Chamber News - Livonia Chamber of Commerce
Transcription
Chamber News - Livonia Chamber of Commerce
May/June 2015 SAVE THE DATE: WESTERN Chamber News Livonia’s Business Connection HIGH-TECH JOBS ARE IN OUR BACKYARD Students seek them, local manufacturers have them WAYNE Some 200 parents and their career-exploring children from Livonia, Plymouth, Canton, and Westland gathered at Schoolcraft College’s Technology and Engineering open house May 30. BUSINESS LEADERSHIP BANQUET 2015 Dan West, President Tim Collins The third annual Western Wayne Business Leadership Banquet will be held Tuesday, October 6, at the Ford Motor Company Conference and Event Center in Dearborn. Prior years, the event drew more than 300 people. The Conference of Western Wayne, an advocacy organization serving the elected leaders of the region’s 18 cities and townships, is working with a team of local chambers of commerce to coordinate this program designed to build stronger municipal-business relationships. Mary Kramer, the publisher of Crain’s Detroit Business, will return as the event’s emcee and the keynote speaker will be Tim Collins, Comcast’s Senior Vice President for the Heartland Region. For details, contact Dan West by calling 734-427-2122, or e-mailing [email protected] Professors in advanced manufacturing, electronics, computer-aided design (CAD), welding, and plastics explained the training possibilities to the middle- and high-school students walking through campus. Several local companies, such as Roush, AlphaUSA, and Skyway Precision Inc., introduced themselves, what they make, and future careers to the inquiring young people. dynamic with technology, and cleaner and brighter than many restaurants. Additionally, young people need to appreciate the pride and accomplishment of building products that touch people’s lives every day. Also, there is a reality that most future jobs require only one or two years of post-secondary education focused on obtaining skills. Harvard University reports that nearly two-thirds of jobs in 2018 will require specific skills available in a certificate or associate’s degree program; only one-third of jobs will require a bachelor’s degree or more. With this year’s growth in interest in Schoolcraft’s technology and engineering open house, it appears more of our neighbors are getting the message. It was the second annual career pathways open house at Schoolcraft, and there was a noticeable increase in the attendance from the inaugural effort in 2014 to connect students interested in learning about skilled-trades careers. Many of the students who walked through the open house were interested in one thing: High-tech jobs.. They quickly learned there are many such opportunities close to where they live. “So many kids think there are only high-tech jobs at Apple or Google,” said Kelly Sharpe, the human resources manager at Skyway, which operates plants in Plymouth and Livonia. “I hope these kids and their parents are starting to learn that manufacturing is high-tech, too.” State officials report more than 70,000 jobs go unfilled in Michigan, in most cases, because candidates’ qualifications don’t match the high-tech and skilled experiences employers need. Companies are turning away work because they don’t have enough workers to fill production demands in a timely fashion. At a deeper level, this is all a part of a culture shift metro Detroit needs to experience to support a viable economy for future generations. We need to change the conventional thinking about manufacturing, where facilities are now incredibly Roush Enterprises Recruiting Manager Joann Revesz talks to students and parents about what the Livonia-based company produces to students at Schoolcraft College open house May 30. INSIDE Upcoming Events……………...….………2 New Chamber Members….....……......3 & 5 Renewals………………....…….………...4 Grand Openings ………..........................6 Chamber Leaders Go To Lansing..…....……9 Wilson Talks to Arena, District...…..….....10 Ambassador Briefs…………..…………...15 Chamber News 2 Upcoming Events 2015 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair KAREN SANBORN Madonna University Chair Elect DAN LAIBLE NYX, Inc. Treasurer KATHY RAYMOR Lis, McCallion, Raymor & Co., P.C. GRETCHEN ALANIZ TRW Automotive 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 JUNE JULY Sunday, June 28 Livonia Spree Fireworks BBQ Sponsored by Bright House Networks Business Solutions, Schoolcraft College and Freedom Hill Amphitheatre Livonia Chamber Office (33233 Five Mile Road) 6:00 p.m. $10 per Adult or 2/$15 $5 per Child (10 and Under) Enjoy a fun, family event with dinner in the park and the Spree Fireworks at dusk Monday, July 13 Livonia Chamber Golf Outing Presenting Sponsor: Mercy Elite Sports Performance Idyl Wyld Golf Course & One Under Banquet Center (35786 Five Mile Road) 9:00 a.m. Registration & Contests 10:00 a.m. Shotgun Start 4:00 p.m. Dinner $125 per Golfer $500 per Foursome $125 Tee Sign Sponsorship $600 Foursome+Tee Sign Sponsor BRENDA DURLING Schoolcraft College/VisTaTech Center HAITHAM FAKHOURI Bold Media STEVE FUTRELL Technology Solutions KEN HUNT Ford Motor Company JAMISON JANDA Embassy Suites BRANDON KRITZMAN OHM Advisors DR. RANDY LIEPA Livonia Public Schools BETSY MCCUE Huntington Bank 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! Wednesday, July 29 5 O’clock Connection Buffalo Wild Wings (37651 Six Mile Road) 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Come network and meet new and longtime members on their patio! Thank you to all our Landmark Businesses & Trustee Members for their continued support! JOHN MURPHY Commercial Lawnmower DAVID SPIVEY St. Mary Mercy Hospital MARK TAORMINA City of Livonia PETER VENTURA Principal Associates STAFF DAN WEST President/CEO DAWNNE TOPPA Vice President DEBBIE FERENSIC Office Manager LAURA TAHMOUCH Director of Marketing & Events MARCIE CICCARELLI Communications Assistant LIVONIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 33233 Five Mile Road Livonia, MI 48154 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 APRIL MAY 2015 Congratulations to the following organizations for recently investing in the work of the Livonia Chamber of Commerce. Affordable HomeCare Contact: Greg Adair Category: Home Health Care 30640 W. 12 Mile Road Farmington Hills, MI 48334 248-419-5010 www.affordablehomecare.org AFLAC - Independent Agent Category: Insurance Contact: Kimberly Valicento 18620 Bainbridge Avenue Livonia, MI 48152 248-767-7518 aflac.com Alternative Services Category: Non-profit Contact: Jennifer Bhaskaran 32625 W. Seven Mile Road Livonia, MI 48152 248-471-4880 www.asi-mi.org American House Contact: Tammy Kirby Category: Senior Housing 11525 Farmington Livonia, MI 48150 734-425-3050 www.americanhouse.com Beautiful Minds Learning Center Category: Child Care Center Contact: Beverly Hogan 27520 Joy Road Livonia, MI 48150 734-266-5188 Blessings in a Backpack - Livonia Category: Non-Profit Contact: Jennifer Jones 248-528-1060 www.blessingsinabackpackmi.org /livonia Community Publishing & Marketing Category: Publishers Contact: Frank Cibor 26955 Northline Road Taylor, MI 48180 866-822-0101 www.communitypublishing.com Innovative Office Technology Group Category: Office Equipment-Copiers Contact: Mark Blanton 734-455-5780 www.IOTG.net Kickers All-American Grill, Inc Contact: Tommy Pappas Category: Restaurants & Bars 36170 Plymouth Road Livonia, MI 48150 734-261-5500 www.kickerscomplex.com Conlin Travel Category: Travel Agencies Contact: Dave Cicotte 3270 Washtenaw Avenue Ann Arbor, MI 48104 734-677-0900 www.conlintravel.com LIV Open MRI Contact: Laura Silber Category: Medical 20343 Farmington Road Livonia, MI 48152 248-474-4846 www.livopenmri.com Danto Furniture Company Contact: Ashley Danto Category: Furniture 37700 Six Mile Rd Laurel Park Place Livonia, MI 48152 248-343-4886 www.dantos.com Detroit Beard Collective Category: Retail Contact: Matthew Pionk 12903 Sarasota Redford, MI 48239 906-370-1591 www.detroitbeardcollective.com El Nibble Nook Category: Restaurant Contact: John Baier 27725 Eight Mile Road Livonia, MI 48152 248-474-0755 elnibblenook.com Frank J. Barkman & Associates Category: Financial Services Contact: Frank J. Barkman 38777 Six Mile Road Suite 212 Livonia, MI 48152 734-462-6160 Master Care Restoration Category: Restoration Services/ General Contracting Contact: Tracy Davis 36757 Amrhein Road Livonia, MI 48150 248-521-6186 www.mastercarerestoration.com Merchant Solutions International Contact: John O'Dowd Category: Credit Card Processing 800-485-2630 [email protected] MOD Pizza Category: Restaurant Contact: Jake Schostak 13229 Middlebelt Road Livonia, MI 48150 734-245-0710 www.teamschostak.com New members continue on page 5. Chamber News 4 RENEWALS APRIL - MAY 2015 Thank you to the following organizations for continuing to invest in the Livonia Chamber. Abbey Flooring & Design Ford Motor Co. - Transmission Perks on Us Absopure Water Co. G & D Accounting, Inc. Plastomer Corporation Aristeo Construction Co. Gene M. Keyes PROCAM Ashley Capital George D. Gostias, Attorney at Law Quality Metalcraft at home network Bank's Vacuum SuperStores Bath Planet Canterbury Park Apartments Grass Bandits Lawn Service Home Instead Senior Care Independent Bank Ram Construction Services Republic Services Roger & Rod’s Barber Shop Joseph J Weiss, MD Rose Catering / Monaghan Banquet Center Liquor Vault Sanctuary at Villa Maria Citizens Bank Livonia Bar Association Senate Coney Island Chase Bank Livonia Dermatology, PLLC Siam Spicy 4, Inc. Commercial Lawnmower, Inc. Livonia Family YMCA Sir Speedy Community Opportunity Center Livonia Little Tots Day Nursery State Farm Insurance Martin Wilder Charles Seigerman, PH.D., P.C. D & G Heating & Cooling Livonia Montessori School Luigi's Pizza Café State Farm Ken Wagner Agency Derenzo & Associates Luster Dry Cleaning and Laundry StorTronics Dotto Family Chiropractic Manoogian Manor Dunn-Rite Land Service MichiganderStore.com Embassy Suites MJ Creative Printing Fairfield Inn & Suites Detroit Livonia Mrs. Fields Dalmar and Associates NYX, Inc. Trinity Church: An Evangelical Covenant Church W.J. O'Neil Company We Paint Houses.Net LLC West Bay Exploration Chamber News 5 NEW MEMBERS FOR APRIL Modern Mind Technology Category: Web Design Contact: Grant Sobczak 313-600-4839 modernmindtechnology.com MSD Stamping, LLC Category: MFG - Fabricated & Metal Products Contact: Fred Morath 33200 Capitol Livonia, MI 48150 734-458-4790 www.contmid.com/msdstamping.html My Mechanics Place Contact: Jamison Rabaut Category: Automobile Repair Shops P.O. Box 51212 Livonia, MI 48150 248-369-7994 mymechanicsplace.com My Mobile Livonia 2 Category: Cell Phone Communication Contact: Eddie Thomas 34734 Plymouth Road Livonia, MI 48150 734-744-4101 www.metropcs.com - MAY 2015 CONTINUED NACR (North American Communications Resource) Category: Telecommunications Contact: Chris Ceane Livonia, MI 48152 651-393-3977 www.NACR.com Starbucks Coffee Company Category: Coffee Café Contact: Daniel Baron 12679 Middlebelt Road Livonia, MI 48150 734-762-0746 www.starbucks.com Sam's Club Category: Department Stores - Wholesale Contact: Amelia Devoy 39800 Ford Road Canton, MI 48187 734-981-4954 www.samsclub.com Starloft Photo & Video Contact: Jennifer Arnett Category: Photography 46750 Glengary Blvd. Canton, MI 48188 734-335-0213 www.starloft.com Sir Speedy Printing Category: Printing, Marketing Programs & Services Contact: Michael Genrich 33599 Seven Mile Road Livonia, MI 48152 248-476-8130 www.sirspeedydetroit.com Skynar Bookkeeping Services Category: Accounting Bookkeepers Contact: Tom Skynar 9397 N. Haggerty Road Plymouth, MI 48170 734-335-7702 www.skynarbookkeeping.com T-Mobile Category: Cell Phone Communication Contact: Hannah Matti 33169 Eight Mile Road Livonia, MI 48152 248-478-2828 www.t-mobile.com Victory Packaging Category: Packaging Design and Supply Contact: Thomas Fletcher 31740 Enterprise Drive Livonia, MI 48150 734-655-7001 734-655-7002 (Fax) www.victorypackaging.com Chamber News 6 LIVONIA CHAMBER GRAND OPENINGS T-Mobile Prompt Urgent Care celebrated their ribbon cutting on May 8. They are located at 33169 Eight Mile Road Livonia, MI 48152 and can be reached at 248-478-2828. www.T-Mobile.com celebrated their grand opening on May 14. They are located at 37308 Six Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48152 and can be reached at 734-441-3510. www.PromptCareCenters.com Blazo’s Pie Shoppe - Retail Store LaFontaine Preowned Super Center celebrated their grand opening on May 15. They are located at 34365 Plymouth Road, Livonia, MI 48150 and can be reached at 734-744-9501. www.blazospies.com Applebee’s celebrated their grand opening on May 27. They are located at 13301 Middlebelt Road, Livonia, MI 48150 and can be reached at 734-245-4680. www.teamschostak.com celebrated their grand opening on May 21. They are located at 2027 S. Telegraph Road, Dearborn, MI 48124 0 and can be reached at 313-651-6600. www.thefamilydeal.com Michigan Schools & Government Credit Union celebrated their ground breaking on April 30. Their new location will be at the southwest corner of Eight Mile and Farmington Roads in Livonia. They can be reached at 586-263-8800. www.msgcu.org Chamber News 7 U.S. SEN. GARY PETERS TALKS BUSINESS There has been a lot of focus nationwide on the City of Detroit, something U.S. Sen. Gary Peters hears a lot about from people across the country. But the suburbs, including those in western Wayne and Oakland counties, are just as important to the well-being of southeast Michigan, he said Monday morning. “This area is critically important,” he said. “The City of Detroit is important. It’s the center of the Greater Detroit region, but the Greater Detroit region is made up of suburban communities. “You have to look at this as a region.” Peters, a first-term senator who replaced Carl Levin in the Senate this year, spoke to the Livonia and Greater Farmington Area chambers of commerce on April 20 at the Italian American Club in Livonia. Sponsored by AlphaUSA, NYX, Inc., BOSCH and OpTech, he touched on a variety of topics in response to questions from chamber members, including federal funding for roads, business regulations and things the federal government can do with the skilled trades and manufacturing. He said supporting various programs, including union apprenticeship programs and two-year community college programs like those at Oakland Community College and Schoolcraft College, is something he’d like to focus on. “I think we could do a better job of working with some of the unions,” he said. “I think there is a role for us to help those kinds of apprenticeship programs.” Dan West, president of the Livonia Chamber of Commerce, has brought the issue of the skilled trades and manufacturing up during several breakfasts with state and federal officials in recent months. It’s an issue that’s seeing a lot of attention in Livonia, especially as companies in the city continue to seek trained workers in fields such as advanced manufacturing. “We’re happy he’s talking about it,” he said. Excerpt from Livonia Observer, David Veselenak 8 Chamber News Chamber News 9 Chamber leaders head to Lansing A group of board members, staff, and government affairs committee members from the Livonia Chamber discussed current issues with our elected officials at the Capitol. Pictured back left to right: State Senator Patrick Colbeck (R-Canton), State Representative Laura Cox (R-Livonia), OHM Advisor’s Brandon Kritzman, Livonia Chamber’s Dan West, AlphaUSA’s Rick Heyes, City of Livonia’s Mark Taormina, State Farm Insurance’s Ken Wagner, VisTaTech Center’s Brenda Durling, Charlie Mahoney, Simply Social Media’s Julie Van Ameyde, Madonna University’s Karen Sanborn and Dan Pawlak. A dozen representatives from the Livonia Chamber of Commerce spent the day in Lansing on May 12 as part of Chamber Day at the Capitol, an annual gathering in Lansing involving local chamber leaders from across the state in a high-profile effort to bring attention to local business issues. The Livonia group of board members, staff, and government affairs committee members met for 45 minutes with State Representative Laura Cox (R-Livonia) and State Senator Patrick Colbeck (R-Canton) to discuss upcoming legislative proposals and prospective business growth in their respective districts. The group later joined those from the other chambers in a series of meetings about state business issues. The leading issue discussed throughout the day was the aftermath of Proposal One, the failed statewide referendum to increase the state sales tax to provide more funding for road maintenance and other programs. Analysts said the confusing ballot language, repeated shifts in campaign strategy, and a lack of shared sacrifice from legislators were blamed for the proposal’s historic demise, that failed by a four-to-one margin. “I don’t think this means voters will not approve any kind of tax increase,” said Stu Sadler, a Lansing-based consultant who studied Proposal One’s problems. “I think voters would support a tax increase if the money clearly goes to roads, and there are some cuts offered by lawmakers.” In all, the Livonia Chamber group was among more than 120 people from 30 chambers of commerce across the state that gathered in Lansing that day. Karen Sanborn, the Livonia Chamber’s board chairperson and marketing director for Madonna University, said she found the trip interesting and educational. "I enjoyed getting the various perspectives on issues,” Sanborn said. “I also enjoyed meeting people from the other chambers and learning about what was going in their communities.” Chamber News 10 WILSON VISITS LIVONIA TO TALK NEW DETROIT ARENA, DISTRICT WITH CHABMERS It’s a project that’s been talked about a lot, Wilson said, including with those who go to Red Wings game frequently. Because of the history at the current arena, he said, some have questioned the need to move to a new stadium. “We talked to our season ticket holders in advance and more than half of them were saying, ‘Why would you leave the Joe?’” he said. “Have you been to the Joe? It’s so tired and it’s so old and it has no amenities, but do you know what it has? Amazing memories.” Photo: Livonia Observer Olympia Entertainment’s CEO/President Tom Wilson. Olympia Entertainment CEO and president Tom Wilson spoke to nearly 300 chamber members at a joint chamber luncheon on May 20 at Laurel Manor. Two of those season ticket holders who are happy to see a new arena are Canton residents Mel and JoEtte Morris, who attended Wilson’s talk. Mel Morris, who said he lived in Detroit for many years and has been involved with groups downtown, said he’s looking forward to seeing games in the new arena that has yet to be named. It could be one more step in the revitalization of Detroit, something he’s watching closely. “I’ve seen it go downhill and now it’s going back up,” he said. “It can’t hurt. It’s a wonderful thing.” He said it’s areas in western Wayne and Oakland counties that are seeing the most growth and are important to the success of places such as the new Detroit Red Wings arena in Detroit currently in development. Wilson said there will be additional leg and seat room at the arena, as well as a steep incline for seats, allowing for viewers to be closer to not only hockey games, but other events. “You realize that Livonia, Northville, Novi, where all the growth is happening right now in our community, is 20-25 minutes away from this new site. This, hopefully, will be your new home,” said Wilson. “We’re hoping to duplicate the good things: the intimacy that you have there, while taking all the other things that you always wanted and incorporating them,” he said. “Your experience of going to a show is going to change dramatically.” By David Veselenak, Livonia Observer Sponsored by Bill Brown Ford, Consumers Energy, Marsh & McLennan Agency and St. Mary Mercy Livonia, the joint-chamber luncheon ,Wilson spoke to members of the Livonia, Canton, Westland and Plymouth Community chambers of commerce. The former president of Palace Sports & Entertainment, Wilson spoke at length of the new arena planned downtown off Woodward, which he said he hopes will open by 2017. Once complete, it will become the permanent home for the Red Wings, as well as host concerts and other events. It’s also expected to host several NCAA basketball tournament games in 2018. Surrounding the arena are expected to be new restaurants, condos and other development in a 50-block area north of the Fox Theatre. “It is going to be a game-changer in the city of Detroit,” he said. “We’ve had calls from California, from New York, from China, from people who say, ‘We just want in. We want to be a part of this.’” Wilson shared the plans and ideas for the new district with the crowd and spent time answering questions and concerns from the chamber members. Chamber News 11 CHAMBER SNAPSHOTS Below, members in the hospitality industries were invited to hear from the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Bill Bohde at Wilson Barn on May 28. Bohde shared statistics on tourism to the metro Detroit region, the importance of excellent customer service as well as upcoming conventions and events in the area. Above, more than 70 members gathered for a glass of wine and networking at our annual Wine Tasting event at Andiamo Livonia. Sponsored by Upstream Investment Partners and Simply Social Media, the weather was beautiful for the June 3 evening, great connections were made and many walked away with prizes provided by our sponsors and Andiamo. 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 s larm tal A y urit Ren Sec Every with 13995 Haggerty Road Plymouth, MI 48170 734-354-9855 www.undercoverselfstorage.com 12 Chamber News 29TH ANNUAL LIVONIA BUSINESS EXPO Wednesday, May 6 • Laurel Park Place Mall & Detroit Marriott Livonia The event was presented by AlphaUSA, Madonna University, Level One Bank and Laurel Park Place. The daylong celebration of the Livonia business community included the Business Breakfast Roundtable, Livonia Business Expo, Networking Frenzy and Tastefully Livonia events. Other sponsors of the day included Schoolcraft College, Davenport University, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Constant Contact, Livonia Spree, Consumers Energy, Edward Jones Investments: Robin Whitfield, Financial Advisor, Freedom Hill Amphitheater, Community Choice Credit Union, Dave & Buster’s Livonia, Tennyson Chevrolet, Foresters Financial Partners, and Livonia Observer. Above, chamber members gathered in Laurel Park Place’s food court for this year’s Networking Frenzy, sponsored by Community Choice Credit Union. Left, 150 attended this year’s Tastefully Livonia, sponsored by Tennyson Chevrolet and Foresters Financial Partners. Thank you for all the restaurants that participated: Burton Manor Banquet Center, Blue Plate Diner, Buffalo Wild Wings, Angel Food Catering, Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches, Laurel Manor Banquet Center, O’Malley’s Bar & Grill, Joe’s Gourmet Catering, Tahini Mediterranean Grill & Bakery and Sweet Lorraine’s. Dave & Buster’s Livonia connected with attendees through music as the Prize Station sponsor. Pictured above, Jennifer Nagle, Special Events Manager, played Guitar Hero with a shopper. Chamber News 13 Thank You! Thank you to all of the members who donated prizes for our 29th annual Livonia Business Expo. Everyone’s support and contributions are truly appreciated. AlphaUSA Embassy Suites Lowe's Bill & Rod's Appliance En-Unison Salon Blazo's Pie Shoppe-Retail Store Fairfield Inn & Suites Detroit Livonia Marriott TownePlace Suites Livonia Coach's Corner Bar & Grill Comcast Spotlight Commercial Lawnmower Community Alliance Credit Union Costco Wholesale Cruz Clinic Daly Restaurant Davenport University Detroit Bagel Factory Detroit Marriott Livonia Freedom Hill Amphitheatre George Matick Chevrolet Hilton Garden Inn Plymouth Hyatt Place Detroit, Livonia I.H.O.P.—International House of Pancakes Joe's Produce Koney Island Inn Las Palapas Livonia Anniversary Committee Memorable Moments Photography M.I. Slingers NovoPrint USA— Michigan Division Phoenix Theatres Laurel Park PNC Bank Roger and Rod's Barber Shop The UPS Store #3011 Walmart Walsh College Chamber News 14 Face lift coming to O'Malley's After nearly two years of tinkering with the menu and atmosphere at O'Malley's Bar and Grill, work crews are in the middle of renovating its interior and exterior. Frank and Janice Grisa want O'Malley's to be a neighborhood Irish pub known for live music, good food and friendly faces. Frank said he wants the establishment to become a Livonia landmark like Bates Hamburgers. "I want to be one of the jewels of this community and I think we can achieve that," he said. The couple's roots in Livonia are deep. Both lived just about their entire lives here, and they are Bentley High School sweethearts. They raised three boys in Livonia, and Frank always wanted to run a tavern here. His family owned the O'Malley's property since 1979, but an opportunity arose in November 2013 for the Grisas to take over the 67-seat establishment at time the boys were old enough for Janice to start working. The couple loves how they consistently run into old classmates and childhood friends who dine at O'Malley's, located on the southwest corner of Five Mile and Farmington roads. "It is gratifying to see who comes in here and wants to reconnect," Janice said. In addition to winning people over with their signature ribs, coconut chicken, and steak, the couple gives back with by supporting charitable causes with donations of food and a percentage of restaurant proceeds on select days. Food and drink will Owners, Janice and Frank Grisa, in continue to be served front of O’Malley’s Bar & Grill as it goes through renovations. during renovations, which will include a new stucco and stone exterior, windows, entrance, and interior renovations that will add seating and a permanent stage for band performances and karaoke. The couple says all construction should be complete by the end of the summer. 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. MAY Terry Crouson JUNE Emily Bauman The Growth Coach of West Metro Detroit (734) 718-1640 www.TheGrowthCoach.com/TCrouson AdviCoach of Michigan (303) 929-8124 www.Mi.AdviCoach.com Terry Crouson, owner of The Growth Coach of West Metro Detroit, is certified in the Strategic Mindset® Coaching Process and is dedicated to helping business owners, self-employed professionals, and aspiring leaders discover a more fulfilling and balanced life. He is passionate about helping others find their way through finding their why. In addition to his work with small business professionals, Terry has worked with some of America’s largest corporations including General Motors, Coca-Cola, The Home Depot, and Amway. During his 25 years with The United States Postal Service he helped customers maximize their marketing dollars through effective and innovative campaigns. He is passionate about leadership and personal development and believes in serving the local community. Terry sits on the Board of Directors for the Livonia Chamber and is an active member of the Livonia Optimist Club. Terry and his wife Kristine are Livonia residents and along with their children love living, serving, and doing business in the community. As former owner of her own landscape company, Emily Bauman felt the joys & rewards of business ownership. She also understands the hard work and pains that go along too. Focusing on developing systems and processes that allowed her employees to achieve great success, she enabled the business to grow. As a business coach, advisor and speaker, Emily uses her experience and her passion for business to develop leaders who succeed to their highest potential & help their businesses thrive by increasing profits and building teams of great people. Emily is a Certified Value BuilderTM and brings over 15 years experience in business & executive development, strategic planning, sales, customer service, and marketing across many multi-million dollar organizations and industries. She is the Secretary/Treasurer of her BNI chapter and Ambassador with Livonia Chamber of Commerce. She has served on several boards of directors and continues to work with non-profit organizations as an advisor and volunteer. 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 advance purchasing. 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