed a 3 percent tax on the gross receipts of Michigan doctors. The final vote, which was spearheaded by the Democratic majority, was 56-52. Lawmakers felt the tax is necessary so the state can seek more federal matching dollars to help many of the state-run health programs. Physicians who treat patients on Medicaid will see higher reimbursements via the tax and those with little or no Medicaid patients will not see any type of incen-tive. Many advocacy groups throughout the state, including various medical groups, oppose this tax. It has now been sent to the Senate for a vote.
Extended Bar Hours?The House Appropriations Committee has passed a bill that would allow all Michigan bars and restaurants to sell liquor until 4 a.m. and allow retailers to sell liquor on Sunday mornings. The permit would cost businesses $1,500 each, and the state says this would generate $13 million to help reduce scheduled cuts in revenue sharing to local governments and college scholar-ships. The bill now goes to the House for a full vote and, if passed, then onto the Senate. Many groups are opposed to this idea, believing it will make our roads more dangerous — while others say it will help many businesses in light of the bad economy.
Consumer Finance Protection Group May Be ApprovedThe U.S. House of Representatives will soon deliber-ate and possibly vote on legislation that will create the Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA). The aim of such an agency would be to regulate consumer financial products. This new initiative limits one’s access to credit and affordable financial instruments and imposes regulation and fees on businesses. This measure impacts those businesses that let custom-ers pay with credit, seek layaway payments or make
installment payments. Many other industries will be impacted by this law including accounting, advertising, home construction, utilities and In-ternet service providers. If such a bill passes, it would allow the government to request bank account information, which many feel invades their privacy.
Iraqi Refugees Returning Back HomeMany Iraqi refugees who have come to America are leaving back for Iraq and other areas in the Middle East due to many hardships they have faced on American soil. Many of these refugees feel that federal policies have failed them miserably and left them without benefits, as many are now living in utter pov-erty. Critics view shortcomings in America’s refugee and resettlement system and feel that not enough is being done to help the newcom-ers. While the refugees know they are going back to a dangerous area, they feel that they can afford to buy food and pay their rent there. Fur-thermore, several families are wor-ried for their youth, who in some cases have resorted to violence and are being held up in detention facilities awaiting deportation back
to Iraq and other countries in the region.
Granholm vs. Agricultural IndustryJust recently, Governor Jennifer Granholm took steps to take away power from the Michigan Agricultural Commission, a step viewed by many as a power grab that will impact the industry in a negative way. Gran-holm wants to strip the Commission from being able to appoint the Agricultural Director. Critics say her order will strip a purely bipartisan and accountable body from oversight and direction of the Agricul-ture Department, a certain blow to the $80-billion Michigan agriculture industry. State Rep. Jeff Mayes, a member of the governor’s own party, is leading an effort to overturn her order.
Johnny Oram is a Chaldean Chamber board member.
leGislative roundup
bY JOHNNY ORAM
Physicians who treat patients on Medicaid will see higher reimbursements via the tax and those with little or no Medicaid patients will not see any type of incentive
mission statement
The Chaldean-
American
Chamber of
Commerce is
a partnership
of Chaldean
businesses and
professionals
working together
to strengthen
members’ business,
increase job
opportunities,
encourage
expansion
and promote
Chaldean business
and culture.
The Chamber
seeks to service
and represent
Aramaic-speaking
people, including
Assyrians,
Chaldeans
and Syriacs.
1� CHALDEAN COMMERCE Fall 2009
Excessive taxes and an aura of uncertainty are keeping businesses from opening and thriving in Michigan. That was the consensus among
speakers at “The Future of Michigan’s Economy,” the Chamber’s Business Luncheon on October 15.
Fox2 News anchor and reporter Murray Feld-man moderated the panel, which consisted of David Brandon, president and CEO of Domino’s Pizza and chairman of Business Leaders for Michigan; Attorney General Mike Cox; Speaker of the House Andy Dillon and Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano.
“They say timing is everything and I don’t think
the chamber could present a more timely topic,” said Sandy Pierce, president and CEO of Charter One Bank and the new chair of the Detroit Regional Chamber’s board of directors, in her opening remarks. Charter One and the CIA presented the event, and sponsors were Comcast, Domino’s Pizza and Tinelle Properties.
Added Feldman, “Here we are the crossroads of — whatever. We don’t know.”
Panelists spoke of the need for lower taxes and less government interference. While admiration and loyalty for Michigan was expressed, it was obvious that no easy answers are in store for the state’s beleaguered economy.
Business luncheon
Mulling Michigan’s MarketsPanelists debate state’s future
No easy answers are
in store for the state’s
beleaguered economy.
PHOTOS BY RAMIz ROMAYA
Contact Us!Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce29850 Northwestern HighwaySuite 250Southfield, MI 48034Phone: (248) 996-8340Fax: (248) 996-8342www.chaldeanchamber.com
Open for BusinessChamber celebrates new office
September 10 was a special day as the Chamber showed
off its new office at a ribbon-cut-ting ceremony. Several hundred people, including numerous local and state officials, came to check out the new and improved space. Chairman Frank Jonna has details in his column on page 4.
socials
SOCIALS contiuned on page 19
1� CHALDEAN COMMERCE Fall 2009
MICHAeL LANe
Business advice
Economic times are tough for business owners throughout Michigan. All owners are looking for
ways to generate business and retain existing custom-ers. As a business owner myself, I would like to offer 10 basic marketing tips that any owner can easily and inex-pensively implement. These are actions owners can take on their own to create awareness and generate business.
1. Communication Is KeyThe first simple step is to create and maintain a data-base of all customers. The list should include name, ad-dress, phone number and e-mail. Databases are useful when sending out invitations, newsletters, e-mail blasts or even handwritten notes. The result of something as simple as maintaining a relationship with regular customers is generating incremental business.
2. Love Your Local MediaBuild relationships with local media. Invite your local busi-ness reporter, radio talk show host or TV anchor to visit your establishment without expecting something in return. This is a great, proactive “get to know you” approach.
3. Four-Walls Marketing“Word of mouth” is a powerful form of marketing. Start from within the four walls of your business. Make your establishment a pleasant place to work and train your employees to properly treat and service guests. Provide a staff incentive program that encourages your employ-ees to do their best at all times. Maintain open lines of communication and not only will your employees be happier, but your customers also will have a positive experience and in turn tell people they know.
4. Hold Meetings to Bring in New FacesJoin your local chamber of commerce and offer your business, if applicable, as a venue for hosting meetings. This is a great way to showcase your good service and community pride, and encourage people to return.
Also, get to know to know your civic and business leaders. Knowing your business is a regular destination for important figures like your local fire department, police chief, city council members or mayor can be a business advantage.
5. Develop a DialogueBuilding relationships with other local businesspeople can positively impact your bottom line. Drop off coupons or samples to showcase your products and services and offer to do the same for them. This not only will bring in customers, but also create exposure for your business.
6. Be ConvenientCreating an environment that is friendly and conve-nient can make your business a more popular destina-tion. When customers come in, your priority should be timely and efficient service and a knowledgeable staff. Guests that have to wait for long periods of time or search for information or products may not return anytime soon.
7. Community, Community, CommunityGet involved in your local community and charities. While you may be looking to save money instead of being charitable, it can pay off. People support businesses that support their community. Whether it’s donating to the local elementary school for a playground, donating cash or toys to your favorite charity around the holidays or having your employees volunteer at a local hospital … your best move is to get involved and be charitable.
8. Sampling Equals SuccessHighlight new product offerings by providing samples to your customers. People love to get value and giving something at no charge can create loyalty.
9. Have FaithFaith-based marketing is a relatively inexpensive way to reach your neighbors. Don’t limit yourself to the church you belong to — research local churches and synagogues and advertise in their bulletins.
10. Become an Internet Socialite By far the most inexpensive way to communicate to your patrons is social media. Nearly everyone is a member of some form of social network, whether it is Facebook, Twitter or MySpace, and you should not be left behind. Our agency set up a Facebook page for one of our clients that has organically generated more than 4,000 friends in less than a year. With just a few seconds on the keyboard you can disseminate all of your important messages, promote special events and communicate with hundreds or thousands of your customers at the same time.
The current economy does not allow for business as usual. Tough times call for thinking “outside the box” and making an extra effort to generate business. These 10 tips are simple and inexpensive measures any business owner can take to maintain existing customers and generate new business as well.
Michael Layne, a member of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce, is the managing partner of Marx Layne & Co., a Farmington Hills-based marketing and public relations agency. Visit www.marxlayne.com.
10 Basic Marketing Tips
By Michael Layne
Whether it’s donating to the
local elementary school for a playground,
donating cash or toys to your
favorite charity around the holidays or
having your employees
volunteer at a local hospital … your best
move is to get involved and be
charitable
Fall 2009 CHALDEAN COMMERCE 1�
NEW
mem
bers
MeMBers
New Corporate MembersDOMINO’S PIZZAMichael Mettler30 Frank Lloyd Wright DriveAnn Arbor, MI 48106(734) [email protected] pizza delivery corporation headquarters
exCePTIONAL HOMe HeALTH CAReJohn Oram15565 Northland DriveSuite 306 WestSouthfield, MI 48075(248) [email protected] home health agency
KARMANOS CANCeR INSTITuTeDr. Jordan M. Maier M.D.31995 Northwestern HighwayFarmington Hills, MI 48334(800) [email protected] Cancer Institute-designat-ed comprehensive cancer center.
WASTe ONe, INC./ LANDSCAPe ONe INC.Omar George19500 Hall RoadClinton Township, MI 48038(586) [email protected] Waste and recycle management
New Business MembersALLSTAR WIReLeSS OF WeST bLOOMFIeLDAbir Seba6057 Haggerty RoadWest Bloomfield, MI 48322(248) [email protected], wireless services and carrier of wireless phones and accessories
CLAWSON PHARMACYGabe zawaideh560 West 14 Mile RoadClawson, MI 48017(248) [email protected] Health and medicine pharmacy
COMFORT KeePeRSDoug Beamgard4115 Orchard Lake RoadOrchard Lake, MI 48323(248) [email protected] in-home senior care
DAvID ReeD PHOTOGRAPHY1323 West FarnumRoyal Oak, MI 48067(248) [email protected] Professional photography sevices
DeTROIT ZOOLOGICAL SOCIeTYPaul Good8450 West 10 Mile RoadRoyal Oak, MI 48067(313) 541-5717 x [email protected] organization that oper-ates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo
eASTeRN AuTO COMPANYNabil & Lars Cholagh26350 West 8 Mile RoadSouthfield, MI 48033(248) [email protected] auto shop specializing in European luxury and high performance vehicles
eTHNIC MeDIA SeRvICeSIbrahim zobedi44978 Ford RoadCanton, MI [email protected]
OAKLAND uNIveRSITYRonald Sudol101 North Foundation HallRochester, MI 48309(248) [email protected] education institution
PARAMOuNT ReAL eSTATe SeRvICeSBJ Eglington44978 Ford RoadSuite KCanton, MI 48187(734) [email protected] service commercial real estate firm
PRIMeRICA FINANCIAL SeRvICeSJason Daoud26026 Southfield RoadSouthfield, MI 48076(248) [email protected] services including insurance, mortgage and financial advising
ReWARD PAL, INC.Amanda Alkatib43422 West Oaks DriveNovi, MI 48337(800) [email protected] loyalty technology and services network
SAMONA CONSTRuCTIONRaad & Danny Samona31355 West 13 Mile RoadSuite 102Farmington Hills, MI 48334(248) [email protected] and real estate development
YOuR PeOPLe, LLCLynne Schreiber25444 Southwood DriveSouthfield, MI 48075(248) [email protected] building, marketing and public relations
New Individual MembersJOHN [email protected]
ZeNIA [email protected]
ReNee [email protected]
PAuL W. JONeS [email protected]
RITA [email protected]
New Student MemberDOMINIque WATHAOakland [email protected]
REN
EWIN
G m
embe
rs
1� CHALDEAN COMMERCE Fall 2009
Renewing Corporate MembersGLObAL SIGN & AWNINGSEddie Babbie22907 Dequindre RoadHazel Park, MI 48085(248) [email protected] of signs, graphic pro-duction, printing and advertising
HeNRY FORD WeST bLOOMFIeLD HOSPITALGerard Van Grinsven6777 West Maple RoadWest Bloomfield, MI 48322(248) [email protected] State-of-art hospital with more than 1,000 physicians and researchers in 40-plus specialties
SHeRWOOD FOOD DISTRIbuTORSChristine Urbain12499 Evergreen RoadDetroit, MI 48228(313) [email protected] Meat management distribution
Renewing Business MembersA & L MARKeTNeal Ayar10826 Joy RoadDetroit, MI 48204(313) [email protected] Supermarket with quality meat, dairy goods and fresh produce
ALKAMANO & ASSOCIATeS CPA, P.C.Jason Alkamano32000 Northwestern HighwaySuite 180Farmington Hills, MI 48334(248) [email protected] Certified public accounting firm
CuSMANO KANDLeR & ReeD, INC.Ronald Khoury124 West AlleganSuite 1700Lansing, MI 48933(517) [email protected] Government relations firm
DeRDeRIAN, KANN, SeYFeRTH & SALuCCI, P.C.Kathryn Nofar3001 West Big Beaver Road, Suite 700Troy, MI 48084(248) [email protected] Certified public accounting firm
eSSHAKI PROPeRTIeSJalal Esshaki210 Old Woodward Ave., Suite 230Birmingham, MI 48009(248) 644-8900Commercial real estate brokerage firm
FARMeR JOHNSam Sattam9731 Harper Ave., Detroit, MI 48213(313) [email protected] Supermarket with quality meat, dairy goods and fresh produce
FIRST INDePeNDeNCe bANK6960 Orchard Lake Road, Suite 306West Bloomfield, MI 48322(248) 855-1560 x [email protected] banking for individuals and businesses
FuTuReWAve IMAGeSIvan Yousif24705 Coolidge HighwayOak Park, MI 48237(248) [email protected] Video/photography services for any occasion
GARMO & ASSOCIATeS, P.C.Steven N. Garmo28230 Orchard Lake Road, Suite 201Farmington Hills, MI 48334(248) [email protected] Immigration law firm
GASSO GROuP, LLCNajah Gasso20320 West 8 Mile RoadSouthfield, MI 48075(248) [email protected] Commercial and real estate development
HAMPTON INN @ M5 & 14 MILeBasil Bacall169 Loop RoadCommerce Township, MI 48390(248) [email protected] Quality, value-priced hotel in Oakland County
INTeRNATIONAL OuTDOORRandy Oram28423 Orchard Lake RoadFarmington Hills, MI 48334(248) [email protected] Specializing in billboards
INTRASTATe DISTRIbuTORSTim Dabish20021 Exeter AvenueDetroit, MI 48203(313) [email protected] Beverage wholesale corporation
JuDeH & ASSOCIATeSJumana Judeh22952 Outer DriveDearborn, MI 48124(313) [email protected] Appraisal and consulting firm for real property
LANDMARK COMMeRCIAL ReAL eSTATe SeRvICeSJohn Kello27995 HalstedFarmington Hills, MI 48331(248) [email protected] Real estate brokerage firm
LevINe beNJAMIN, P.C.Lorenzo D’Agostini100 Galleria OfficentreSuite 411Southfield, MI 48034(248) [email protected] Law firm concentrating on Social Security Disability, Workers Com-pensation and Civil Personal Injury
LODGING eNTeRPRISeS, INC.Faiq Konja4257 Margate LaneBloomfield Hills, MI 48302(248) [email protected] Full-service hotel and lodging
MAINSTReeT MARKeTPLACe, INC.Robert Kassab3171 Union Lake RoadCommerce Township, MI 48382(248) [email protected]/liquor store
MeMBers
LAW OFFICeS OF DORAID S. MARKuSDoraid S. Markus29800 Telegraph RoadSouthfield, MI 48034(248) [email protected] Criminal law
MILLeR COORSCharlie Pryser2010 Ricks CourtBrighton, MI 48114(248) [email protected] Brewing company
MObILe 121 East Long Lake RoadSuite 102Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304(248) [email protected] Carrier of wireless phones and accessories
NORTHWeSTeRN MuTuAL FINANCIAL NeTWORKChristopher Abbo901 Wilshire DriveSuite 300Troy, MI 48084(248) [email protected], long-term care and disability insurance; as well as annuities, mu-tual funds, and employee benefits
PINNACLe HOSPITALITYSam Sandiha2111 North Wixom RdWixom, MI 48393(248) [email protected] Hotel and property management firm
RKA PeTROLeuM COMPANIeS, INC.Kerry Rehbine28340 Wick RoadRomulus, MI 48174(734) [email protected] Fuel management and petroleum company
SHeNANDOAH COuNTRY CLubKamel Kassem5600 Walnut Lake RoadWest Bloomfield, MI 48323(248) [email protected] Banquet hall, conference center and golf course
SOCKS GALORe WHOLeSALeChris Toma13105 Capital StreetOak Park, MI 48237(248) [email protected] Wholesale distributor of textiles, socks, t-shirts and ladies hosiery
SuPeRLAND MARKeTRebe Najor17021 SchoolcraftDetroit, MI 48227(313) [email protected] Supermarket featuring quality meat, dairy goods and fresh produce
TANNeR FRIeDMANDon Tanner32255 Northwestern HighwaySuite 298 Farmington Hills, MI 48323(248) [email protected] Public relations firm
uPTOWN PARTHeNONPaul Panagopoulos4301 Orchard Lake RoadSuite 130West Bloomfield, MI 48323(248) 538-6000Restaurant serving everything from all-American classics to authentic Greek dishes
vICTOR SAROKI & ASSOCIATeS ARCHITeCTS PCVictor Saroki430 North Old WoodwardBirmingham, MI 48009(248) [email protected] Architectural firm
WONDeR FOODSFadi Hermiz10450 ShoemakerDetroit, MI 48213(313) [email protected] Supermarket featuring quality meat, dairy goods and fresh produce
Renewing Individual MembersFAISAL [email protected]
RAFAT [email protected]
KevIN [email protected]
SHAWN [email protected]
JOSePH [email protected]
PAuL [email protected]
MANueL NAJJAR
RAFAH [email protected]
DAvID [email protected]
CHANNeLLe [email protected]
It Was ComcasticMore than 60 members gathered on August 27 for a Quarterly Net-working Meeting. Our host was Comcast and the festivities were held at the Comcast Newsroom Studio in Southfield. Attendees enjoyed international food stations, demonstrations, raffles and more.
Marketing Matters
The September Industry Out-look hosted by the Chamber and Chase Bank drew some 60 members. Tanner Friedman’s Don Tanner and Kristin Priest provided an overview on how to best market your product over the Internet with “Social Media: More than Just a Buzzword.”
An Evening with Crain’sMary Kramer, publisher of Crain’s Detroit Business, was the guest at our September 24 Meet the CEO event. Kramer received an overview of Metro Detroit’s Chaldeans from board members and community leaders over dinner at Shenandoah Country
Club. She shared tips about Crain’s editorial process and how to get items printed in the weekly newsmagazine.
Above, from left: Don Tanner and Kristin Priest address the attendants of September’s Industry Outlook.
Mary Kramer of Crain’s Detroit business was the guest at Sep-tember’s Meet the CeO event.
SOCIALS contiuned from page 15
chaldean american chamber of commerce29850 Northwestern Highway, Suite 250Southfield, MI 48034
PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE
PAIDPERMIT NO. 83
FARMINGTON HILLS, MI
Thursday, December 106-9 p.m.Members only
Chamber Office29850 Northwestern HighwaySuite 250Southfield
RSvP to Lisa at (248) 996-8340 or [email protected]
