`MOM-AND-POP SHOPS` - Livonia Chamber of Commerce

July/August
2015
THE STICKER
MEANS
SOMETHING
In the coming months, the
Livonia Chamber will do more
promotion in print and social
media platforms to promote the
credibility consumers have for
those companies who are
members of their local chamber
of commerce.
We receive a steady stream of
calls from people verifying a
company’s membership in the
Livonia chamber before deciding
to do business with them. In a
loyal, close-knit community like
Livonia, your chamber
membership can make the
difference in gaining business.
Several national surveys have
confirmed the elevated
favorability consumers have for
businesses that support their
local chamber. In the Midwest,
one survey indicates favorability
is up 28 percent, consumer
awareness is up 55 percent,
reputation is up 53 percent, and
likelihood of patronage is up 49
percent for local chamber
members, compared to
companies that are not
members.
The modest, tax-deductible dues
payment each year goes a long
way in building and sustaining
your company’s reputation here
in Livonia.
Chamber
News
Livonia’s Business Connection
‘MOM-AND-POP SHOPS’
There are more in Livonia than many realize
There has been a lot of
talk this summer about
the concept of creating a
downtown Livonia.
The effort by a group of
Livonia residents, who
call themselves the
Livonia Downtown
Partnership, started with
Dan West, President a focus on a potential
redevelopment of the
Kmart site at Seven Mile and Farmington.
However, the ideas grew to seek trendy retail and
restaurant redevelopments at other locations, and
a coordinated series of modern redevelopments
along all of Farmington Road.
There will be much debate in the future about
what can and cannot be done, but this group
should be applauded for their enthusiasm and
collaboration with a goal of making Livonia a
better place.
One common message that came from the ideas
gathered by this group was the desire for more
“mom and pop shops,” and less chain stores and
restaurants. Ideally, their vision of a
“downtown-like” development would include
several unique stores and restaurants.
Livonia already has a number of family-owned,
unique stores and restaurants – they are just
scattered across our 36-square-mile city.
Here is a starting list of independently-run
operated shops and restaurants in Livonia.
Joe’s Produce, in its 70th year, is one of metro
Detroit’s premier food stores. Blazo’s Pie
Shoppe offers fresh-made pies and other
Michigan-made products next to Senate Coney
Island. The recently-expanded Wine Palace
includes fresh-made food. Town Peddler on
Plymouth Road has been known for its
knick-knacks for years. Colleen’s Gaelic Gifts on
Farmington Road has featured its Irish inventory
for more than a decade.
My Hobby Place on Plymouth at Farmington is a
comfortable place to buy toys. Laurel Park Place
Mall is a comfortable size shopping center with
several independent stores, such as Pro Sports
Zone and The Olive Store. The TRI Shop, a
triathlete specialty store on Plymouth near
Levan. Bill and Rod’s Appliance store on
Middlebelt features cooking demonstrations, and
d.vine fine wines on Haggerty has a
comprehensive focus on unique wines.
Livonia has a number of independently-run
restaurants. On Plymouth Road, there is Mama
Mia’s, which is undergoing renovations, Annie’s
Family Restaurant, Archie’s, Luigi’s Pizza Café,
the historic Daly’s restaurant, Las Palapas
Mexican Restaurant, and Thomas’ Family
Restaurant. There’s Steve’s Family Dining on
Middlebelt, G. Subu’s Leather Bottle on
Farmington, Tahini Mediterranean Bakery and
Grill on Haggerty, and the quaint Blue Plate
Diner on Seven Mile.
Livonia features some famous carry-out places
with the Detroit Bagel Co., Bates Hamburgers,
Tony Baloney’s sub shop, Primo’s Pizza, and the
Dairy Barn.
And there is a variety of bars in Livonia: The
craft beer selection at One Under, the famous
hamburgers at Mason’s, and the revamped sports
watching and dining venues at George
Murphy’s, Coaches Corner, Time Out Bar and
Grill, and O’Malley’s.
This is just to name a few. The bottom line:
Livonia has a lot of great places to shop, dine,
and have fun – probably more of a selection than
most suburban communities. You just might
have to take a quick drive to get there.
INSIDE
Upcoming Events ……………...….………2
New Chamber Members….....………........3
Renewals………………....…….………...4
Grand Openings ………..........................5
Joe’s Produce Celebrates 70 Years ....….....14
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
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
KEN HUNT
Ford Motor Company
JAMISON JANDA
Embassy Suites
BRANDON KRITZMAN
OHM Advisors
DR. RANDY LIEPA
Livonia Public Schools
BETSY MCCUE
Huntington Bank
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
AUGUST
OCTOBER
Wednesday, August 26
Neighborly Networking
The Post Local Bistro
(844 Penniman Avenue, Plymouth)
5:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Free for Chamber Members
Come network with our neighbors
in the Plymouth community!
Tuesday, October 6
3rd annual Western Wayne
Business Leadership Banquet
Presenting Sponsors:
Bank of America and Comcast
Ford Motor Co. Conference Center
(1151 Village Road, Dearborn)
5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
$1,500 Corporate Table Package
$100 Individual Seat
The premier collaboration
experience for Western Wayne
County’s leaders. Mary Kramer,
Crain’s Detroit Business, will return
to emcee and Tim Collins, Comcast,
will be this year’s keynote speaker.
SEPTEMBER
Friday, September 11
Mind Your Business:
Accounting & Legal Workshops
Livonia Chamber of Commerce
(33233 Five Mile Road)
8:00 a.m. Accounting Workshop
9:00 a.m. Legal Workshop
$10 per Workshop
OR $15 for Both
Accountant Marty Talty, Kopmeyer
& Talty, PC, will provide helpful
accounting tips for your business
while Attorney Don Knapp, Fausone
Bohn, LLP, will provide guidance in
important, evolving business laws.
Wednesday, September 16
2015 Livonia State of the City
Sponsored by AlphaUSA,
Bright House Networks Business
Solutions, Marsh & McLennan
Agency, Schoolcraft College and
St. Mary Mercy Livonia
Laurel Manor Banquet Center
(39000 Schoolcraft Road)
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
11:00 Doors Open
$28 per person / $280 Table of 10
Join Mayor Kirksey for his 16th and
final address to the city
Thursday, October 15
Livonia Mayoral & City Council
Candidate Forums
Livonia City Hall Auditorium
(33000 Civic Center Drive)
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Free and Open to the Public
Register online by logging into
your member account!
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
Toppa@livonia.org to get started!
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 JUNE
-
JULY 2015
Congratulations to the following organizations for recently
investing in the work of the Livonia Chamber of Commerce.
Allure Medical Spa/
Allure Vein Center
Category: Medical
Contact: Mary Scott
37595 Seven Mile Road
Suite 400
Livonia, MI 48152
800-577-2570
www.alluremedicalspa.com
Ameriprise Financial
Category: Financial Services
Contact: Ralph T. Albers
39209 Six Mile Road
Livonia, MI 48152
734-542-4727
www.Ameriprise.com
Artistic Upholsterers
Category: Upholstery
Contact: Bob Pizzuti
13189 Wayne Road
Livonia, MI 48150
734-266-2929
Crest Asphalt & Sealcoating
Category: Asphalt
Paving Contractors
Contact: Fred Lawnicki
9200 Middlebelt Road
Livonia, MI 48150
734-422-4785
Geisler Company
Category: Manufacturing
Contact: Norm MacRitchie
30295 Schoolcraft
Livonia, MI 48150
313-255-1450
www.Geislerco.com
Health Markets
Category: Health Insurance
Contact: Pamela Brust
Livonia, MI 48154
313-844-4692
www.HealthMarkets.com/pbrust
Insyght Legal, PLC
Category: Legal Services
Contact: John T. Carter
101 W. Long Lake Road
Bloomfield Hills
248-785-3400
www.insyghtlegal.com
Skyway Precision, Inc.
Category: Manufacturing
Contact: Kelly Sharp
39100 Plymouth Road
Livonia, MI 48150
734-454-3550
www.skywayprecision.com
Metro Cheer & Dance
Category: Cheer,
Tumbling & Dance
Contact: Perrmella Harris
11889 Brookfield
Livonia, MI 48150
734-744-6444
Supreme Home Care & Rehab
Category: Medical Home Nursing
Contact: Naseem Ahmad Khan
38525 W. Eight Mile Road
Livonia, MI 48152
734-591-5920
MRK Pest Control
Category: Pest Control
Contact: David Hoyer
14050 Hubbard
Livonia, MI 48154
734-674-5497
www.mrkpest.com
The Home Depot
Category: Retail – Hardware
Contact: Charles D. Barber
13500 Middlebelt Road
Livonia, MI 48150
7345-458-4956
www.HomeDepot.com
Petros PACE Finance
Category: Finance Companies
Contact: Kyle Peczynski
600 Congress Ave.
Suite 300
Austin, TX 78701
734-718-8404
www.petros-pace.com
Thomas's Family
Dining & Catering
Category: Restaurant & Catering
Contact: Mark Kuszczak
33971 Plymouth Road
Livonia, MI 48150
734-261-8890
www.thomassdining.com
PLG Capital Funding Group
Category: Financial Planning
Contact: Weata Powell
17199 Laurel Park Ct.
Suite 105
Livonia, MI 48152
800-877-4869
www.plgcapitalllc.com
Thunder Bay Resources LLC
Category: Staffing
Contact: Jeff Graunke
199 N. Main Street
Suite 105
Plymouth, MI 48170
313-879-4901
www.ThunderBayResources.com
ResourceMFG
Category: Staffing
Contact: Charles Jude
16176 Middlebelt Road
Livonia, MI 48154
734-525-1840
www.resourcemfg.com
Vista Maria
Category: Non-Profit
Contact: Ryan Ambrozaitis, CFRE
20651 West Warren
Dearborn Heights, MI 48127
313-240-4346
www.VistaMaria.org
Chamber News
4
RENEWALS JUNE
-
JULY 2015
Thank you to the following organizations for continuing to invest in the Livonia Chamber.
1 Under Craft Beer & Eats
Devonaire Ice Arena
Admiral Tool &
Manufacturing Company
DTE Energy
Advantage Mobility Outfitters
All American Embroidery Inc.
AlphaUSA
American Red Cross
Blood Services
Angela Hospice
Aoun & Company, P.C., C.P.A.
Applebee’s
Arbor Crossing
Chiropractic Life Center
Arconcept Architects
Arnold Electric
BELFOR USA
Bill & Rod’s Appliance Inc.
Brighton Gardens of Northville
Edward Jones –
Daniel R. Kelterborn
Edward Jones –
Robin L. Whitfield
EnablePoint
Websites by the Menu
Everdry Waterproofing
FedEx Ground
Filter Technology LLC
Greener Method
Cleaning & Restoration
Hunt’s Ace Hardware
Huntington Bank
Hyatt Place Detroit, Livonia
I.H.O.P.- International
House of Pancakes
Burger King - Seven Mile
I-Know-A-Guy
Window Cleaning
Burger King - Middlebelt
Infineon Technologies
Center of Behavioral
Therapy P.C.
Jacobsen Steel Rule Dies
Comfort Inn of Livonia
Community Alliance
Credit Union
Jared Chapman State Farm
Jay-Bilt Construction
Joe’s Produce
KelseyPromo
Michigan Institute for
Behavioral Health
Michigan Schools &
Governmental Credit Union
Midas
MJS Packaging
Napa Auto Parts
National Realty Centers
Neely-Turowski Funeral Home
Noodles & Company
Oakmont Livonia
OHM Advisors
OnSite Solutions, Inc.
Performax Physical Therapy
Primerica –
Wolters & Associates
Quality Line Services
Red Lobster Restaurant
Roto-Rooter
Shaw Construction &
Management Co.
Sheehy Animal Hospital
Signs by Tomorrow
Simply Social Media
The DeAngelo Team –
Remerica United Realty
Community Choice
Credit Union
Kopmeyer & Talty PC
Complete Auto Restorations
Las Palapas
Connor’s Family Dining
Leo D. Neville, PLLC
Correct Care
Family Chiropractic
Liquor Vault
TJ Brisbois Remerica United Realty
Livonia Jaycees
TRILOGIQ USA
Livonia Mitsubishi
Ultimate Solutions, Inc.
Livonia Optimist Club
USA Hockey Arena /
Drive – in
Culver’s of Livonia
Darev Safety Consultants
Dave and Buster’s
Davenport University
Del Taco
Livonia Post 3941 VFW
The Mike Cox Law Firm PLLC
The Recovery Project
VIP Truck Center
McLaren Performance
Technologies
Wellspring Lutheran Services
Michael Shuster Photography
Zagata Agency
Chamber News
5
LIVONIA CHAMBER
GRAND OPENINGS
My Mobile Livonia 2
MOD Pizza
celebrated their ribbon cutting on June 5.
They are located at 34734 Plymouth Road
Livonia, MI 48150 and can be
reached at 734-744-4101.
www.MetroPCS.com
celebrated their grand opening on July 21.
They are located at 13229 Middlebelt Road,
Livonia, MI 48150 and can
be reached at 734-245-0710.
www.TeamSchostak.com
6
Chamber News
SAVE THE DATE
2015 MEMBER
APPRECIATION RECEPTION
Livonia Chamber - Celebrating 65 Years
Join us as we celebrate you
and all of our members at
our annual Member
Appreciation Reception
on Thursday, Nov. 5.
Sponsored by Bank of
America, Blue Cross Blue
Shield, Bright House
Networks Business
Solutions, NYX, Inc,
St. Mary Mercy Livonia,
and Upstream Investment
Partners, this year’s
reception will be at Burton
M a n or Ba n q u e t &
Conference Center from
5-7 p.m.
Get ready for a great
evening
full
of
networking, appetizing
food, music, photo booth
and more!
We expect hundreds of
business people to join us
at one of the Chamber's
most popular events!
Chamber News
7
2015 LIVONIA CANDIDATE FORUMS
The Livonia Chamber will be holding candidate forums
for the candidates running for Livonia City Council and
Mayoral office on Thursday, October 15 starting at 7 p.m.
at the Livonia City Hall Auditorium.
The event is free and open to the public. Members of the
audience will be able to ask questions of the candidates as
time permits.
Bright House Networks will record the event and
rebroadcast the program on cable-access television in the
weeks leading up to the Nov. 3 election.
Only the eight city council and the two mayoral candidates
whose names appear on the ballot will be invited to
participate in the Chamber forums, which will be
moderated by Livonia Chamber of Commerce President
Dan West.
“Advocacy is one of our missions at the
Livonia Chamber,” West said. “While we
do not endorse candidates, we work to
provide helpful resources to inform our
Chamber members and the entire
community about those running for
office in Livonia.”
The following candidates were voted to
advance to the general election and will
appear on the ballot:
Mayoral Candidates
Brian Meakin
Dennis Wright
City Council Candidates
Scott Bahr
Ken Crider
Brett Gierak
Jim Jolly
Steve King
Brandon Kritzman
Kathleen McIntyre
Cathy White
City Clerk Candidates
Susan Nash
Brian Duggan
City Treasurer Candidates
Lynda Scheel
Gerald Perez
For more information on these forums,
reach the Livonia Chamber of Commerce
at 734.427.2122.
8
Chamber News
Chamber News
9
CHAMBER SNAPSHOTS
Right, nearly 50 members
gathered at Buffalo Wild
Wings on July 29 for a
5 O’clock Connection,
sponsored by Greener Method
Cleaning and Restoration.
Below, Livonia Chamber
President/CEO Dan West
smiles with the new president
of Madonna University,
Dr. Michael A. Grandillo,
on his first visit to the
Chamber office.
Bottom left, perfect weather welcomed the sold out crowd that
attended the 2015 Livonia Spree Fireworks’ Barbeque. Sponsored
by Bright House Networks Business Solutions, Schoolcraft College
and Freedom Hill Amphitheatre, the evening included food from
George’s Senate, homemade cookies, children playing in the park
and fun with families and friends!
Chamber News
10
STATE ADVISOR LISTENS TO LOCAL
LEADERS ABOUT FUTURE WORKERS
Business, education, and elected leaders from several western
Wayne County communities bent the ear of Governor Rick
Snyder’s top advisor on workforce development on
Tuesday, July 28.
“Guys like Chuck Dardas, who is an accountant and successful
chief executive of a manufacturing company for many years is not
‘qualified’ to teach a business class in a Michigan school,” Bohn
said.
Stephanie Comai, director of the newly created Michigan Talent
Investment Agency, met for two hours with a group from
Livonia, Westland, Wayne, Northville, Plymouth and Canton at
Schoolcraft College. The focus was on the state’s shortage of
young people pursuing careers in skilled trades, technology, and
construction. Most of these positions only require one or two
years of post-secondary education, and often pay more than many
who earn a bachelor’s degree.
Comai acknowledged CTE certification requirements are
“horrifying.”
“Locally, statewide and nationally, we are all looking for talent but
we are concerned the feedstock is dwindling in our workspace,”
said Chuck Dardas, president and COO of Livonia-based
manufacturer AlphaUSA.
Comai said her agency, created by the Governor in March, is
charged with developing state initiatives that better prepares
young people for in-demand jobs.
“We need to overcome the stereotypes that exist about skilled
trades,” Comai said. “We plan to begin focus groups with parents
to identify what they need to hear so they encourage their
children to look at these careers.”
Paul Bohn, a lawyer and partner with the Northville-based firm
Fausone Bohn, said there are programming gaps in education and
there are unreasonable state demands for professionals to teach
career technical education (CTE) classes.
Educators detailed challenges they face promoting CTE and
science, technology, engineering, and math programs (STEM).
With the need for education cuts in recent years, educators said
limited demand for such curriculum made CTE programs an easy
target for the budget ax. Additionally, local educators identified
other issues:
Mark Bondy, who runs CTE programs for Plymouth-Canton
Community Schools, said the district recently used $1.5 million
from a bond issue to enhance STEM labs, but there are not
enough students using these labs.
Ann Owen, principal of Livonia’s Emerson Middle School, said
she consistently sees seventh and eighth graders drop out of
school. She suggested more active and engaging classes, such as
robust shop classes, might keep these at-risk students in school.
Dr. Michele Harmala, superintendent of Wayne-Westland
schools, said technical education is primarily discussed at high
school and college level, but it needs to be introduced at younger
ages, which may entice more students to these careers.
Employers like Ted Barker, who runs Livonia-based Shaw
Construction and Management Co., said there is a lack of
awareness about opportunities in his industry.
“We have a lot of employees who make a very good living
working for us, and only two of them have a bachelor’s degree,”
Barker said.
Harmala said CTE is a less-expensive option for parents
concerned about the costs of their child’s college education. And
in many cases, Harmala added a motivated, experienced young
worker with an associate’s degree will have a chance to earn a
business, engineering, or management bachelor’s degree with the
expense covered by their employer.
Michigan Talent Investment Agency’s Stephanie Comai and
AlphaUSA’s Chuck Dardas listen to the workforce discussion
with leaders from across Western Wayne County.
Other leaders involved in the discussion included: Dr. Randy
Liepa, the outgoing Livonia schools superintendent who will soon
lead Wayne RESA; Dr. Michael Meissen, superintendent of
Plymouth-Canton schools; Mayor Jack Kirksey of Livonia;
Supervisor Phil LaJoy of Canton Township; and Supervisor
Shannon Price of Plymouth Township.
Chamber News
11
CHAMBER AWARDS FIVE SCHOLARSHIPS
LIVONIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES
The Livonia Chamber was pleased to award five scholarships
at June 26’s Board of Directors’ meeting.
Three scholarships were awarded to seniors planning to
attend a college or university: Elizabeth Casella, Matthew
TO
Flood and Linsey Fosth. Justin Makowski and Matthew
Coulter were the first to receive scholarships designated for
students pursuing an associate’s degree or skilled trade
certificate.
Eligible applicants had to be a graduate from one of
Livonia’s five high schools and utilize the award to a
university or college that is a member of the Livonia
Chamber of Commerce. (Those schools are:
Schoolcraft College, Madonna University, Davenport
University, Eastern Michigan University, Central
Michigan University, University of Toledo,
ITT-Technical Institute, Walsh College, Wayne State
University, and Lawrence Technological University.)
This is an annual scholarship program authorized by
the Livonia Chamber of Commerce Board of
Directors funded by donations and proceeds from
Chamber programming. This is the sixth year of the
Livonia Chamber scholarship program, which awarded
$4,000 in 2015.
Pictured left to right: Livonia Chamber President/CEO Dan
West, Justin Makowski, Elizabeth Casella, Matthew Flood,
Matthew Coulter, and Livonia Chamber Chair Karen Sanborn.
Not Pictured: Lindsey Fosth
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734-354-9855
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Chamber News
12
120+ MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN ANNUAL GOLF OUTING
Perfect, mild weather welcomed golfers on July 13 at the
annual Livonia Chamber Golf Outing at Idyl Wyld Golf
Course and One Under Banquet Center.
The Livonia Chamber’s silver sponsors for the outing were
AlphaUSA, Bright House Networks Business Solutions,
Madonna University, NYX, Inc., Parkside Credit Union,
RFT Search Group Schoolcraft College, and ZF TRW.
The chamber’s third-largest event, more than 120 chamber
members took part in the outing, including sponsors,
144 registered golfers, prize donators and volunteers. Mercy
Elite Sports Performance returned as the outing’s presenting
sponsor.
Photo: Michael Shuster Photography
Photo: Michael Shuster Photography
Above, the Bank of America team concentrates on their putting to secure their
third place tie with the Nemier, Mathieu, Nash & Johnson, P.L.L.C . ZF-TRW
took home the second place trophies while Madonna University took the top
honors.
Top right, Chris Bohm, Jenna Pack and Dan Wolocko from Mercy Elite Sports
Performance welcome all the golfers.
Bottom right, Chris Carlson, The White Agency, and Holli Kerkhof,
Community Choice Credit Union, volunteer at
the foot golf contest.
Photo: Michael Shuster Photography
Thank you to all our Landmark Businesses &
Trustee Members for their continued support!
Chamber News
13
Thank You!
Thank you to all of the members who donated prizes for our 2015 Livonia
Chamber Golf Outing. Everyone’s support and contributions are truly appreciated.
Aadvise Consulting LLC
El Nibble Nook
Michigan Sports & Spine Center
AlphaUSA
Embassy Suites
MichiganderStore.com
Awrey Bakery
Embassy Title Agency
Mrs. Fields
BELFOR USA
En-Unison Salon
O'Malley's Bar & Grill
BIGGBY Coffee
Freedom Hill Amphitheatre
Orange Fork Chefs
Bill Brown Ford
Hampton Inn
Panchero's Mexican Grill
Bob Evans Restaurant
Hilton Garden Inn Plymouth
Phoenix Theatres Laurel Park
Buddy's Pizza - Livonia
Hyatt Place Detroit, Livonia
PNC Bank
Cebella's Pizza
Kopmeyer & Talty, P.C.
Quizno's
City of Livonia Golf Division
Livonia Community
Recreation Center
Roger & Rod's Barber Shop
Comfort Inn of Livonia
d.vine fine wines
Dave & Buster's
M.I. Slingers
Marriott TownePlace
Suites Livonia
The Olive Store
Thomas's Family
Dining & Catering
Zeal Credit Union
Chamber News
14
Joe’s Produce celebrates
70th anniversary
Livonians have visited the same Seven Mile Road location to buy
fruit longer than they’ve been going to city hall.
As one of Livonia’s longest-lasting businesses, Joe’s Produce
celebrated its 70th anniversary Aug. 1 with a customer
appreciation.
“We’ve grown with the community,” said Joe Maiorana Jr., the
operation’s third-generation owner. “We’ve always had a great
customer base here in Livonia, and we would not have lasted
this long without our many loyal customers in this town.”
Joe’s grandfather, Gaspare Maiorana purchased a 40-acre farm
off Seven Mile in 1945 – five years before Livonia chartered as a
city. On this farm, Gaspare built a fruit stand where he sold
items he harvested from the farm which was known as Maiorana
Orchards.
Gaspare’s son, Joe, built a 6,500-square-foot store on farm
property in 1967 and called it Joe’s Produce. The new building
enabled the family business to offer more products for its
customers, such as vegetables and dairy items. He expanded the
store in 1985 with another 12,000 square feet for more
refrigerated products and prepared salads.
Joe Maiorana Sr. retired in 1997 and turned things over to his
son. Joe Jr. oversaw another expansion, completed in spring
2007, which added another 12,500 square feet for larger displays
and aisles, new sections for deli, prepared hot and cold meals,
specialty baked goods and coffee. The building’s exterior was
also renovated. The Livonia Chamber of Commerce recognized
Joe’s Produce for this project with a Livonia Community
Enhancement Award.
Joe Maiorana Jr.
said
adding
prepared foods
enabled
the
business to branch
out and offer more
services. A catering
operation, Joe’s
A young Joe Maiorana Jr. stands with his
Gourmet Catering, grandmother, Frances, in front of the
developed in 2007. Maiorana Orchards fruit stand on in the
Two new food early-1960s.
stores emerged in
the adjacent strip center in 2012 with Joe’s Meat and Seafood
and Art of Bread.
“Having the fresh meat and fresh bread available here all the
time is good for our customers and our catering operation,”
Maiorana said. “Not many catering operations can say everything
was made from scratch at one place.”
Dan West, president of the Livonia Chamber of Commerce, said
people travel from miles away to shop at any of the Joe’s stores
because they know they are buying quality products.
“Joe’s Produce is one of Livonia’s signature businesses,”
West said.
Maiorana credits his staff of 150 employees for the continued
success of the store, many of whom are veteran employees such
as produce manager George Gjonaj, who has worked at the
store for 28 years. He also praises the work of 14 trained
culinarians and other conscious managers.
“They are meticulous and take their time to do a good job,”
Maiorana said. “They always talk about how they are willing to
experiment and try to do things differently, to keep things
fresh.”
Seven decades in business is an enormous sense of pride for the
Maiorana family, many of whom worked on the farm or in the
store. As a boy, Maiorana remembers a poignant comment his
father made to him in 1970. He pointed to a Joe’s Produce logo
and said: “That’s what you’re going to do.”
Today, Joe Sr. is enjoying retired life in Florida, but visits and
embraces the decisions that helped Joe’s Produce evolve from a
family farm into one of metro Detroit’s premier food markets.
“My dad really likes the changes,” Joe Jr. said. “My grandfather
would also be impressed.”
Today, Joe’s Produce has 31,000 square feet to display fruits,
vegetables, baked goods, prepared meals, and variety of beverages.
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.
JULY
AUGUST
Brian Schuessler
Elaine Evans
Edward Jones
(734) 261-0940
www.EdwardJones.com
Embassy Hotel
(734) 462-6000
www.EmbassySuites.com
Brian Schuessler is a Financial Advisor with Edward
Jones. His growing practice is located here in Livonia on
Middlebelt Road between 5 and 6 Mile. He is best able to
help individuals or business owners who are seeking to
reach a goal, such as retirement, income through
retirement or saving for education. Brian and his wife
Jenni have three children who they raise here in Livonia.
Benjamin (9), Julie (6), and Micah (4) keep them busy
and smiling. Brian joined the chamber in January and
became an ambassador in April. He enjoys the
opportunity to meet other people in the community and
assist them with their financial goals.
Elaine Evans is the Catering Manager at the Embassy
Suites in Livonia. As a catering manager, her job is to
bring events large and small to the hotel; such as
weddings, showers, family and class reunions as well as
corporate groups. She has worked at the Embassy Suites
for 15 years. “It is my home away from home and I am
truly blessed to have a wonderful work family and
environment,” said Elaine. Her ability to make
connections in our community has developed long
lasting ties to the community. She is community focused
and an organized worker. Her goal is to make a
difference in whatever she does and to add to a situation
in a positive way.
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