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 dwest@livonia.org
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
Toppa@livonia.org 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
john0@merchantsolution.com
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.
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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.
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tahmouch@livonia.org
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