Chamber News - Livonia Chamber of Commerce

September/October
2015
CHAMBER’S
GROWTH
SUPPORTS MOVE
INTO NEW OFFICE
The Livonia Chamber of
Commerce office will be moving
across the street into a larger
space at the Civic Center Office
Plaza in early November.
The new location on the second
floor of the office complex will
expand the chamber’s office
from 1,800 to 3,000 square feet,
and provide more meeting space
for the numerous gatherings of
member business networking
and non-profit groups. The
65-year-old Livonia Chamber is
a non-profit, non-partisan trade
organization that represents
some 900 members.
“We have a great, financially
prudent opportunity to move
into a larger facility which will
provide more opportunities for
our organization and
membership,” said Chamber
President Dan West. “We are
humbled at the amazing support
we receive from our
membership and community to
allow us to grow like this.”
“This move,” West added,
“enables us to stay in the heart
of the city, and within walking
distance to city and school
district offices.”
Chamber
News
Livonia’s Business Connection
BUSINESS IS PEOPLE
Touching recent tributes to those running local business
It frustrates me to see so
much public discourse
that slams all businesses
as some sort of
inanimate, crude,
heartless entity.
What is great about
working for the Livonia
Chamber is that we get
Dan West, President to see so many examples
of real people who
overcame real struggles to build successful
businesses. It shows how hard work and
determination continues to be rewarded.
Over three consecutive days in September, we
got to see touching celebrations to mark the
success and longevity of three small businesses in
Livonia.
There was Kim Legato, who co-owns Bill and
Rod’s Appliance which was opened more than
50 years ago. Kim started working in the shop 40
years ago for Rod, the father of his future wife
Linda. Kim took on a more significant role in
running the shop after Rod’s untimely death. The
couple continued to build on Rod’s success. A
couple years ago, the business moved from a
small shop on Five Mile to a larger shop on
Middlebelt Road, where the businesses is
experiencing a new level of success. Kim’s family
held a 40th anniversary in his honor, highlighted
by a touching tribute by his son, Joe, who shared
what he learned from his father and business
mentor.
The next day, there was Kate McCarty who
celebrated the 10-year anniversary of Embassy
Title Agency, a business she started shortly after
she was laid off by another title company. The
single mom of a college-age daughter and
young-adult son didn’t have much to go on, but
pieced together some savings to start her
business on Farmington Road. Her daughter,
Erin, shared funny, tearful stories about how she
shared one car with her mother and, at times,
they had to dig for change in the house to fill the
gas tank. McCarty held a party with more than
200 friends to celebrate a decade in business,
continued success, and express her appreciation
to so many who helped her make it.
The next day, there was the grand re-opening of
Marston’s Optometry that underwent a
renovation to produce a modern, spacious
display for a full inventory of eye-glass frames.
This business started in a humble office on
Plymouth Road 75 years ago by Dr. Geroge
Marston, but grew through the years. His
daughter, Dr. Carol Marston-Foucher, has been a
focal point at the business for the past 40 years.
She oversaw the recent renovations as she
prepares to head to part-time status, and turn
over primary duties to Dr. Shea Ferree Carney,
an optometrist who has been with the practice
for four years. At the grand opening,
Dr. Foucher and Dr. Carney were surrounded by
many long-time clients, some of whom date back
to the 1940s. Again, it was another touching
tribute to persistence and good work that
contributed to the endurance of a local small
business.
Next time people ignorantly criticize all
businesses for being uncompassionate, inhumane
entities, think about the Legatos, McCartys, and
Marstons. And there are many other stories like
theirs all over Livonia. These stories are about
real, determined people, who overcame
challenges to build successful operations. Their
success stories should serve as inspiration to all
of us.
INSIDE
Upcoming Events …………...….………2
New Chamber Members.....…….......3 & 5
Renewals……………....…….………...4
Ribbon Cuttings ……….......................6
Ground Breakings……………………….9
Manufacturing Day……………………..13
2015 State of the City…………………..14
Ambassador Briefs ………..…………...15
Chamber News
2
2015 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Upcoming Events
Chair
KAREN SANBORN
Madonna University
Chair Elect
DAN LAIBLE
NYX, Inc.
Treasurer
KATHY RAYMOR
Lis, McCallion, Raymor & Co., P.C.
GRETCHEN ALANIZ
ZF TRW
CHARLES DARDAS
AlphaUSA
KEN WAGNER
State Farm Insurance
2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PAUL BOHN
Fausone Bohn, LLP
TERRY CROUSON
The Growth Coach of West Metro Detroit
BRENDA DURLING
Schoolcraft College/VisTaTech Center
HAITHAM FAKHOURI
Bold Media
STEVE FUTRELL
Technology Solutions
JAMISON JANDA
Embassy Suites
BRANDON KRITZMAN
OHM Advisors
BETSY MCCUE
Huntington Bank
JOHN MURPHY
Commercial Lawnmower
ANDREA OQUIST
Livonia Public Schools
DAVID SPIVEY
St. Mary Mercy Hospital
MARK TAORMINA
City of Livonia
KIMBERLY VAN VLIET
Ford Motor Company
PETER VENTURA
Principal Associates
STAFF
DAN WEST
President/CEO
DAWNNE TOPPA
Vice President
DEBBIE FERENSIC
Office Manager
LAURA TAHMOUCH
Director of Marketing & Events
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
Thursday, November 5
Member Appreciation Reception
Sponsored by Bank of America,
BCBS of Michigan, Bright House
Business Solutions, NYX, Inc.,
St. Mary Mercy Livonia,
Upstream Investment Partners
Burton Manor
(27777 Schoolcraft Road)
5:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Free for Chamber Members
Our annual networking event to
thank all of our members!
Thursday, December 17 2015
Holiday Party & Ribbon Cutting
Livonia Chamber of Commerce
(33300 Five Mile Road, Suite 212)
4:30 p.m. Ribbon Cutting
5-7 p.m. Holiday Party
$10 Donation Recommended
to support the Livonia Goodfellows
mission to ensure every child has a
Christmas
Tuesday, November 17
Fishing for Contacts
M.I. Slingers
(11791 Farmington Road)
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
$15 per Chamber Member
Remember to bring many business
cards for this fun, networking lunch
Thursday, January 14
Neighborly Networking
with Greater Farmington Area
Chamber of Commerce
George Murphy’s at the Creek
(36000 Seven Mile Road)
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
$5 per Chamber Member
Kick off the year right with our
neighbors from the GFA Chamber!
JANUARY
Register online by logging into your member account!
Once logged in, you can update your listing
details and register for events and pay
securely through PayPal.
Have you activated your www.livonia.org
login to register for events online?
It’s easy! Contact the chamber by calling 734.427.2122
or
emailing [email protected] to get started!
MARCIE CICCARELLI
Communications Assistant
JAMES RINTALA
Intern
LIVONIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
734.427.2122
734.427.6055 (fax)
www.Livonia.org
djwest777
LivoniaChamberof
TheLivoniaChamber LivoniaChamber
Commerce.Blogspot
Livonia Chamber
of Commerce
Livonia Chamber
of Commerce
Chamber News
3
NEW MEMBERS FOR AUGUST
-
SEPTEMBER 2015
Congratulations to the following organizations for recently
investing in the work of the Livonia Chamber of Commerce.
1000 Degrees of Livonia
Category: Restaurants – Pizza
Contact: Sean Carleton
29484 Seven Mile Road
Livonia, MI 48152
517-404-1942
www.1000degreespizza.com
Cozy Corner Café
Category: Restaurant
Contact: Harold Greenberg
36083 Plymouth Road
Livonia, MI 48150
734-744-9385
www.cozycornercafe.net
4-Legged Friends
Category: Pet Services
Contact: Jennifer Thompson
12615 Stark Road
Livonia, MI 48150
734-522-7297
www.4-leggedfriendsdaycare.net
Custom Stone Works
Category: Construction –
Products & Services
Contact: Omar Faris
32910 Plymouth Road
Livonia, MI 48150
734-427-8158
www.cswstone.com
Auburn Consulting
Copier Repair Service
Category: Office Equipment –
Copiers
Contact: Paul Nowicki
31193 Schoolcraft Road
Livonia, MI 48150
586-201-1080
www.auburntechnology.com
Blue Team Restoration
Category: Fire, Mold &
Water Remediation
Contact: Ron Raftery
34360 Glendale
Livonia, MI 48150
734-309-7330
BlueTeamRestoration.com
Chris Furniture, Inc.
Category: Furniture
Contact: Chris Newell
33125 Plymouth Road
Livonia, MI 48150
734-427-3080
www.chrisfurnitureinc.net
Copper Hill, Inc.
Category: Customs Compliance
Contact: Jenae Ciecko
14145 Farmington Road
Livonia, MI 48154
734-237-3244 ext. 402
www.copper-hill-inc.com
Elite Foot Spa
Category: Massage Therapy
Contact: Ed Davis
34389 Plymouth Rd.
Livonia, MI 48150
734-855-4611
EliteFootSpa.net
Emtek LLC
Category: IT Consulting Services
Contact: Ed Davis
11960 Chase Blvd.
Livonia, MI 48150
313-719-1268
www.emteknetwork.com
Gerard Tuxedo
Category: Retail
Contact: Jenn Gerard
29457 Five Mile Road
Livonia, MI 48154
734-293-5293
www.gerardtuxedo.com
Golf Core Schueller
Category: Golf Sales
Contact: Bill Schueller
7849 Hollyhock
Jenison, MI49428
616-443-0523
golfcore-schueller.com
GreeningDetroit.com
Category: Media
Contact: Cathleen Francois
1221 Boroughs Street
#428
Birmingham, MI 48012
248-818-4252
www.GreeningDetroit.com
HR Alliance
Category: Human Resources
Contact: Sarwat Azim
33150 Schoolcraft Road
Suite 108
Livonia, MI 48150
734-513-2731
fiawc.org
Innovative Manufacturing
Engineering
Category: Manufacturing
Contact: Robert Stewart
32711 Glendale Ave
Livonia, MI 48150
734-466-8750
www.ime.alphausa.com
Irene's Massage
Category: Massage Therapy
Contact: Irene Ivanac, LMT
734-578-1302
Garden City, MI 48135
IRodgers Hair
Category: Salon
Contact: Irene Rodgers
28855 Plymouth Road
Livonia, MI 48150
734-744-8532
www.IRodgersHair.com
Jaimes Industries
Category: Manufacturing
Contact: Sam Sinawi
35305 Glendale Street
Livonia, MI 48150
734-793-9000
www.jaimesind.com
New Members continue on page 5.
Chamber News
4
RENEWALS AUGUST
-
SEPTEMBER 2015
Thank you to the following organizations for continuing to invest in the Livonia Chamber.
Advance Novelty
Jimmy John's
Qualigence
Allstate Cheryl Bowker Agency
Kenwhirl Appliance
Raymond James, Livonia
Bath Fitter of
Livonia Showroom
King Brothers Collision
Renewed Equipment
Larry L. Larmee, CPA, PC
Robinson Welding Supply
Laurel Manor Banquet &
Conference Center
Roush Industries, Inc.
BNI - Greater Livonia
Bright Side Dental
Budget Blinds of Livonia
Buffalo Wild Wings
C.C. King Entertainment
Claddagh Irish Pub
Cole, Newton & Duran CPA's
Costco Wholesale – Haggerty
Costco Wholesale - Middlebelt
Cruise Planners - Laura Wake
franchise owner
D.A. Alexander & Co.
Daniel Mashni and
Associates D.D.S
Designer Installation
Services, Inc.
Detroit Marriott Livonia
Lis, McCallion,
Raymor & Co., P.C.
Livonia AM Rotary
Livonia Civic Chorus
Livonia Public Schools
Livonia Symphony Orchestra
LPL Financial Services
Marriott TownePlace
Suites Livonia
Marygrove Awning
McAlpine Marketing
Meek l Beck & Associates
Men on the Move
Metro Agency Inc.
Detroit Regional Chamber
Michigan Manufacturing
Technology Center
Eastern Michigan University
Michigan Select Payroll
Fausone Bohn, LLP
Michigan Tax &
Business Services Inc
First Centennial Title, Inc
Ford Motor Co. - Transmission
Fried & Associates, PC
George's Senate Restaurant
Glen Eden Memorial Park
Morello Law Group
Morgan Stanley - The Jacobs
Group
Office Depot
RxOptical
Sam's Place
Schostak Bros. & Co., Inc.
Signature Associates
Society of Manufacturing
Engineers - SME
Spectrum Automation Co.
Sterling Office Systems
Strong Veterinary Hospital
Technology Solutions, LLC
The Books Connection
The Growth Coach of West
Metro Detroit
The Salvation Army Thrift
Store & Donation Center
The UPS Store #3011
The White Agency
University of Michigan Livonia Health Center
UPS
Upstream Investment Partners
Vento Decorative Concrete
Vocalcreation LLC
Walsh College
Help Room, LLC
Plymouth Physical Therapy
Specialists
Westside Forklift Repair
HR Solutions Group / JVS
Premier Medicine
Zeal Credit Union
Italian American Banquet &
Conference Center
Primo's Pizza
Chamber News
5
NEW MEMBERS FOR AUGUST
Leda's Coney Island
Category: Restaurant
Contact: Eddie Shahu
29469 Five Mile Road
Livonia, MI 48154
734-422-4920
Masco Corporation
Category: Manufacturing
Contact: Sue Sabo
21001 Van Born Road
Taylor, MI 48180
313-274-7400
www.masco.com
Metro United Karate
Category: Karate Schools
Contact: Askia Allison
16184 Middlebelt Road
Livonia, MI 48154
734-744-6121
www.mukarate.com
Metropolitan Seventh-day
Adventist Church
Category: Churches
Contact: Dale Sheridan
15585 Haggerty Road
Plymouth MI 48170
734-420-3131
metrosdachurch.org
-
SEPTEMBER 2015 CONTINUED
Michigan Judicial Arbitration
Mediation Services
Category:Legal Services
Contact: Judge
Daniel P. Ryan (ret.)
38701 Seven Mile Road #175
Livonia, MI 48152
734-744-9822
www.mijms.com
Mother Bear's Cub Care
Category: Day Care & Child Care
Contact: Jessica Niemi
36732 Grove St.
Livonia, MI 48154
734-972-3099
Safety Net, Inc.
Category: IT Consulting Services
Contact: Mark Keely
7600 Grand River Ave.
Suite 300
Brighton, MI 48114
810-900-5200
www.safetynet-inc.com
Stempien Mediation Services
Category: Legal Services
Contact: Jeanne Stempien
38701 Seven Mile Road
Suite 165
Livonia, MI 48152
734-744-9880
www.stempienmediation.com
The Packer Group
Category: Real Estate –
Residential
Contact: Jerry Yatooma
44644 Ann Arbor Road
Plymouth, MI 48170
248-935-0107
www.WelcomeHomeDetroit.com
6
C ONGRATULATIONS !
Chamber News
L IVONIA CHAMBER RIBBON CUTTINGS
Mendelson Kornblum Orthopedic
& Spine Specialists
celebrated their grand opening on August 9.
They are located at 36622 Five Mile Road, Livonia MI
48154 and can be reached at 734-542-0200.
www.mendelsonortho.com
Allure Medical Spa / Allure Vein Center
celebrated their grand opening on September 23.
They are located at 37595 Seven Mile Road, Suite 400,
Livonia MI 48152 and can be reached at 800-577-2570.
www.alluremedicalspa.com
Marston Optometry
celebrated their grand re-opening on September 19.
They are located at 32037 Plymouth Road, Livonia MI
48150 and can be reached at 734-421-5454.
www.marstonoptometry.com
My Mechanics Place
celebrated their grand opening on September 25.
They are located at 35655 Plymouth Road, Livonia, MI
48150 and can be reached at 734-743-5808.
mymechanicsplace.com
IRodgers Hair
The Books Connection
celebrated their grand opening on October 1.
They are located at 28855 Plymouth Road,
Livonia, MI 48150 and can be reached at 734-744-8532.
www.IRodgersHair.com
celebrated their grand opening on October 14.
They are located at 31208 Five Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48154
and they can be reached at 734-524-1163.
www.thebooksconnection.com
Chamber News
Michelle Gilbert of Comcast addressed the crowd of political officials and business
members of the Western Wayne county region at the third annual Western Wayne
Business Leadership Banquet on Tuesday, October 6.
7
REGIONAL
COOPERATION
FOCUS OF
WESTERN
WAYNE
BANQUET
Momentum continues for Western Wayne
County’s leaders to work together to
promote the region during the third annual
Western Wayne Business Leadership
Banquet held Oct. 6.
More than 340 people registered for the
event at the Ford Motor Company
Conference and Event Center in Dearborn,
which has evolved into a premier networking
and collaboration gathering of political,
business, and education leaders engaged in
the 18 communities of Western Wayne
County.
The region starts at Northville and Livonia,
extends south along the I-275 corridor,
including Metro Airport, and into Dearborn.
The region includes 700,000 residents and 54
percent of the county’s tax base.
The event featured displays about new
economic development occurring across the
region, enhanced opportunities to meet
decision makers across Western Wayne, a
presentation from Comcast Cable about the
future of cable television, and regional
business observations from event emcee
Mary Kramer, the publisher of Crain’s
Detroit Business.
The staffs of the Conference of Western
Wayne, Livonia, Westland, Dearborn,
Plymouth and Canton chambers reconvened
to lead the event’s planning. They were
joined this year by representatives from the
Chaldean American and American Arab
chambers of commerce.
“It was a great event and I made some
really good contacts at the event,” said
Terry Crouson, owner of the Growth Coach
of West Metro Detroit and a member of the
Livonia Chamber of Commerce Board of
Directors. “This event has become a
gathering of which your business needs to be
involved because of the great networking,
and it can raise the profile of your business.”
8
Chamber News
Chamber News
9
C ONGRATULATIONS !
LIVONIA CHAMBER GROUND BREAKINGS
Masco Corporation
Embassy Suites
celebrated their ground breaking on October 6.
They will be located at Seven Mile and Haggerty Roads
Livonia, MI 48152 and can be
reached at 313-274-7400.
www.masco.com
celebrated their ground breaking on October 12.
They are located at 19525 Victor Parkway,
Livonia, MI 48152 and can
be reached at 734-462-6000.
www.embassysuites.com
LIVONIA CHAMBER ENDORSES
SCHOOLCRAFT COLLEGE MILLAGE
The Livonia Chamber of Commerce will support Schoolcraft
College’s millage request that goes to area voters in November.
The Chamber’s Board of Directors voted to endorse the
millage, concluding three months of research and analysis by
Chamber leaders. They concluded the added revenue is necessary to keep tuition affordable, while supporting current and
new programs that connect students to in-demand jobs sought
by local companies.
“There is a lot of value to the community to have access to
lower-cost, higher education,” said Board Chairman-Elect Dan
Laible, who is the CFO for Livonia manufacturer NYX Inc.
“When you look at how Schoolcraft College stacks up to their
peers, and the quality of service they provide to our business
community, this is a worthwhile investment.”
Schoolcraft College, seeking its first millage increase since
1986, is asking voters on Nov. 3 for a 0.6-mill tax increase over
a 10-year period. Schoolcraft President Dr. Conway Jeffress
said the added tax capture would help the school add
certificate and associate-degree programs for in-demand fields
such as additive manufacturing and health care administration.
He added many capital improvements have been frozen in
recent years, but Schoolcraft needs to update some of its aging
buildings that date back to the college’s opening in 1962.
This millage election impacts voters in the Livonia,
Plymouth-Canton, Northville, Clarenceville, and Garden City
school districts. If approved, owners of a $200,000 home
would pay about $60 more a year in property taxes.
Schoolcraft College serves some 30,000 students and reports
61% of its students graduate or transfer to a university, which
is the best rate among community colleges in Michigan. The
school has a record of efficiency, providing 263,804 credit
hours on a $96.2 million budget in 2013-14, while neighboring
Washtenaw Community College provided 250,506 hours for
$115.9 million in the same year.
Like many Michigan municipalities, the college lost tax revenue
since 2008 with plunging property values in the area, but
Jeffress said the Schoolcraft Board of Trustees has limited
annual tuition increases up to one percent more than the
consumer’s price index (CPI).
“Since the business community stands to gain from this
investment, this millage request shares added costs for new
programs with the business community,” said Dan West,
president and CEO of the Livonia Chamber of Commerce.
“We believe this will enhance workforce development
initiatives sought by our member businesses in recent years,
which has emerged as a leading economic development issue
for our region.”
The Livonia Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit trade
organization that represents nearly 900 companies and
community groups in and around Livonia, and advocates for
the Livonia business community. In recent years, the Chamber
has focused on promoting good career opportunities in
high-demand skilled fields such as advanced manufacturing,
information technology, electronics, and welding.
Chamber News
10
CHAMBER SNAPSHOTS
Below, the Livonia and Plymouth
Community Chambers of Commerce held
a Neighborly Networking event at the
Post Local Bistro on August 26 with more
than 100 people in attendance.
Above, some 40 chamber members gathered at Mercy Elite Sports
Performance on September 24 for a Mid-morning Mingle event. The
event mixed networking with various stations; including strength
tests and exercises and stretching. Pictured: Brandon Coats of
Renewal by Andersen works on his golf swing with Mercy Elite’s
Director of Sports Therapy & Sports Performance.
Chamber News
11
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
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larm tal
A
y
urit
Ren
Sec Every
with
13995 Haggerty Road
Plymouth, MI 48170
734-354-9855
www.undercoverselfstorage.com
12
Chamber News
We had a great, first
Livonia Manufacturing Day!
Chamber News
13
LIVONIA STUDENTS PARTAKE
IN MANUFACTURING DAY ON OCT. 2
Emerson Middle School seventh grader Zachary Decker
said he’s hoping to possibly get involved in the
manufacturing world after college.
He was one of more than 130 Livonia students that stopped
in at several area manufacturing facilities Friday, October 2
as a part of a Manufacturing Day field trip.
“It’s very amazing,” he said over lunch at Livonia’s
AlphaUSA.
Students were taken on tours at several facilities, including
AlphaUSA, NYX, Inc., Roush and Schoolcraft College’s
manufacturing department. The tour was a way to show
students the importance of manufacturing, welding and the
other options they have available to them as they get older
and graduate high school.
Decker said he was really impressed with the work Roush
does after they visited Friday morning.
“They do interior and they build cars for companies,”
he said.
Area manufacturers have attempted to reach out to students
to show how much the industry has changed and how they
will be able to enter the workforce if they are interested, said
Chuck Dardas, president and COO of Alpha Group.
The event was part of a statewide observance of
manufacturing, now in its third year, said Gene Keyes, a
manufacturing instructor at Schoolcraft College. This was
the first time Livonia students had gotten involved in the
activities.
Keyes, who has taught several students at Schoolcraft who
now work at area companies, said he was pleased to see the
level of excitement many of the students had for the event,
and expects to hopefully see more interest in the
manufacturing field.
The event comes after Wayne County was recently listed as
adding the most manufacturing jobs in the nation last year.
Keyes said he got together with Dan West, president of the
Livonia Chamber of Commerce, to help plan the field trip
for the students in shop, drafting and robotics classes. Now
that the first year has gone well, he hopes it continues to
expand to other students as well.
“I sat down with him six months ago and said, ‘we have to
do something,’” he said. “It’s going to be an atomic bomb
when it goes off. When you market what happened today,
other companies are going to get involved and we’ll get
more schools.”
By David Veselenak, Observer & Eccentric
“There are a lot of job opportunities when you get out of
high school,” Dardas told the students. “Not
everybody is destined to go to college. And
Thank you to all our Landmark Businesses & Trustee
that’s not bad.”
Ann Owen, principal of Emerson Middle
School, said she got her students involved in
the field trip after speaking to Dardas and
asking him for advice. They decided a field trip
outside of school would be a better way to have
the students remember the lessons. Several
teachers, including Dan Green, Dave
Roeser and Kim DuSablon, also attended, as
well as several parents.
She said keeping the relationship between the
city’s industrial leaders and schools is one that’s
crucial to keep.
“It’s the perfect marriage of education and
business,” she said.
Members for their continued support!
Chamber News
th
14
Chamber honored mayor at 16
and final State of the City Address
He became mayor again in 2008 and will end his term at the
end of the year.
Dan West, president of the Livonia Chamber of
Commerce, presented the mayor with a pair of retired
ribbon-cutting scissors mounted on a plaque in recognition
of the more than 200 ribbon cuttings he had participated in
during his tenure in recent years.
“No matter the size of the new business coming in town,
Mayor Kirksey made a point to attend as many grand
openings as his schedule would allow,” he said. “He always
enjoyed the chance to meet new business owners.”
A public servant for much of his life, Jack Kirksey said
after he leaves office at the end of the year, his time as an
The Livonia Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Dan West
elected official will be over. While he said he plans on spendpresents Mayor Jack Kirksey with grand opening ribbon cutting
ing time with family, he will miss the daily activities the ofscissors, which the chamber retired in his honor.
fice requires and thanked the city for allowing him to serve.
It was a record crowd who came to see Livonia Mayor Jack
Kirksey’s final State of the City address Wednesday, “People say, ‘You’re going to retire, but we really don’t think
September 16 at Laurel Manor Banquet and Conference you are,’” he said. “I’m good at retiring, but I’m not good at
staying retired. This time, I really mean it.
Center..
Photo: Michael Shuster Photography
More than 600 people attended the speech, sponsored by
Bright House Networks, AlphaUSA, St. Mary Mercy
Livonia, Marsh & McLennan Agency, and Schoolcraft
College.
“I will miss coming to work. I mean that. Everyday is a
delight,” he said. “It is a wonderful job. A fantastic honor
that you have bestowed upon me.”
Mayor Kirksey began his mayoral terms in 1996 and ran
twice before sitting out for four years because of term limits.
Excerpts from Observer & Eccentric, David Veselenak
Photo: Michael Shuster Photography
More than 600 members of the Livonia community attended the most popular luncheon of the year.
Chamber News
15
AMBASSADORS OF THE MONTH
These featured members are honored as Ambassadors of the Month for their volunteer time for member
retention, member development and Chamber events.
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
Stewart McAlpine
Debbie DeAngelo
McAlpine Marketing
(248) 756-4987
The DeAngelo Team
(248) 344-1800
www.TheDeAngeloTeam.com
Stewart McAlpine is a marketing consultant who helps
organizations focus on the next sale. By applying his 35 years
in marketing he has directed successful sales promotions, test
marketing, 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; Direct Mail that generated a 40%
response; overhauled a $300 million firm by refined marketing
plans to double Return on 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.
Debbie DeAngelo, a licensed realtor for 13 years, of The
DeAngelo Team works at Remerica United Realty. She takes
pride in providing exceptional customer service. Debbie values
communication and honesty. She understands that real estate is
a referral business and the only way to get referrals is to take
great care of her clients first. Debbie also works with a
full-time buyer’s agent, Lisa Ozark. Lisa and Debbie are
committed to making your real estate sale or purchase a top
notch experience and they will go the extra mile to make sure
you are protected and informed throughout the transaction.
Just recently they added an office Manager, Wendy Amstutz.
She is an active member of the Livonia Chamber of
Commerce, Lions Club, and volunteers when she can to help
charities and organizations.
If you are interested
in advertising in
“Chamber News” contact
Laura Tahmouch at
734.427.2122 or email
[email protected]
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