Commerce CommentaryWestland Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Serving the Business Community for 55 YearsJanuary 2017 Edition

36900 Ford Road  •  Westland, Michigan 48185 (734) 326-7222  •   www.westlandchamber.comwestland-carcare.com

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Do you have trouble getting out of work in the middle of the day toattend one of the Chamber’s Luncheons? When 5:00pm comes aroundare you ready to go home, and not come to an After-Hours? Well thenyou no longer have an excuse not to be involved! There is a speciallydesigned event for you. This month’s Coffee Connection will be

hosted by a new chamber member, George's Family Dining. We’ll be there from 8am-9am on Wednesday, January11th. George's is located at 303 S. Wayne Rd., in Westland between Cherry Hill and Palmer. Stop in for Coffee and getsome networking done before you have to go to work. No need to RSVP, just stop in when you can. Please join us andgive this new Chamber member a warm welcome. The food is great, the staff is friendly and the prices are very rea-sonable!! Call the Chamber at 734-326-7222 for more information. We’ll see you at George’s Family Dining J

Please join us for a FREE casual networking event and welcome another new member to the Westland Cham-ber! Fireside Bar & Grill (501 S. Wayne Rd.) will be our host this month on Tuesday, January 24. Ifyou have never been there then you are in for a treat! Fireside Bar & Grill recently won the 2016 Holiday

Taste Fest Culinary Excellence Award for best food. Theywill be providing appetizers for us from 5-7pm. Just bringplenty of business cards, a few bucks for the cash bar, and afriend or two if you wish. For those of you that are unfamiliarwith what an After Hours is - They are a chance for you andyour staff to come meet other business owners in the com-munity, maybe pass a few business leads, and gain some newbusiness for yourself. These events are set up for you to feelcomfortable and come as you are. No need to stress aboutwhat time they start or end. Just stop in on your way homefrom work. If you have any questions or would like to attend,please call the Chamber at 734-326-7222, or email us at west-landchamber@yahoo.com.

Shown at right: Fireside Bar & Grill staffserving their award winning food!

(more Holiday Taste Fest photos on page 4-5)

Award Winning Fireside Bar & Grill HostsOur January 24 After Hours Event

New Member: George’s FamilyDining Hosts January CoffeeConnection

George Nakad

Page 2 Westland Chamber of Commerce

2017Executive Board

Sande Godbout, Chairman of the BoardSt. John’s Episcopal Church..........313-550-7498

Dan Martin, Immediate Past ChairAmeriprise Financial ..................734-776-9151

Ricardo Seir, D.D.S.,Vice Chair Business & Economic DevelopmentParkside Dental Team .................734-261-6060

Joe Lezotte, Vice Chair of Finance & OperationsRiver Oaks Wealth Advisors .........248-442-2323

Jim Hart, Vice Chair of Government AffairsRSM Technical Solutions................(734) 709-5307

Dr. Amanda Apfelblat, Vice Chair Community &Educational DevelopmentMichigan Chiropractic Specialists, PC ..734-838-0353

Don NicholsonVice Chair of Marketing & MembershipDon Nicholson Enterprises ..........734-658-5296

Board of DirectorsGary BulsonMen On the Move ..........................734-729-6683

Kathy HurtZeal Credit Union ........................734-522-3700

Dick Isham,C & M Printing..............................(734) 729-5401

Bruce Smoler, D.D.S.Community Dental Associates .........734-728-5600

Chamber StaffBrookellen Swope,

President and CEO....................734-326-7222

Mary Vellardita, Marketing & Membership .........734-326-7222

Newsletter StaffBrookellen Swope - Editor

Mary Vellardita - Advertising Sales/Production

www.westlandchamber.com

Winners must pledge to attend college and build their careers in Michigan.Michigan high school seniors who have a passion for giving back and adesire to stay in state for college and beyond have the chance to win oneof twenty $5,000 scholarships through the annual Community ChoiceScholarship Program.Since 2009, the Community Choice Scholarship Program has awarded

more than $800,000 in scholarships to 160 Michigan students and remainsone of the largest scholarship programs in the credit union industry both inMichigan and nationally. It was created at the height of the Great Recessionas a way to combat the droves of students who were leaving Michigan to pur-sue their education and career elsewhere. “Retaining Michigan’s young talent is vital to the continued resurgence of

our state’s economy,” said Steven Hernandez, Foundation Development Co-ordinator of the Community Choice Foundation. “These scholarships not onlyact as a stepping stone to help students grow their careers here in Michigan,but also serve as a reminder that they have an entire organization and networkback at home rooting for them as they head off to college.”To be eligible, applicants must live in Michigan, plan on attending a Michi-

gan college or university, and must pledge to stay in Michigan after college.They must also maintain a minimum GPA of a 3.0 and have a strong recordof Giving Big to their community through volunteerism or public service.Students are encouraged to apply now. Applications are being accepted on-

line at CommunityChoiceFoundation.com through Wednesday, February 1,2017. The newest 2017 scholars will be welcomed to the group during anaward presentation in April.The Community Choice Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, relies on gener-

ous support from the Credit Union, local businesses, the community andCredit Union members to make the scholarship program possible. Sponsor-ships begin at $500 and go up to a full $5,000 scholarship level. Donationsof every amount are accepted. To donate, or for questions regarding the ap-plication process, please contact Foundation Coordinator Steven Hernandezat 877.243.2528, ext. 1978 or email SHernandez@CommunityChoiceCU.com.About Community Choice Foundation: Since 2008 Community Choice

Credit Union has put its Give Big philosophy into action through the Com-munity Choice Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The Foundationis committed to improving the communities served by Community ChoiceCredit Union through donations and volunteerism, as well as a scholarshipprogram that provides 20 scholarships each year totaling $100,000 to localstudents who pledge to attend college in Michigan and commit to giving backto the state by building their careers here. To date, the Foundation has donatedmore than $880,000 to local charitable programs and events.For more information, visit CommunityChoiceCU.com.

Apply Now for Community Choice’s College Scholarship Program

TheMayor’s Corner

By Westland Mayor William R. Wild

William R. Wild, Mayor

Westland Chamber of Commerce Page 3

820 N. Wayne RoadWestland, MI 48185

734.629.5035

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BRUCE SMOLERDDS, FAGD, FICOI

Dear Chamber Member:

I hope your holidays were enjoyable and restful and like me, you’re now readyto begin a new year of progressive and innovative ideas that will better your or-ganization and those you serve. 2016 was an incredible year for our All Amer-ican City and I look forward to continuing on to move Westland forward.In November, Westland kicked off the Shop & Dine Westland Holiday Cam-

paign for the 7th year in a row. Shop and Dine is a 6-week multifaceted market-ing campaign entitled "Shop & Dine Westland" which promotes Westland'spremier shopping district as a location that bears "Everything you want. Every-thing you need" for everyone's holiday season shopping list. The Campaign in-cludes TV commercials, radio ads, billboards on major freeways and a largedigital and social media presence. The campaign also focused on Small Busi-ness Saturday, the antithesis to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which pro-motes shopping at local, small businesses over the holidays. We also drew alarge crowd at the Westland Shopping Center when we gave away a $1,500shopping spree to one lucky winner. The contest, which was facebook driven,received over 4,000 submissions from individuals all over the region. At the last Council Meeting in December, Westland City Council approved a

$4.2 million expansion of Parkside Credit Union, located at the corner of Palmerand Newburgh Rd. The expansion will include the addition of 7,643 squarefeet, resulting in a two-story building consisting of a total of 15,291 square feet.The addition will allow Parkside to establish their Westland location as theirmain office. The branch will house 40 members of their administrative staffthat are currently scattered across various locations. The branch will also berenovated with new technologies and service levels.Another change you may have noticed is the removal of the former Feister

building at 37401 Ford Rd., which was built in 1945. Last year, the City Councilapproved a mix-use development on the overall 12.5 acre site. The new devel-opment will include a 75,330 square foot skilled nursing facility on the south9.135 acres of the site and a commercial complex on Ford Road that uncludesa 3,000 square foot commercial building for medical use and approximately25,000 square feet of retail and drive-thru restaurant use on the remaining 3.44acres of the site.I know at the beginning of the year many of you may be budgeting out your

sponsorship allocations for 2017. Please keep in mind that the City of Westlandhas a number of events throughout the year that are great opportunities to getthe word out about your business to our residents. If you are interested or needmore information, please call my office at (734)467-3200.And as always, remember to visit the City’s website www.cityofwestland.com

and the City’s Facebook, City of Westland Administration and Twitter @city-ofwestland for the latest on news, services and events happening here!In closing, I greatly value the relationship the City of Westland has with its

thriving business community and look forward to continued progress in the yearto come!

Warm regards,

Page 4 Page 5

123.NET - Jim HartAlexander the Great

ApplebeesAvon Westland - Jill Lezotte-Kates

Big Ben's Party StoreBiggby Coffee

Century 21 DynamicC&M Printing & Imaging - Dick Isham

Comfort Keepers - Joanne DargaDan Martin - Westland Chamber Board

Dan StachowDon Douglass - Westland Rotary Club

Don Nicholson Enterprises LLCEarl Ludwig - Westland Rotary ClubEukeka Educators, LLC - Mark Neal

Famous Dave'sFireside Bar & Grill

Great Lakes TrophiesGrindstone Smokhouse

Integrity Pure & Natural - DeAnna GilbertInspire Theatre

James Gibbs-Westland RotaryJonna's Market

Judge Mark McConnell-Westland RotaryJuenemann Insurance Agency

Kristi Nimsgern - Westland Rotary ClubLonghorn Steakhouse

Malarkey’s Irish Sports PubMargaret & Jim Harlow-Westland RotaryMaria Mitter - Westland Rotary Club

Mary & Don Oesterwind - Westland RotaryMary Vellardita - Westland Rotary

McDonald’sMen On The Move - Gary Bulson

Michigan Chiropractic Specialists - Dr, Amanda Apfelblat

MJR TheatersMr. Mike's Grill

My Lady's FloristNankin Ace Hardware and Hobby

North Brothers Ford, IncOn The Border

Paul Motz - Westland RotaryParkside Credit Union

Parkside Dental Team - Dr. Ricardo SeirPrecision Jewelers

Ram's HornRed Robin

RC DJ & Video Productions, Inc.Shulers Restaurant

Smoler Smiles Express - Dr. Bruce SmolerStarbucks of Westland

River Oaks Wealth Advisors - Joe LezotteSt. John's Episcopal Church -

Sande GodboutSam’s Club / Canton

Saranda Salon - Julia SchochStarbucks Westland

STEP - Services to Enhance PotentialTexas Roadhouse

Three Cities Art Club - Marilyn MeredithTim Horton's Coffee

Toarmina's Pizza - Lou ToarminaWestland Floor Covering

William D. Ford Career Tech. Center -Café Marquette

WOW Business - Ty JenkinsZeal Credit Union - Kathy Hurt

Thank You To:Marsha Mumm, Dave Purdy & Peter Mumm

RC DJ and Video Productions, Inc.Sheri Robinson, Accounting & Tax Solutions

Westland Rotary Club Members, especially Mary McGawWestland Chamber of Commerce Board Members,

especially Kathy Hurt, Zeal Credit Union andGary Bulson, Men on the Move

Liza Randazzo and the Hellenic Cultural Center Staff

2016 Holiday Taste Fest Committee:Chair: Dr. Amanda Apfelblat,

Michigan Chiropractic Specialists, PCWestland Chamber of Commerce Board Member & Past PresidentCOMMITTEE MEMBERS:

Brookellen Swope, Westland Chamber of Commerce CEOAntoinette Martin, Westland Rotary Taste Fest Chairperson

Mary Vellardita, Westland Chamber/Westland RotaryThanks to WLND and Dan Martin for our Taste Fest photos

January 2017 Commerce Commentary

Our Holiday Taste Fest Sponsors

Thank You for Your Generosity!

On Tuesday, December 6, 2016 over 400people enjoyed Westland’s premier charity event,the Holiday Taste Fest at the Hellenic CulturalCenter. The Westland Rotary Club teamed upwith the Westland Chamber of Commerce for thefourth year in a row to raise funds for scholarshipsand other worthwhile projects in the community.The event hosted 14 restaurant/vendors treatingguests to some of Westland’s best culinary treats.The stars of this year’s event were Fireside Bar &Grill, which received the Culinary ExcellenceAward for having the best food and William D.Ford Culinary Arts Deptartment, for having thebest table display. This great event wouldn’t bepossible without the support of our sponsors, thegenerosity of our donors and restaurants/vendors.Thank you to everyone! Biggby Coffee

Famous Dave’sFireside Bar & Grill

Grindstone SmokehouseHammon's Kitchen

Hellenic Cultural CenterJonna's Market

Knox Restaurant & CateringMcDonald’s of Westland

Mr. Mike's GrillNew Lucky StarOn The Border

Texas RoadhouseToarmina's Pizza - Westland

William D. Ford Career & Technical Center

Culinary Arts Dept.

Our 2016 Vendors

A Big Thank You to Our Auction Donors

Platinum SponsorsMayor William R. Wild

Michigan Chiropractic Specialists, PC - Dr. Amanda Apfelblat

Gold SponsorsAntoinette Martin Ameriprise Financial, Jack Demmer Ford,

Joe Tseng, DDS, Juenemann Insurance, Men on the Move, North Bros. Ford,Parkside Dental Team, Smoler Smiles Express,

Vermeulen - Sajewski Funeral Home, Wayne/Westland Community Schools, WCA Assessing,

Westland Police Officers Association

Silver SponsorsC&M Printing, City Council President Jim Godbout, Don Nicholson Enterprises LLC, Fausone Bohn LLPFifth Third Bank, Krazy Kopz, Mickey's Dairy Twist, My Lady's Florist, OHM, Personalized Hearing Care,Safe Step/Don Oesterwind, Sharon's Heating & AC,

Sign-a-Rama/Garden City, Skateland West,State Representative Robert Kosowski, Services to Enhance Potential,

Toarmina's Pizza, Westland Floor Covering,Wayne County Community College District, Westland Shopping Center,

Westland Youth Assistance/Paul Motz, Zeal Credit Union

Westland Chamber & Westland Rotary Team up for a Successful 2016 Holiday Taste Fest

Above left: Viktor, Fireside Bar & Grill owner, accepts the award for Culinary Excellencefrom Chamber CEO Brookellen Swope and Taste Fest Chairperson Dr. Amanda Apfelblat

Biggby Coffee

Right: Chef Tony and hisaward-winning William D.

Ford Culinary Arts Department students

Below: Gold SponsorDr. Bruce Smoler (center) from SmolerSmiles Express withenjoys the Taste Festwith family and staff.

Above: Gold Sponsor Gary Bulson(third from the right) with Men on theMove staff and friends.

Texas Roadhouse

Page 6 Commerce Commentary - January 2017

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Time for Fun & Fellowship!2016 was another great year for the Westland Chamber of Commerce. We are grateful to our members andvolunteers, especially our Board of Directors. Special thanks go to our 2016 Chairman, Dan Martin for hisservice and Dr. Amanda Apfelbat for her ongoing support of the Westland Chamber. Shown above is a“Board & Staff Appreciation Party” hosted by Dr. Apfelblat at Tam O'Shanter’s Country Club last summer.

Westland Chamber of Commerce Page 7

JANUARY 2017JANUARY 2017Calendar of EventsCalendar of Events

734-326-7222 • 734-326-7222 • www.westlandchamber.comWELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

Chamber Networking Events:Jan. 11 Coffee Connection

George’s Family Dining303 S.. Wayne Rd, 8-9 am

Jan. 24 After Hours @ Fireside Bar & Grill 501 S. Wayne Rd., 5-7 pmAppetizers provided. Cash bar.Please RSVP to the the Chamber.

Chamber Meetings (at the Chamber office):Jan. 3 Board of Directors Meeting

Jan. 20 Marketing Meeting9 am

Jan. 20 Ambassador’s Meeting9:30 am

City Meetings (in City Hall Chambers, 36300 Warren Rd.)Jan. 2 & 17 City Council Meeting 7 pm

Community Events:Jan. 16 Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Celebration at 9 amWilliam P. Faust Public Library 6123 Central City Parkway, Westland

Coming Up in Next Month:Feb. 8 Coffee Connection at Biggby Coffee

36640 Ford Rd, 8-9 am

Feb. 23 After Hours @ Longhorn Steakhouse 501 S. Wayne Rd., 5-7 pmAppetizers provided; cash bar.Please RSVP to the the Chamber.

Chamber Office Closed Jan. 2, 2017City Offices & Court Closed Jan. 2 & Jan. 16

Share your good news or special events with your fellow Chamber members. Just email your info by the 15th of each

month for the newsletter, and we’ll help spread the word! Send your news to: westlandchamber@gmail.com

Send Us Your News!

Allstate: Farhat Insurance AgencyHassan Farhat

956 N. Newburgh Rd.Westland, MI 48185734-467-7840

Insurance Company

Don Miguel Mexican RestaurantSherry & Raul Verduzco6308 N. Wayne Rd.Westland, MI 48185734-331-9106Restaurant

Green Titan Management LLCTasha Green

29018 Currier Ave.Westland, MI 48186734-828-7010Real Estate

Membership Renewals -Thanks for Your Support!John's Drywall Services, LLC - Since 2012

DTE Energy - Since 2010Scrap Busters Auto & Truck Parts - Since 2005

Parkside Credit Union - Since 2004Community Dental Implant Group - Since 2001

Doral Income Tax Service - since 2000Redwood Dental Group - Since 1998Zeal Credit Union - Since 1980Intra Corporation - Since 1982

Ken's Country Produce - Since 1974National Block Company - Since 1973Consumers Energy - Since 1967

NetworkingWorks...

...Take Advantage of It!!

          

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Greeter Packets

Did you know that the Westland Chamber assists families cominginto town for a visit or those moving here, with information pack-ets? We put together "Welcome to our City" packets with infor-mation about our Chamber members. A few examples of what wehave are key chains from Cuda Automotive Services, pens fromMichigan Chiropractic Specials, Chip clips from Zeal CreditUnion, restaurant menus and coupon offers. If you would like toinclude something from your business in these packets, please callus today!

Did you know that the Chamber now offers Certificateof Origin services? The first 5 sets are free as long asyou are a member. After that thecost is just $25 per set. We willset up an appointment and cometo your place of business. Justgive us a call the next time youneed this service.

CERTIFIED!CeRTIFICATeS oF oRIGIN

NEW RESIDENT