March April 2014 website - Livonia Chamber of Commerce
Transcription
March April 2014 website - Livonia Chamber of Commerce
March/April 2014 CHAMBER PROVIDES SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR HS SENIORS Chamber News LOCAL SCHOOLS, BUSINESS WORKING TO INSPIRE MORE STUDENT INTEREST IN SKILLED JOBS The Livonia Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications from high school seniors, graduating from one of the five Livonia high schools, for two $1,000 scholarships. Eligible high school seniors must graduate in 2014 from Livonia Franklin, Churchill, Stevenson, Clarenceville, or Ladywood High School. This scholarship will be announced at an event to be named in spring 2014. Scholarship proceeds must be used at a Livonia Chamber of Commerce member institution.: Schoolcraft College, Madonna University, Davenport University, Eastern Michigan University, Central Michigan University, Northwood University, ITT Technical Institute, Walsh College, Henry Ford Community College, Wayne State Univers ity, a nd Lawrence Technological University. For more information and for the application, call the Livonia Chamber at 734.427.2122, or visit www.livonia.org. Applications due by 4 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2014. Livonia’s Business Connection Dan West, President We’ve talked about the need to direct more young people into high-d emand, g o o d - p a y i n g skilled-worker and advanced manufacturing careers in this publication for a couple years now. Now, it is time to turn our talk into action. The Livonia Chamber of Commerce and other community resources aim to better coordinate efforts on a long-term mission to shift thinking so more young people, backed by increasingly confident parents, are inspired to pursue high-tech jobs needed in the metro Detroit marketplace. The Chamber’s Board of Directors recently talked with Livonia Public Schools Superintendent Randy Liepa to push vocational opportunities within its long-running, successful internship program. This would give interested students a better appreciation of the clean, exciting, high-tech and viable career opportunities with advanced manufacturing, welding, electronics, informational technology, construction, and other skilled trades. Most of these careers need only two years of post-secondary education. According to many analysts, these types of jobs are in high demand over the next decade. We also realize the need to introduce young people to these types of careers at a young age. Schoolcraft College will hold a Technical Career Open House on Saturday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., to introduce middle and high school students to experiences in the manufacturing, metallurgy, welding, CAD and electronics lobs. This open house will give youngsters and their parents a first-hand look at the technical training available to pursue a career in the modern world of skilled trades. Contact Gene Keyes at Schoolcraft ([email protected]) for more information. “Most young students don't know about the manufacturing industry and we want to show them,” said Keyes, who runs Schoolcraft’s Manufacturing Department. “Other businesses are looking for new workers and will be at the open house to explain what it is they do and show off product.” President column continues on page 14. Mayor Jack Kirksey, pictured above, gave his 15th annual Livonia State of the City Address on March 27 at Laurel Manor Banquet Center to a record crowd. Read more on the event on page 8. INSIDE Upcoming Events………………..…....………2 New Chamber Members………………......3 & 4 Grand Openings ………..….........................4 Renewals……………………………………..5 2014 State of the City..………...…................8 Chamber Snapshots…………………………..12 Business Expo Preview……………………….13 Ambassador Briefs…………………………...15 Chamber News 2 2014 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Upcoming Events Chair KEN WAGNER State Farm Insurance Chair Elect KAREN SANBORN Madonna University GRETCHEN ALANIZ TRW Automotive DAN LAIBLE NYX, Inc. KATHY RAYMOR Lis, McCallion, Raymor & Co., P.C. 2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS PAUL BOHN Fausone Bohn, LLP CHARLES DARDAS AlphaUSA BRENDA DURLING Schoolcraft College/VisTaTech Center HAITHAM FAKHOURI Bold Media STEVE FUTRELL Technology Solutions KEN HUNT Ford Motor Company BRANDON KRITZMAN OHM Advisors DR. RANDY LIEPA Livonia Public Schools BETSY MCCUE Huntington Bank JOHN MURPHY Commercial Lawnmower DAVID SPIVEY St. Mary Mercy Hospital TOM STROUP Valaset Services PETER VENTURA Principal Associates MAY Thursday, May 8 Tastefully Livonia Thursday, May 8 Business Breakfast Roundtable Sponsored by Tennyson Chevrolet and Foresters Financial Partners Sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Detroit Marriott Livonia Shield of Michigan, Davenport University and Schoolcraft College (17100 N. Laurel Park Place) 5:30 - 7:30 a.m. Detroit Marriott Livonia $20 per Attendee (17100 N. Laurel Park Place) Limited Tickets Available 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Come enjoy food from Livonia $15 per Member restaurants and a silent auction Come hear from the panel with all proceeds going to the featuring Detroit Free Press’ Tom chamber’s scholarship program Walsh, Crain’s Detroit Business’ Chris Gautz and Michigan State Senators Glenn Anderson and Wine Tasting Patrick Colbeck Sponsored by Ameriprise Financial Services—James Parker, Financial Advisor Thursday, May 8 Andiamo of Livonia 28th Annual Livonia (38703 Seven Mile Road) Business Expo Sponsored by AlphaUSA, Bill Brown 5:30—7:30 p.m. Ford, Farmers Insurance District 15 $25 per Ticket Limited Tickets Available and Madonna University Enjoy a unique business Laurel Park Place Mall networking experience with a (37700 W. Six Mile Road) variety of wines, food spread, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and entry into the prize raffle. $250 per Table Exhibit Space Free Public Admission Featuring 100+ Businesses ROBIN WHITFIELD Edward Jones Have you activated your login on the chamber’s website? DENNIS WRIGHT Livonia City Treasurer It’s easy! Contact the chamber by calling 734.427.2122 or email [email protected] to get started! STAFF DAN WEST President/CEO DAWNNE TOPPA Vice President With a login, all members can register for events online and update their business listing on the website. DEBBIE FERENSIC Office Manager LAURA SWEENEY Program Coordinator DAN PAWLAK 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 FEBRUARY - MARCH 2014 Congratulations to the following organizations for recently investing in the work of the Livonia Chamber of Commerce. Absopure Water Co. Category: Water, Coffee & Vending Contact: James Visger 8835 General Drive PO Box 701248 Plymouth, MI 48170 734-207-4884 www.Absopure.com Air Conditioning Contractors of America/ Southeast Michigan Category: Heating & Air Conditioning Contact: John Hall 14660 Garden St. Livonia, MI 48154 877-270-ACCA www.SEMIACCA.org Cebella's Pizza Category: Restaurants – Pizza Contact: David Crawford 37625 Five Mile Road Livonia, MI 48154 734-542-0800 www.CebellasPizza.com Cloverlanes Bowl Category: Bowling Centers Contact: Marci Pertee 28900 Schoolcraft Livonia, MI 48150 734-427-6410 www.BowlCloverlanes.com Community Financial Credit Union Category: Banks & Credit Unions Contact: Kimberly McFadden 34000 W. Seven Mile Rd. Livonia, MI 48152 877-937-2328 www.cfcu.org Culvers of Livonia Category: Restaurant Contact: Rick Sponseller 13030 Middlebelt Road Livonia, MI 48150 www.Culvers.com Davis Security Services & Employee Leasing Category: Security Contact: Chris Gray 11844 Hubbard St. Suite 1 Livonia, MI 48150 734-422-0515 www.WMDavisSecurity.com Financial Services Professionals, Inc. Category: Financial Planning Contact: Patrick Catenacci, ChFC,CFP,CTS,CFP,AEP 29169 Morlock St. Livonia, MI 48152 248-982-8494 www.Fin.SrvPros.com Functional Floors Category: Flooring Contact: Chris Franklin 13450 Merriman Rd. Livonia, MI 48150 734-216-3824 www.FunctionalFloors.com Gold Seal Cleaning and Removal Services Category: Cleaning Residential & Commercial Services Contact: Mimi Daryousef P.O. Box 85779 Westland, MI 48185 734-619-9143 Hearing Center of Excellence Category: Audiologist Contact: Dr. Michael MacDonald 37650 Professional Center Drive Suite 105 Livonia, MI 48154 313-582-8852 www.HearingExcellence.com Hot Head Burritos Category: Restaurant Contact: David Kauscher 30975 Five Mile Road Livonia, MI 48154 937-751-4093 LaFontaine Toyota Scion Kia Hyundai Honda Volkswagen & pre-owned vehicles Category: Auto Dealerships Contact: Jessica Haddad 2725 S. Telegraph Rd. Dearborn, MI 48124 313-651-6600 www.TheFamilyDeal.com Lowe's Category: Home Improvement – Retail Contact: Barb Mocadlo 6555 Newburgh Road Westland, MI 48185 734-728-6620 www.Lowes.com Newburgh Swim Club Category: Non-profit Contact: Robin Parker P.O Box 531073 Livonia, MI 48153 734-464-5912 www.NewburghSwimClub.com New Members continue on page 4 Chamber News 4 NEW MEMBERS FOR FEBRUARY - MARCH 2014 Continued from page 3 O'Malley's Bar & Grill Category: Restaurants & Bars Contact: Janice Grisa 15231 Farmington Rd. Livonia, MI 48154 734-427-7775 Premier Medicine Category: Medical Contact: Dr. Nabil Suliman 20290 Middlebelt Rd. Livonia, MI 48152 248-987-1250 www.PremierMedicine.com RFT Staffing, LLC Category: Staffing Contact: Linda Ferrante 20765 Inkster Rd. Farmington Hills, MI 48336 248-957-6598 www.RFTStaffing.com Sheehy Animal Hospital Category: Veterinarians Contact: Tracy Howard 18790 Middlebelt Road Livonia, MI 48152 248-615-7670 www.SheehyAnimalHospital.com Sigma Diagnostic Inc. Category: Medical Contact: Mo Jeeb Shahbain 14155 Farmington Rd. Suite D Livonia, MI 48154 734-744-4846 St. Paul's Presbyterian Church Category: Churches Contact: Wanda 27475 Five Mile Livonia, MI 48154 734-422-1470 www.SPPC.org Vocalcreation LLC Category: Advertising Voice-over Contact: Ron Chandler 28933 Roycroft Livonia, MI 48154 734-956-3037 www.VocalCreation.com Wright Beamer, PLC Category: Law – Attorneys Contact: Dirk Beamer 31500 Northwestern Highway Suite 140 Farmington Hills, MI 48334 248-477-6300 www.WrightBeamer.com The Cabinet Shop Category: Kitchen & Bath Contact: Sam Pop 34955 Plymouth Rd. Livonia, MI 48150 734-427-2357 www.TheCabinetShopMI.com L IVONIA G RAND O PENING Congratulations! Pure Chiropractic Celebrated their Grand Opening on February 17. They are located at 34730 Plymouth Road, Livonia, MI 48150 and can be reached at 734-788-9421. Chamber News 5 RENEWALS FEBRUARY - MARCH 2014 Thank you to the following organizations for continuing to invest in the Livonia Chamber. 1 Under Bar & Grill Foresters Financial Partners P2R Associates AAA Michigan Garden City Hospital Parkside Credit Union Advanced Spinal Fitness George H. Pastor & Sons Perry & Drummy, Inc. All Night Auto Gordon Food Service Personalized Hearing Care Apartment Services Company Graphik Concepts, Inc. Plymouth Whalers Arden Courts of Livonia Hines Park Lincoln Residence Inn by Marriott Ashley Capital Huntington Bank Security Designs, Inc. Ashley Court of Livonia Huntington Bank (Meijer) Shepard Insurance Agency Bildon Parts & Service ITT Technical Institute Siam Spicy 4 Blue Plate Diner James R. Stewart, Jr., DDS, PC Botsford Hospital Joseph J. Weiss, MD State Farm Insurance Ken Wagner Agency Brightmont Academy Northville Campus Joseph Productions Cardwell Florist Central Michigan University Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church KTX America, Inc. Liquor Vault Little Caesars Pizza Livonia Counseling Center Livonia Dental Group ClearWater Construction Services Livonia Post 3941 V.F.W. Courtyard By Marriott Livonia Rotary Club D & B Landscaping, Inc. Livonia Towing DTE Energy M. Jacob & Sons East Side Mario's Majestic Condominium Management, LLC Eastern Michigan University Ehlers Heating & Air Conditioning ERA Country Ridge Realty ETD Services Exchange Club of Livonia Faith Bible Church Fifth Third Bank Ford Motor Co. - Transmission Mama Mia Restaurant Meakin & Associates Michigan Educational Credit Union Michigan Tai Chi Association MJ Creative Printing M-Tec at Henry Ford Community College Open Arms Church State Senate Office Stenco Construction Company Tennyson Chevrolet Three Kings Marketing Thrivent Financial Title One Total Coffee & Vending Service, Inc Tri-County Title Agency UHY LLP WE PAINT HOUSES.NET Webasto Roof & Components SE Western & Southern Life Westland Nursing & Rehabilitation Centre Westland Shopping Center Wood Funeral Home Wright & Filippis XFER Communications Chamber News 6 PORTER TALKS MACKINAC, TOURISM AT LIVONIA CHAMBER EVENT In the midst of a tough winter, a Mackinac Island presentation brought warm thoughts to some 70 people gathered Friday, March 7 for a Livonia Chamber event at Schoolcraft College. Mackinac State Historic Parks Director Phil Porter spoke to Livonia chamber members and residents about the 6 F’s of Mackinac; including the crowd’s favorite: fudge! Phil Porter, the director of Mackinac State Historic Parks, talked about the history of the Straits region and the importance of the state tourism industry at Wake-Up Livonia, presented by Vibe Credit Union. He rifled through 400 years of the region’s prominent history in a 40-minute presentation focused on the 6 F's of Mackinac: Faith, furs, forts, fish, fun and fudge. "In a manufacturing-centered region like metro Detroit, Phil's presentation opened a lot of our guests' eyes to the significance of tourism in Michigan, and Mackinac Island's key role in driving that industry," said Dan West, president of the Livonia Chamber of Commerce. Tourism is Michigan's second-largest industry that generates some $18 billion a year, according to analysts. Mr. Porter said the forts and museums controlled by Mackinac State Historic Parks attract some 1 million visitors who generate $175 million in spending each year. “And this does not include the many visitors to our parks who travel from out of state, and through our peninsulas to reach us,” Porter said. Several Boy Scouts and adult leaders from Troop 271, based at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Livonia were part of the audience. The scouts are part of a metro Detroit Boy Scout contingent that serve on the Island for a week as part of the Mackinac Island Scout Service Camp. Porter said the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts that serve on the Island between Memorial Day and Labor Day each summer combine to provide 35,000 volunteer hours. "We would not be able to operate everything we do without their service," he said. Thank you to our Landmark Businesses & Trustee Members for their continued support! Chamber News 7 Chamber News 8 570 GATHER FOR STATE OF THE CITY Mayor: City sees more development, fiscal stability With each passing year since the recession, it’s clear to Livonia mayor Jack Kirksey: the city is on the rebound and growing at a rapid pace. Livonia’s unemployment rate of 3.4 percent, compared to Wayne County’s 9 percent, Michigan’s 7.7 percent and the country’s 8.4 percent, is just one representation of how the city is moving forward, Kirksey said. Kirksey addressed several topics, including the city’s bright economic outlook, during his annual State of the City Address Thursday, March 27 at Laurel Manor before a record number of attendees. Sponsored by AlphaUSA, Bright House Networks Business Solutions, Cambridge Mayor Kirksey made a grand entrance mirroring the 2014 Winter Property & Casualty and St. Mary Mercy Olympics Opening Ceremonies with his daughter Jillian and students from the Jackson Center. Livonia, the mayor touched on the status of the Larry Nehasil Park project, the city’s financial Kirksey touched on the city’s finances, which included forecast and the economic development the city has seen hope that Gov. Rick Snyder’s proposed increase of state in the past year. shared revenue to municipalities would be approved, sending more than an additional $300,000 to Livonia. Those highlighted included the recent opening of Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt and Dave & Busters, which Property values in Livonia have seen an increase in the Kirksey said has become quite the hotspot. previous two years, increasing 4.3 percent this past year. Despite that increase, Kirksey said the city is still not “They’ve been open for just a few months, and it is their receiving the full amount it should be when it comes to second busiest store in the entire nation,” he said. revenue sharing. Kirksey also invited Linda Nehasil, wife of fallen Livonia police officer Larry Nehasil, to address the audience on the Fallen Heroes Monument, which is expected to wrap up construction and open by the summer. The monument, which has been several years in the making through a committee, will be a fitting tribute to the public safety officers who gave their lives protecting the residents of Livonia, Linda Nehasil said. “The monument will be a lasting memorial for these brave men,” she said. “It’s a huge endeavor, and they’ve done an outstanding job.” “There’s an $8 million difference from what the city should be receiving – we are very grateful for what we get – but all local governments, townships and cities face the same kind of dilemma,” he said. Complete with a photo of himself standing next to a large pile of snow in his driveway, Kirksey also addressed the poor winter weather and its impact on the city and its roads. With 370 miles of city-controlled roads – which Kirksey said if stretched out in one road would go as far as Sault Ste. Marie – the mayor said the city has tried to do the best (continued next page) Chamber News 9 (continued from page 8) it could with the crews that gave so much time into keeping streets maintained. “Whether we plow or we don’t, from a PR standpoint, we don’t win,” he said. “We plow, people – some, not all – complain that we’re dumping snow in the driveways. And if we don’t plow, (we get) ‘where were you? We expect you to be there.’ And also, after the plow, they expect to see pavement. This year, we plowed one day, the temperatures dropped to This year’s State of the City Address attracted a record number of attendees with some 570 chamber members, city officials and community leaders registered. five below at night and everything becomes ice on Kirksey used 2013 as example, showing the department the concrete. So, from a PR standpoint, it’s been a bad had hired 19 new officers. But 20 officers left the year in terms of expectations, at least for some.” department for various reasons, including resignations, The recent police staffing issue the city has faced was also terminations and retirements, resulting in a net loss of one discussed by Kirksey, about one week after the city council officer. approved new contracts with two police unions that But he said the city is on the right track with slowing down include a retention program to help keep officers eligible the loss of officers in the city. to retire on the force longer. Several other changes have been incorporated, including shortening the civil service “We feel like we’re stabilizing the loss of police officers examination time frame, hiring retired police officers as and we are in the process of rebuilding staff,” he said. temporary staff and recruiting former military police officers. Article from Livonia Observer 10 Chamber News Chamber News 11 COMPANY RELOCATES TO LIVONIA WITH REVAMPED SOFTWARE TO BOOST MANUFACTURERS Businessman Bob Sakuta has consistently fostered growth since he took control of the company his father created, Delta Research. The president of the Livonia-based manufacturer of high precision gears, gear boxes and transmission components made a significant investment in a software product 25 years ago that he credits with helping him make better decisions to help his business grow. Sakuta credits Realtrac Performance ERP for discovering extraordinary efficiencies in pricing, production, scheduling, and personnel management. “This really helps people,” he said. “It helps a talented machinist become a better business person. It is perfect for small shops.” Sakuta invested in the product again in 2012 when he purchased the company that makes the enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, and moved its headquarters from California to Livonia. Realtrac Performance ERP, which serves 300 customers, is the fourth company Sakuta operates in Livonia. Realtrac, Delta Research, Delta Gear and Delta Inspection combine to employ 140 people. “Bob and his family continue to be entrepreneurs and innovators with their diverse collection of businesses that create more jobs and exciting business opportunities for the manufacturing industry and the Livonia business community,” said Dan West, president of the Livonia Chamber of Commerce. “We had to learn how a manufacturer uses the software and get their feedback,” Eckler said. “We had our ideas, but we needed that feedback from the users and it helped us identify what we needed to do.” Realtrac Performance ERP released their revamped product, Version 10, in March. Sakuta said he has already landed some new customers. “It is primarily designed to help manufacturers, but you can make a case that this product can help other industries as well,” he said. “Anyone who wants to do a better job of quoting prices, while tracking time and costs, can benefit from this software.” The new Livonia firm currently has 12 employees stationed at the Delta Research facilities and is continuing to grow. He hired Livonia native Jeremy Klosowski to return home from out of state to become the Director of Sales and Marketing for Realtrac Performance ERP. He has started marketing and advertising the product using various media relations including: multi-media, e-commerce, trade publications and will be attending numerous trade shows. Sakuta said he envisions business growth that will demand a new separate building for Realtrac’s operations in the future. Since Sakuta and business partner Tom Buck took control of Realtrac Performance ERP, they embarked on a 16-month program to redesign and modernize the software which expanded its capacity and capabilities. The revamped software provides faster search engines, easier file attachments, expanded document management systems, and it is adaptable to mobile and tablet devices. “It quickly provides you with more data so you can improve your ability to make quotes to prospective customers,” Sakuta said. “With the enhanced archiving systems, you can eliminate the need for a traditional filing system which saves your office space.” Mark Eckler was part of the four-person team that redesigned Realtrac’s software. He said it took time to develop appropriate modifications because they talked with customers to get a good grasp of how they used the software. Realtrac Performance recently moved its enterprise resource planning software company from California to Livonia, where the team of Mark Eckler, Pat Eckler, Mark Everest and Matt First redesigned and modernized the product. Chamber News 12 CHAMBER SNAPSHOTS 10th Annual Leadership & Awards Celebration The 10th annual Leadership and Awards Celebration took place on Thursday, Feb. 20, at Laurel Manor and was sponsored by Cambridge Property and Casualty, AlphaUSA, St. Mary Mercy Hospital and Madonna University. Pictured left is all the honorees of the evening. (Top row, from left) Clarenceville School District’s Teachers of the Year Trevor Johnson and Amy Mahoney, Community Enhancement honorees from Home Instead Senior Care Scott and Glenna Yaroch, chamber scholarship recipient Delvonta Pinkston, Community Enhancement honoree Dave & Buster’s Dave Rogan and Photo: Livonia Observer Livonia Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year Eric Cassie; (middle row, from left) Outstanding Large Business of the Year honorees from OHM Advisors Charlie Mahoney, Dan Fredendall and John Hiltz, 2013 Ambassador of the Year Mark LaBerge, Outstanding Small Business of the Year’s Kim, Linda and Joe Legato of Bill & Rod’s Appliance, Outstanding Youth Kaleen Snowdon, Livonia Public Schools’ Teachers of the Year Mary Collins and Rick Santi; (bottom row) First Citizens honorees Joyce and Bob Biga. Photo: Livonia Observer Photo: Livonia Observer OHM Advisors’ President John Hiltz accepts the 2014 Outstanding Large Business of the Year award from the Livonia Chamber at the Leadership and Awards Celebration, pictured with Brandon Kritzman and Charlie Mahoney. Delvonta Pinkston of Madonna University was recognized as one of the recipients of the Livonia Chamber’s adult learner scholarship program on Feb. 20, seen above with Chamber President Dan West. Chamber News 13 Expo returns May 8 to Laurel Park Place Presented by AlphaUSA, Bill Brown Ford, Madonna University and Farmers Insurance District 15, the Livonia Business Expo will return for its third year at Laurel Park Place and Detroit Marriott Livonia on Thursday, May 8. The Business Breakfast Roundtable, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Davenport University and Schoolcraft College, will kickoff the day at the Detroit Marriott Livonia from 7:30 - 9 a.m. This year’s breakfast panel will talk about policy and business issues that impact the state and metro Detroit region. The panel will include: Michigan State Senators Glenn Anderson and Patrick Colbeck along with Detroit Free Press Business Columnist Tom Walsh and Crain’s Detroit Business Capitol Correspondent Chris Gautz. The expo floor, sponsored by Consumers Energy, Co-op Services Credit Union, Edward Jones-Robin Whitfield, Freedom Hill and the Livonia Spree, will run from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. featuring more than 100 chamber members throughout Laurel Park Place. Prizes will be handed out throughout the day at the Dave & Buster’s Prize Station. Livonia Chamber Members are encouraged to signup for the Networking Frenzy, sponsored by Laurel Park Place, which will take place from 2-3 p.m. Attendees of Tastefully Livonia can enjoy samples from local restaurants, music and networking during the popular nightcap portion of the Expo from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Detroit Marriott Livonia. The Tastefully Livonia, sponsored by Tennyson Chevrolet and Foresters Financial Partners, will also feature a silent auction with proceeds going to the chamber’s scholarship program. Some 3,000 people walked through Laurel Park Place during the 2013 Livonia Business Expo. The Expo featured some 90+ exhibitors; including Affinity Home Care Agency pictured above. For more information and to register for any of the events above, please contact Laura Sweeney at 734.427.2122, or via e-mail at [email protected] or visit www.Livonia.org. 4th Annual Livonia Home Show Sponsored by Co-op Services Credit Union, Farmers Insurance - Kelly Zagata Agency and Vento Decorative Concrete, the 4th Annual Livonia Home Improvement Show was held at Churchill High School on Saturday, March 22. Above, Chef Pam Geraci talks to attendees at the Bill & Rod’s Appliance booth. Left, Bob Modes of Blue Plate Diner serves sliders at the Home Show’s Grab-n-Go Lunch Row, which also featured Annie’s Family Restaurant, Bob Evans Restaurant, Jimmy John’s and O’Malley’s Bar & Grill. Chamber News 14 Livonia businesses and educators take action to grow students’ interest President column continued from cover. Also in the coming school year, the Chamber will work with upper elementary and middle school classrooms to give students a chance to tour several local manufacturing operations, such as AlphaUSA, NYX Inc., Delta Research, Delta Gear, Linear Mold and Engineering, and Roush. As Chuck Dardas, AlphaUSA’s president and COO, simply put it: “We need to get young people excited about building things.” It is understandable why parents have been shy about the manufacturing careers in recent decades as assembly jobs declined. This moved parents to direct their children to focus on university studies. But in many cases, these students’ studies were not focused on skills needed in the marketplace. This created a glut of college graduates who obtained significant student loan debt, yet are stuck in jobs that didn’t require a bachelor’s degree. “For years, we focused on the need for college to get a good job, but we made a mistake,” Michigan Governor Rick 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 Re n Sec Every with 13995 Haggerty Road Plymouth, MI 48170 734-354-9855 www.undercoverselfstorage.com Snyder said at his recent Economic Summit in Grand Rapids. “We needed to equally talk about the need for training skilled workers.” Snyder talked about the need to redefine perceptions of a “skilled worker,” so more families realize this type of training can lead to good jobs, good careers and good pay. “We need to focus less on just education and more on career preparedness,” the Governor said. So in Livonia, our business and education communities are working together to better prepare young people for needed, viable jobs of the future. Not every young adult was meant to go to a university for at least four years to get trained for a good job. There are other paths. We have to inform our young people of those other paths. And now, Livonia’s business and education communities are working together to make that happen. 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. MARCH APRIL Julie Van Ameyde Melissa Pilzner Simply Social Media LLC (248) 667-8718 www.SimplySocialMediaLLC.com Raymond James, Livonia (248) 427-1600 RaymondJamesLivonia.com Julie Van Ameyde is the president of Michigan based Simply Social Media LLC. Her imaginative vision has helped businesses throughout the Midwest create, shape and successfully share their brands through online marketing. With over 25 years of business development and marketing experience, Julie knows all too well how challenging the world of social media can be. For over a decade, Julie built a reputation as a “go to” consultant to Silicon Valley based technology start-ups. Later taking an entrepreneurial turn, she became the Vice President and Founder of one of the most popular day spas in the state. Now as the owner of Simply Social Media, Julie puts her combined knowledge of social media platforms and best practices as a veteran business owner to work for clients. In addition, she contributes considerable time and energy to civic outreach programs, as well as community and charity groups. Melissa Pilzner is a Financial Advisor from Raymond James, Livonia, experienced in the areas of retirement planning and low-cost qualified plans for small and mid-sized businesses. Melissa has always had a strong passion for the financial industry, and her favorite part of the business is preparing individuals to be more financially confident, successful, and independent. In 2012, Melissa graduated with High Distinction from the University of Michigan Dearborn, and in January 2014, she began studying for a Certified Financial Planner certification and a Master of Science in Finance degree at Walsh College. In addition to her work as an advisor, Melissa enjoys spending her free time as an Ambassador for the Livonia Chamber of Commerce, an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Livonia, and a dedicated philanthropist for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
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