Summer 2006 Chaldean Commerce Newsletter

MEMBERNEWS

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS

CHALDEAN COMMERCECHALDEAN COMMERCEsum

mer

2006

The newsletter of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce

First AnnualChaldean

Festival Coming toSouthfield

ChamberNewsletter0806 8/8/06 11:27 AM Page 1

MEDIA SPONSORS

SPONSORS

IN COOPERATION WITH

PRESENTED BY

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RAFFLE TO WIN A 2006 RANGE ROVER SPORT HSEalong with other prizes (tickets $100)

MORE THAN 40 MERCHANTS selling and promoting items and services

A VARIETY OF FOOD BOOTHS

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Participate in the DATING GAME andMR/MISS CHALDEAN CONTEST

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For more information visit chaldeanchamber.com or call the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce 248-538-3700

southfield civic centerseptember 9-10noon - 10 pm


S U M M E R 2 0 0 6 3

MESSAGE 4 From the Chairmanand the Executive Director

CALENDAR 4 Mark the Dates

BRIEFINGS 6 Community Study UnderwayWayne County Goes High TechAttention Insurance AgentsWireless Toyz Dials Up Kudos Abbo Runs for State Rep

FROM THE DETROIT REGIONAL CHAMBER 7 Office Depot - Taking Care of All Your Business NeedsVerizon WirelessShip for Less!

SOCIALS 8 2006 Golf Outing

FINANCE 10 A Disciplined Approach to Financial Success

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 11 ArtOne SignsL.A. Insurance

FEATURES 12 New Dates for First-Ever Chaldean Fest 13 Chaldean Commerce Is Here

ADVICE 13 Balancing the Scales14 Are You Suited To Be A Franchisee?

ANNOUNCEMENTS 15 First Annual Real Estate Conference

CLASSIFIED LISTINGS 15

CHALDEAN COMMERCECHALDEAN COMMERCEThe newsletter of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce

summer 2006

8 12 11


As we head toward summers’ end, we’re as busy as always at theChaldean American Chamber. Perhaps even more so, with two

big events coming in September.The Chaldean Festival will take place on September 9-10 at

Southfield’s Civic Center lawn. We are excited about this first-timeevent and plan to make it an annual tradition. Turn to page 12 toread all about the festival and see how you can get involved - as amerchant, volunteer or attendee.

We’ll just have the chance to catch our breath after the festival,and then it’s time for the First Annual Real Estate Conference onSeptember 21 at Shenandoah Country Club. The topic, “Investing ina Challenging Economy,” could not be more timely for Michigan,where calling economic conditions a “challenge” is a prime exampleof understatement. As our members know, however, it takes morethan tough times to quell the entrepreneurial spirit for whichChaldeans are so well known. Please turn to page 15 to learn moreabout the Real Estate Conference.

Speaking of entrepreneurship, we’d like to close with the follow-ing, spoken by President Ronald Reagan in first inaugural address in1981: “Those who say that we are in a time when there are noheroes just don’t know where to look. ...You meet heroes across acounter — and they are on both sides of that counter. There areentrepreneurs with faith in themselves and faith in an idea who cre-ate new jobs, new wealth and opportunity. They are individuals andfamilies whose taxes support the government and whose voluntarygifts support church, charity, culture, art and education. Their patri-otism is quiet but deep. Their values sustain our national life.”

Twenty-five years later, those words still ring true — and we sus-pect they will for generations to come.

Best wishes,

Saad HajjarChairman

Martin MannaExecutive Director

from the chairman and executive director

Chaldean Commerce is published fourtimes a year by the Chaldean AmericanChamber of Commerce: Winter, Spring,Summer and Fall.

Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce30095 Northwestern Highway, Suite 102Farmington Hills, MI 48334Phone: (248) 538-3700Fax: (248) 932-9161www.chaldeanchamber.com

PublisherChaldean American Chamber of Commerce

EditorJoyce Wiswell

Art DirectorAlex Lumelsky

Graphic DesignSKY Creative, Inc.

MESSAGECALENDAR

mark the dates

AUGUST 9QUARTERLY NETWORKING MEETING: Come mingle with your fel-low chamber members, aswell as folks from other areaschambers includingBirmingham-Bloomfield, Troy,Southfield and more. 6 p.m.,Shenandoah Country Club.

SEPTEMBER 9-10CHALDEAN FESTIVAL: The Chaldean AmericanChamber hosts this family-friendly event. See page 12for details.

SEPTEMBER 21FIRST ANNUAL REAL ESTATECONFERENCE:Investing in a ChallengingEconomy is the theme of thisChaldean American Chamberevent. Learn more on page 15.

NOVEMBER 8ANNUAL BOARD ELECTIONSAND QUARTERLYNETWORKING MEETING: 6 p.m., Shenandoah Country Club.

DECEMBER 15HOLIDAY PARTY: Our annual get-together formembers. Details to come.

Saad Hajjar

Martin Manna


S U M M E R 2 0 0 6 5

The Chaldean

American Chamber

of Commerce is

a partnership of

Chaldean businesses

and professionals

working together

to strengthen

members’ business,

increase job

opportunities,

encourage expansion

and promote

Chaldean business

and culture. The

Chamber seeks to

service and represent

Aramaic-speaking

people, including

Assyrians, Chaldeans

and Syriacs.

CHALDEAN AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

mission statement

Board of DirectorsCHAIRMANSaad HajjarPresident, Advanced Technology Systems

EXECUTIVE VICE CHAIRMANDhafir NonaPresident, Triangle Development

VICE CHAIRMANRocky HusaynuPresident, Professional Insurance Planners

TREASURERSharon HannawaMortgage Consultant, The Prime Financial Group

SECRETARYWendy AchoVice President of Targeted Business Development, LaSalle Bank

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERFrank JonnaCEO, Jonna Construction

COUNSELRon AchoCummings, McClorey, Davis & Acho

DirectorsPaul AskerPartner, Asker, Clos & Perlmuter

Arvin AyarPartner, Bahoura, Ayar Barringer & Bahoura

Ed BabbiePresident, Pentacle Technologies

Tony KonjaPresident, Artistic Outdoor Services

Jennifer Lossia McManusLaw Clerk to the Honorable Bernard A. Friedman, Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

Jason NajorPresident, Super Fair Cellular

Bassam SalmanCEO, Apollo Development

Joe ShallalCEO, Dallal Group

Stephen YatoomaManaging Partner, Audere Group

Chamber StaffExecutive Director Martin Manna

Director, Operations and EventsLisa Kalou

ControllerPaul Alraihani

Public RelationsJoyce Wiswell

Administrative AssistantJoe Miri


6 C H A L D E A N C O M M E R C E

Community Study UnderwayCommon sense says the ChaldeanAmerican community of SoutheastMichigan has a lot of buying power,but until now there has been noway to actually prove that. Thanksto the United Way taking the leadwith Walsh College, an exhaustivestudy will supply detailed facts andfigures on the estimated 120,000Chaldeans living in MetropolitanDetroit.

The household and businesssurveys will be mailed out afterLabor Day (September 4). Look forresults by year’s end!

The study, commissioned by the Chaldean AmericanChamber of Commerce’s ChaldeanFoundation - a 501 (C3) organiza-tion — will include:

• Household Survey:Questions will include gender,age, income, marital status, placeof birth, education, etc.

• Business Survey: Providing adetailed list of Chaldean-ownedbusinesses by sector, includinginformation on employment, pay-roll and real estate.

The study is being lead by KurtMetzger of the United Way andMarla Scafe, Ph.D., of Walsh College.

The study will be an invaluabletool in illustrating Metro Detroit’sdynamic Chaldean community. Pleasedo your part by volunteering withphone calls, and by answering allquestions when you are contacted.Call the chamber office at (248) 538-3700 to get involved or learn more.

Wayne County Goes High TechPotential vendors can now viewadvertisements for major bidopportunities — defined as pur-chases of $20,000 or more — onWayne County’s public website.

Information pertaining toRequest for Proposals (RFP),

Request for Qualifications (RFQ)and Invitation for Bids (IFB) isavailable by logging ontowww.waynecounty.com — thenclick on the “for Business” icon toview the advertisements.

Attention InsuranceAgentsInsurance agents can now payonline for their license from theState of Michigan.

Agents have been able to applyfor their license online, but pay-ment had to be sent through themail. Now both steps can be com-pleted electronically. The Office ofFinancial and Insurance Servicesanticipates applications for all otherlicenses will be online by the end of2007.

Michigan has a total of 140,536licensed individual insuranceproviders. To apply for the IndividualProducer Insurance License, visithttps://mi-mall.michigan.gov/ofis.

BRIEFINGS

Wireless ToyzDials Up Kudos Wireless Toyz made itonto two lists fromCrain’s Detroit Businessrecently. The companywas named one of thetop privately owned, andfastest growing compa-nies, in Michigan.

The company wasalso one of the winnersof the 2006 Future 50 ofGreater Detroit awardscompetition sponsoredby BDO Seidman LLP,the Detroit RegionalChamber, LaSalle Bankand WWJ Newsradio950. Wireless Toyz waschosen for its positiveimpact on the economyof Southeast Michigan

through growth inemployment, invest-ments, communityenhancement, revenuesand acquisitions.

Wireless Toyz,established in 1995,has 35 full-timeemployees. Its 2005annual revenue was$85 million. Joe Barbatis the company’s CEO.

Abbo Runs for State Rep Northville TownshipSupervisor Mark Abbois running for state rep-resentative for the 20thDistrict in the August 8primary. Abbo is thefourth Chaldean to seekthe office, and, if he issuccessful, will be thefirst to win, becomingthe highest-electedChaldean in Michiganhistory.

The Chaldean PAC(Political ActionCommittee) helped spear-head a fundraiser forAbbo at ShenandoahCountry Club in July. Theevent was very successful,with more than 75 sup-

porters attending. ThePAC has also supportedseveral office seekers onthe local and state level.

Abbo’s chances in theprimary are consideredexcellent. He is runningagainst four otherRepublicans. The primaryincludes three Democratsfor the spot, but since the20th District is heavily

Republican, it is expectedthat whoever wins theprimary will easily winthe election in November.

The 20th Districtincludes Northville,Northville Township,Plymouth, PlymouthTownship, the city ofWayne and a portion ofCanton.

Abbo, 53, describeshimself as a conservativeRepublican. A certifiedpublic accountant, headvocates the eliminationof the small business taxand wants state govern-ment to cut spending,not raise taxes, to bal-ance the books. Moreinformation on his cam-paign can be found atwww.markabbo.com.

In The News

Kurt Metzger

Marla Scafe, Ph.D.

Joe Barbat Mark Abbo


Office Depot - Taking Care of All Your Business NeedsBig job or small, Office Depot’s Design, Print and Ship cen-ters do it all. In-store Design, Print and Ship centers featurea wide variety of services for your business needs. With In-store centers offer a variety of full — and self-service optionsincluding digital black and white copying services, digitalcolor copying services, signs, banners, personalized forms,checks, document binding services, custom stamps andmore. Additionally, “Print on Demand” is now available —you can build and preview your printing order online and aprinting expert will call you to confirm your printing job.

Verizon WirelessWith a wide range of service and equipment options,Verizon Wireless offers solutions to fit your business’sunique needs. From BroadbandAccess, which allows youto connect to the Internet anytime; to Push to Talk, whichkeeps you in constant contact with employees outside ofthe office; plus with PDA’s and wireless email access,Verizon Wireless has you covered. You’ll also get access tothe nation’s most reliable wireless network. Keep yourbusiness on track and up to date with wireless solutionsfrom Verizon Wireless.

Ship for Less!Are you ready to make next day shipping even easier?Stop being frustrated with the rising costs of next dayshipping and avoid complicated zone rates. There is a bet-ter choice-Ship Ready from DHL Express. The DetroitRegional Chamber and DHL Express want to help you saveon overnight shipping. Members receive exclusive benefitswith Ship Ready including:

• No fuel surcharges• No weight limits• One low rate for Nationwide

Next Morning Delivery• No Expiration

To order, call 1.800.MEMBERS and speak with a MemberServices Representative. Be sure to mention that you are aChaldean American Chamber of Commerce Member. Startsaving on prepaid overnight shipments with Ship Readyfrom DHL Express.

S U M M E R 2 0 0 6 7

FROM THE DETROIT REGIONAL CHAMBER

Rene

wed

Mem

bers

New

Mem

bers

ALLSTATE, Otha WilliamsALL VIDEO, Inc dba Mammoth Video, Talal MukhtarASKER, CLOS & PERLMUTER, Paul AskerBAHOURA, AYAR, BARRINGER & BAHOURA, Evon BahouraBAHOURA, AYAR, BARRINGER & BAHOURA, Oliver BahouraBOJI GROUP, Ron BojiB.T. AUTO, INC., Bassim RobinCOMERICA / SMALL BUSINESS NORTHEAST, Jay PetersCOSTCO, Beverly Pittman COX HODGMAN & GIAMARCA, Randall DenhaD & B GROCERS, Bobby Hesano, Corporate Member!DEAN FOODS, Jerry Shannon, Corporate Member!DERBERIAN, KANN, SEYFERTH & SALUCCI, P.C., Kathryn NofarDKI, INC., Phil MansourDOLLAR CASTLE, Eddie Denha, Corporate Member!ERHARD BMW LAND ROVER FARMINGTON HILLS,

Leslie Rhodes, Corporate Member!ESSCO DEVELOPMENT, Jalal EsshakiFARMINGTON HILLS MANOR, Henry KassabFIRST CAPITAL MORTGAGE, Richard SalemFOOD MAX, INC., Nick SandihaFOUR SEASONS PAINTING SERVICES, Patrick KattooFUTUREWAVE IMAGES, Ivan YousifGEORGE ENTERPRISES, Michael J. GeorgeGRANDPAPA’S INC., Michael RobinGREAT LAKES CAR COMPANY, Alrons BeshiHAMPTON INN @ M5 & 14 MILE, Basil BakalPATRICK HEFFERMANINNOVATIVE CELL TECHNOLOGY, Joseph T. KassabINVESTICO DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, Ned HakimJUDEH & ASSOCIATES, Jumana JudehLAKEPOINTE COMPANIES, Steve AntonLASALLE BANK, Wendy Acho, Corporate Member!LIBERTY INTERNATIONAL WHOLESALE, Mike DickowMAINSTREET MARKETPLACE, INC., Robert KassabMANHATTAN VILLAGE, LLC, Masoud YonoMARBLE & GRANITE, Chris HesanoMARKET BASKET OF FRANKLIN, Chris ThomasMARX LAYNE, Eric YounanMERAM BUILDING, LLC, Hikmat & Francis MeramMERAM INSURANCE SERVICES, INC., Joe MeramMERCHANTS FINE WINE, John JonnaMOMSHH, Lillian ShallalMS CONSULTING ENGINEERS, Steve MettiJ.A. NAJOR CORPORATE, Jeff NajorNEW YORK LIFE, Faisal AraboNIDHAL’S PHARMACY, Nidhal GarmoNORDSTROM, Renee JadanPALACE SUPERMARKET, Amer SandihaPIZZAPAPALIS, Mark SheenaPRUDENTIAL FINANCIAL, Peter Bahner, Corporate Member!RKA PETROLEUM, Chris WilkelisSBC, Carmen Johnson, Corporate Member!SMITH BARNEY, Anthony MonaSTEWARD CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, Anmar SarafaROBERT W. SWANSON, CPA, Robert SwansonTMR HEATING & COOLING, Mike NajarRANDAL TOMA & ASSOCIATES, Randal TomaTRIAD MECHANICAL, Imad Joe HermezVICTOR SAROKI & ASSOCIATES, Victor SarokiVIDEO, INC., Talal MukhtarWIRELESS GIANT, Isaac Hanna, Corporate Member!WIRELINK, George Abro YALDO & ELIA, David Yaldo

ASKER, CLOS & PERLMUTER, PC, Paul AskerEVA BABBIETALAL KAKOSKELLER WILLIAMS, Ricky Kallabat KELLER WILLIAMS, Brian LoussiaMICHIGAN FINANCIAL COMPANIES, Nick ValentiOAKLAND COMMERCE BANK, Thomas Perkins, Corporate Member!PEPSI BOTTLING GROUP, Dean McVicker, Corporate Member!PROVIDENCE PARK HOSPITAL, John LewindowskiREMAX PROPERTY SOURCE, Thomas GarmoCARMEN J. DUKE, SCRAFANO & ASSOCIATES, Carmen J. DukeSHENANDOAH COUNTRY CLUB, Kamel KassemMICHAEL SOLAKASOS INTERNATIONAL, Arthur Rainey, Corporate Member!


SOCIALS

8 C H A L D E A N C O M M E R C E

Scenes from the June 22 Chaldean Chamber’s Third Annual Golf OutingPresented by LaSalle Bank


S U M M E R 2 0 0 6 9


A DisciplinedApproach toFinancialSuccessBy Ziad Dallo

Organization...Discipline...Sense of Purpose. Theysound like qualities a

football team would stress inpreparing for the next weekend’sopponent, but they can also bevirtues in helping you achieveyour financial goals.

Ideally, you should consultwith a professional financial plan-ner to map out a comprehensive strategy. Butwith personal commitment and perhaps somesacrifice, you can take several steps on yourown to build a successful financial game plan.

Know Yourself — Take inventory ofyour finances. Calculate your assets — cash,IRAs, mutual funds, real estate, life insurance— and your liabilities, like a mortgage orconsumer debt and deferred income taxes oninvestments. Prioritize your objectives bywhat’s most important to you: retirementplanning, saving for college, increasedinvestment returns, risk management, etc.Determine your current tax bracket andunderstand its implications for your strategy.

Start Saving Now — Assuming an aver-age 8 percent annual return and a retirementage of 65, every dollar saved at age 25 isworth nearly five times as much as a dollar

saved at 45. Probably the first thing to do isto take full advantage of any employer matchin any qualified savings program offered byyour employers. Don’t miss out on the“Triple Treat” of an initial tax deduction,matching employer contributions and taxdeferred earnings offered by most 401(k) or403(b) plans.

Take Stock of the Market - Althoughpast performance is no guarantee of futureresults, investments in the stock market havehistorically produced the superior returns

over time. Mutual funds are proba-bly the best way to start in thestock market. Find one that’s wellmanaged and meets the risk profileyou will be comfortable with. Ifyou can, sign up for the built-indiscipline of a monthly automaticinvestment program. This will notonly allow you to take advantageof dollar cost averaging, but mayhelp you avoid the investment

minimums otherwise required by somemutual fund companies. Also, if you choosea fund, plan to stick with it for a while.Remember even the best financial pros havetrouble timing the market. (Of course, aperiodic investment plan such as dollar costaveraging does not assure a profit or protectagainst a loss in declining markets. Youshould consider your ability to make contin-ued purchases even through periods of lowprice levels.)

Curb Your Credit Cards — If your totalmonthly debt payments (excluding yourmortgage payments) are 20% or more ofyour monthly take-home pay, you’re proba-bly overextended. Analyze your debts andsee if any of the interest rates are more thanthe after-tax return on your invested savings.If they are, it makes sense to pay off these

loans out of your savings. If you can’t pay offyour credit cards in full every month toavoid paying interest, shop around for thecard with the lowest available rate.

Be Wise with Windfalls — If you comeup with a significant lump sum — a bonus,an inheritance or maybe even a mid-size lot-tery win — try to resist the urge to buy thehot sports car you’ve always dreamed of.Your long-term financial future will probablybe a lot rosier, although not quite so dash-ing, if you plow at least part of it into amutual fund or an IRA.

Keep Current — Financial markets are adynamic, fluid environment. That, combinedwith the impact of major life events such asbirths, deaths, inheritances or new jobs,make it imperative that you carefully reviewyour strategy every year or so. Naturally,your review should be rigorous and disci-plined, just like any successful game plan.

Ziad Dallo is a Financial Planner with thePrudential Financial Planning Services, adivision of Pruco Securities Corporation, aPrudential Financial Company. His office islocated at 101 W. Big Beaver Rd., Ste. 705,Troy, MI 48084. He can be reached [email protected] and (248) 743-3440. This material contains references toconcepts that have legal, accounting and taximplications. Prudential Financial, its affili-ates and representatives do not render tax orlegal advice. Consult your own attorneyand/or tax advisor for advice regarding yourparticular situation. Investment advisoryservices are offered through PrudentialFinancial Planning Services, a division ofPruco Securities, LLC. Securities offeredthrough Pruco Securities, LLC (MemberSIPC), 751 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102-3777, a Prudential Financial company.

FINANCE

Looking to Franchise?1. Subway 2. Quiznos Sub 3. Curves 4. The UPS Store5. Jackson Hewitt Tax Service

6. Dunkin’ Donuts 7. Jani-King 8. RE/MAX Int’l. Inc. 9. 7-Eleven Inc. 10. Liberty Tax Service

According toEntrepreneur.com, here are the Top 10 Franchises for 2006:

1 0 C H A L D E A N C O M M E R C E


ArtOne Signs:Artfully Done

It’s not easy making a living as an artist,but Ralph Dallo has found a way to com-bine his artistic ways with a solid enter-

prise. As the general manager of ArtOneSigns, Dallo runs the daily operations of thebusiness, which is owned by his brother,Carl Dallo.

“We wanted to develop a spanking-newbusiness,” Ralph says. “It’s something chal-lenging that we wanted to do.”

ArtOne Signs opened in November 1998in Royal Oak Township. The company hasbeen very successful and now employs 17full-time workers. Besides the ChaldeanAmerican Chamber, ArtOne is a member ofthe International Sign Association and theAssociated Food and Petroleum Dealers.

ArtOne handles all kinds of signs for allkinds of businesses. ArtOne is the approvedvendor for Choice Hotels, Subway, All StarWireless and many others. The firm’s breadand butter, Ralph says, is piline (pole) signs.

“Because of the technology we recommenda message reader center. We’re probably one of

the largest suppliers in Michigan,” Ralph says. These signs, which are increasingly pop-

ular at large shops like drug stores, allow abusiness to get a new message across to theconsumer every minute or so. They are notdifficult to program, especially since ArtOnehas an in-house staff that trains customerson their use, and a toll-free phone numberfor technical help. Last year, ArtOne mergedwith Optec Display on these signs; Optecmanufactures them and ArtOne installs, pro-grams and provides all technical support.

“We handle anything unique, anything acustomer would want to make a sign of,”Ralph says. One of his favorite projects was aMickey Mouse sign for a homeowner’s base-ment. Made of foam, it lights up with LEDtechnology. “It looks exactly like MickeyMouse is walking,” Ralph says.

Though ArtOne supplies signs to allsorts of people and businesses, Ralphremains close to his Chaldean roots. “I’dlike,” he says, “to thank the Chaldean com-munity for supporting us.”

ArtOne Signs8915 NorthendRoyal oak Township, MI 48220(248) [email protected]

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT L.A. Insurance:Healthy Growth

Besides inquiries on getting the bestrate, customers of L.A. Insurance usu-ally ask another question: Considering

it’s based in Michigan, where did the compa-ny get its name?

When Anthony Yousif opened his firstinsurance agency in Detroit back in 1992,the store next to his was also just opening. Itwas called L.A. Beauty Supply, so he decidedto name his agency L.A. Insurance to makeit look like a bigger business.

No need for that kind of creativity today— L.A. Insurance now has more than 125locations and is growing at a pace of 20 per-cent annually. “We are looking to go nation-wide,” Anthony says.

In typical Chaldean fashion, Anthonybegan his working life at his father’s partystore. He then spent a year selling insurance atpeople’s houses for a major firm. He hated thejob and knew he could do better. “Instead ofsoliciting people with cold calls, we advertisedand had them call us,” he says. “We took thebusiness out of the office building and put itinto storefronts. It worked, and soon after, theAllstates and State Farms followed.”

Over the year more partners were addedto the business. This year, the company struc-ture was changed so that now, except for threecorporate stores, each agency is a franchise.

Sam Yono, Jr. owns 11 locations inMichigan ranging from Flint to Southfield toKalamazoo. “Our motto is, ‘location, location,location,’” he says. “Most insurance places findthe cheapest rent; we pay the extra money forhigh-traffic areas like corners.”

Another ingredient in L.A. Insurance’ssuccessful recipe is variety. The company rep-resents five insurance companies, whichmeans it can offer more competitive ratesthan the big chains. Life and health insurancemay be added to the mix down the line.

“We have so many different choices, wesuit everybody’s needs,” says Sam. “We alsohave cash advance at most of our offices.”

Besides Michigan, L.A. Insurance haslocations in Las Vegas and Arizona, and isseeking franchisees for Arizona. “We preferthey not have insurance experience,”Anthony says of potential owners. “We pre-fer to train people.”

L.A. Insurance21745 W. Eight Mile Road Detroit, MI 48319 (313) 538-7900 [email protected]

Ralph Dallo in front of afavorite sign.

S U M M E R 2 0 0 6 11


STAG

E

100-PERSON

TENT

DANCE AREAFE

NCE

FOOD ROW

1

2

1110

MERCHANTS’ ROW 3

9

MERCHANTS’ ROW 2

MERCHANTS’ ROW 17

3

6

5

4

KEY1. STAGE/FENCE/DANCE AREA2. 100-PERSON TENT 3. CITY OF SOUTHFIELD BOOTH4. PORTA-JOHNS5. CHILDREN’S AREA:

- DUNK TANK- FACE PAINTING- CARICATURES

6. CHALDEAN CHAMBER BOOTH7. MERCHANTS’ ROW 18. MERCHANTS’ ROW 29. MERCHANTS’ ROW 310. PICNIC TABLES11. FOOD ROW

PARKING

LIBRARY

CHILDREN’SGARDEN

SERVICE COURT

WATER FEATURE

MUNICIPAL OFFICES

PAVILION

NORTH ENTRANCE

SOUTH ENTRANCEEVERGREEN ROAD

PARKING

8

New Dates for First-EverChaldean Fest

The Chaldean American Chamber ofCommerce is hosting the first-everChaldean Festival on September 9-10

on Southfield’s Civic Center Lawn alongEvergreen. The change from the originalAugust dates gives us more time to put on afirst-class event.

The family-friendly festival is expected toattract some 10,000 people over two days.Chaldean-Americans will celebrate their heritagewhile others will have the opportunity to learnmore about Chaldeans. Festival admission is free.

The event will include live Chaldean andAmerican music, a variety of food vendors, a

Merchants Row, adunk tank, freehealth screenings,and inflatables andattractions for chil-dren. One highlight

is a raffle for a 2006 Range Rover SportUtility Vehicle, for which a limited numberof $100 tickets will be sold. There will alsobe a Mr./Miss Chaldean competition and theChaldean Dating Game.

Among the musical performers are: TheBaghdad Band, Khairi Bodagh, Sawsan Kizy,Raad Zizy, Rami Essia, Dia Sheena, AmeedAsmro, Omar Jarbou and Steve Acho.

All proceeds benefit the ChaldeanChamber Foundation, a non-profit organiza-tion that advances the needs of the ChaldeanAmerican community through advocacy, edu-

cation and charitable giving. It includes theWaad Murad Advocacy Fund, which suppliesreward money for information that leads to thearrest and conviction of the assailant(s) of vio-lent crime perpetrated against businesspeople.

Festival hours are noon-10 p.m. both days.Sponsorships, food booths and merchantsbooths are available; please call theChaldean American Chamber of Commercefor more information or to purchase a raffle ticket at (248) 538-3700, or visitwww.chaldeanfestival.com.



S U M M E R 2 0 0 6 13

Chaldean Commerce, the 2006-2007 busi-ness guide, is at the printer and will bedistributed by late August. The guidelists all Chaldean-owned businesses inMetro Detroit, from accounting towholesale, and is an essential tool instaying up to date on the Chaldean com-munity and its many business interests.The guide’s extensive listings have beendouble- and triple-checked to ensureaccuracy. It also contains interesting

information on Chaldeans, from ancienttimes to the present-day, and includes amap showing where Chaldeans livearound the world. We look forward toreceiving your feedback!

Guides are only $10 and can be pur-chased at the Chaldean Chamberoffice, 30095 Northwestern Highway(between Inkster and 13 Mile Road),Suite 102 in Farmington Hills. Call theoffice at (248) 538-3700.

2006-2

007

Chaldean Commerce Is Here

Work vs. Play:Balancing the ScalesBy Kelley Robertson

If you’re like most people you are proba-bly working harder and longer than youused to. As a result, finding balance in

today’s fast-paced world is more difficultthan ever before. Yet, a healthy balance hasalso never been more important. Here are afew strategies that can help:

1. First and foremost, you must lovewhat you do. We spend over a third of ourlife at work — doesn’t it make sense to enjoyit? I learned many years ago that the moreyou enjoy your job or work the more suc-cessful you will be. Even a high-pressure jobis less stressful when you fully enjoy it. Iknow several people who have high-profileand high-pressure careers but they still main-tain a sense of balance because they lovetheir business. Enjoying your work gives youmore satisfaction and personal fulfillment.

If you find yourself in a job that doesn’tmotivate or stimulate you, consider makinga change. There are lots of great books onthe market that can help you discover whattype of work you are best suited for.

2. Make time for family and friends.Regardless how busy you are it is critical tospend time with people who are close to you.In the last several years my wife and I makesure to schedule a ‘date night’ once a week.This usually means having dinner at a local

restaurant or going to a movie, show, or con-cert. Although we often talk about our busi-ness it gives us the opportunity to catch upand discuss things we don’t always find timeto talk about during the rest of the week.Spending time with friends is also a great wayto recharge mentally, particularly if yourfriends are not employed in the same industry.

3. Find a hobby. I think it is importantto engage yourself in a pastime or hobbybecause they help you forget about work fora while. My two favourite pastimes are read-ing and running. In additional to releasingstress, this ‘escape’ helps recharge your bat-teries and maintain your objectivity. Plus, aclear energized mind is more creative andopen to accepting new ideas.

4. Schedule “me” time. As selfish as itsounds we all need a few hours of personaltime. I usually schedule this when my wife isout running errands. Most of the time I’llread, watch a movie, or sometimes take anap. I don’t feel guilty for taking this time tomyself because it actually helps my marriageby allowing me to engage in something I fullyenjoy without worrying about distractionsfrom other people. One word of caution, “me”time should not be scheduled at the sacrificeof others or occupy a large portion of yourschedule. If you have been on a business tripfor a week it’s not fair to your family to sched-ule the entire weekend as “me” time.

5. Take vacations. Vacations are criticalto your well-being. It is essential to take abreak from the hectic and fast-paced businessworld. Too many people in business wavetheir lack of vacation time as a badge of hon-our but I feel that a lack of a break from thebusiness negatively affects your ability to per-form at your maximum potential. When I

started my business, I set a goal of taking aone-week break at least three times a year. Iadhered to this goal in the first three yearsbecause I made sure to plan my breaks earlyin the year. Then in my fourth year I neglect-ed to plan this time off. Before I knew it,October had rolled around and I still hadn’ttaken any time off. By this time, I was feelingburned out, I experienced more stress, and Ihad less energy, drive and motivation.

6. Disconnect yourself. Today’s technolo-gy has made it very difficult for us to com-pletely disconnect from business. I find that Iam drawn to email on the weekends and evenon vacations. We don’t want to miss anythingand sometimes our boss even requires that westay connected to the office on our time off.However, I strongly believe that disconnectingyourself completely from voice mail, email,your PDA and BlackBerry is essential to creatingsome semblance of balance in our lives. Thereis no question that you will have more workto catch up on when you return to work butthis complete break helps your brain recharge.

I won’t suggest that creating this balanceis easy — it’s not. However, with a bit offocus and attention you can start to balancethe scales. It’s worth the effort.

Kelley Robertson, President of the RobertsonTraining Group, works with businesses tohelp them increase their sales and motivatetheir employees. Receive a free copy of “100Ways to Increase Your Sales” by subscribingto his free newsletter available athttp://www.RobertsonTrainingGroup.com.For information on his programs, contact him at 905-633-7750 [email protected].© 2006 KELLEY ROBERTSON, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

ADVICE



Look — and Ask — Before You LeapAre you suited to be a franchisee?

Dreaming of owning your own business? Afranchise may be just the ticket — but youneed to do lots of homework before writingthat check. Carefully consider these questions:

Financial1. Have you and your spouse and knowl-edgeable family members discussed the ideaof buying a franchise?2. Are you in complete agreement?3. Do you have the financial resourcesrequired to buy a franchise? If not, where areyou going to get the capital?4. Are you and your spouse ready to makethe necessary sacrifices in the way of moneyand time in order to operate a franchise?5. Will the possible loss of company bene-fits, including retirement plans, be out-weighed by the potential monetary and self-pride rewards that would come from owninga franchise?6. Have you made a thorough written bal-ance sheet of your assets and liabilities, aswell as liquid cash resources?7. Will your savings provide you with acushion for at least one year after you havepaid for the franchise, allowing a one-yearperiod of time to break even?8. Do you have additional sources of financ-ing, including friends or relatives who mightbe able to loan you money in the event thatyour initial financing proves inadequate?9. Do you realize that most new businesses,including franchises, generally do not breakeven for at least one year after opening?10. Will one of you remain employed atyour current occupation while the franchiseis in its initial, pre-profit stage?

Personal11. Are you and your spouse physically ableto handle the emotional and physical straininvolved in operating a franchise, caused bylong hours and tedious administrative chores?12. Will your family members, particularlysmall children, suffer from your absence forseveral years while you build up your business?

13. Are you prepared to give up some inde-pendence of action in exchange for theadvantages the franchise offers you?14. Have you really examined the type offranchise or business you desire and truth-fully concluded that you would enjoy run-ning it for several years or until retirement?15. Have you and your spouse had recentphysicals?16. Is the present state of your health andthat of your spouse good?17. Do you and your spouse enjoy workingwith others?18. Do you have the ability and experience towork smoothly and profitability with your fran-chisor, your employees and your customers?19. Have you asked your friends and rela-tives for their candid opinions as to youremotional, mental and physical suitability torunning your own businesses?20. Do you have a capable, willing heir to takeover the business if you become disabled?21. If the franchise is not near your presenthome, do you realize that it would not bebeneficial to sell your home and buy onecloser until the new venture is successful?

Business22. Do you and your spouse have past expe-rience in business that will qualify you forthe particular type of franchise you desire?23. Is it possible for either you or your spouseto become employed in the type of businessyou seek to buy before any purchase?24. Have you conducted independentresearch on the industry you are contemplat-ing entering?25. If you have made your choice of franchis-es, have you researched the background andexperience of your prospective franchisor?26. Have you determined whether the prod-uct or service you propose to sell has a mar-ket in your prospective territory at the pricesyou will have to charge?27. What will the market for your productor service be like five years from now?28. What competition exists in yourprospective territory already?29. From franchise businesses?30. From non-franchise businesses? Other Considerations31. Do you know an experienced, business-oriented franchise attorney who can evaluatethe franchise contract you are considering?32. Do you know an experienced, business-minded accountant?33. Have you prepared a business plan forthe franchise of your choice?34. Is the franchisor a one-person company?35. Is the franchisor a corporation with anexperienced management that is well trained?36. Does the franchisor operate a business of

the type being franchised?37. Is the franchisor involved in other busi-ness activities?38. Is the franchisor offering you an exclu-sive territory for the length of the franchise?39. Can the franchisor sell a second or thirdfranchise in your market area?40. Do you have the right of first refusal toadjacent areas?41. Will the franchisor sublet space to you?42. Will s/he assist you in finding a locationfor franchise operation?43. Must you least fixtures, signs or equip-ment from the franchise? If so, are the pricesreasonable?44. Does the franchisor provide financing? Ifso, what are the terms?45. Does the franchisor require any fees-otherthan those described in the offering circular-from the franchisee? If so, what are they?46. Has the franchisor given you informationregarding actual, average or forecasted sales?47. Has the franchisor given you informationregarding actual, average or forecasted profits?48. Has the franchisor given you informationregarding actual, average or forecasted earnings?49. What information have you received?50. Will the franchisor provide you with thesuccess rates of existing franchisees?51. Will the franchisor provide you withtheir names and locations?52. Are there any restrictions on what itemsyou may sell? If so, what are they?53. Does your prospective franchisor allow vari-ances in the contracts of some of his/her otherfranchisees? What is the nature of the variances?54. In the event you sell your franchise backto your franchisor under the right of firstrefusal, will you be compensated for thegoodwill you have built into the business?55. Does the franchisor have any federallyregistered trademarks, service marks, tradenames, logotypes and/or symbols?56. Are you, as a franchisee, entitled to usethem without reservation?57. Are there restrictions, exceptions or con-ditions? If so, what are they?58. Does the franchisor have existing patentsand copyrights on equipment you will use oritems you will sell?59. Does the franchisor have endorsementagreement with any public figures for adver-tising purposes? If so, what are the terms?60. Has the franchisor investigated you care-fully enough to assure himself/herself thatyou can successfully operate the franchise ata profit both to him/her and to you?

Excerpted from Franchise Bible fromEntrepreneur Press. Reprinted with permis-sion from Entrepreneur Magazine,www.entrepreneur.com.

ADVICE


S U M M E R 2 0 0 6 15

FINANCIAL SERVICE ASSOCIATEThe Financial Service Associate (FSA) position is asales position selling insurance and financialservices.

Financial Service Associates participate in a2-year development program, developing prod-uct knowledge and selling experience whileoffering appropriate insurance and investmentproducts to help clients meet their financialgoals. During this comprehensive training pro-gram, FSA’s receive temporary support plusbonus.

Overall Duties and Responsibilities:• Sell insurance and investment products to

new customers• Solicit new customers through approved tech-

niques and methods• Conserve existing insurance and investments

products;• Service the insurance and investment needs of

all our policy owners.

Essential Job Functions:It is important that Financial Service Associatesbe capable of mastering the complexities of thejob, continually learning new products, informa-tion, and approaches. As a representative of theCompany, the FSA must have a full understand-ing of all proprietary products and be able torecommend to customers the appropriate solu-tions that are in the best interest of the cus-tomer and the Company. The end result of theFSA’s work is to bind the Company and the poli-cyholder in long-term transactions that willimpact the personal welfare of many people.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Experience• Strong natural market in target segments• Persistence/Desire to succeed• Work experience (2 - 4 years)• 4 year college degree preferred• Demonstrated history of success• High energy level• Strong communications and relationship

buildings skills• Highly motivated• Excellent time management skills• Active community involvement• Prior sales experience (in Financial Services a plus)• Ability to work through rejection

Contact:Ziad DalloPrudential Financial Planning Services101 W. Big Beaver Rd.Ste. 705Troy, MI 48084(248) 743.3440 ext. 7149

PRUDENTIAL IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVEACTION EMPLOYER AND IS COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY IN ITSWORKFORCE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST AS AFINANCIAL SERVICE ASSOCIATE WITH THE PRUDENTIALINSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA

INSURANCE IS ISSUED BY THE PRUDENTIAL INSURANCECOMPANY OF AMERICA AND ITS AFFILIATES. SECURITIES AREOFFERED BY PRUCO SECURITIES, LLC (MEMBER SIPC). ALLARE PRUDENTIAL FINANCIAL COMPANIES LOCATED INNEWARK, NJ. EACH IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ITS OWNFINANCIAL CONDITION AND CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS.IFS-A103862 Ed. 8/2005

SMALL FORMAT SALESREPRESENTATIVEJob Summary: The Pepsi Bottling Group (NYSE)PBG) has excellent opportunities available forSmall Format Sales Representatives across south-east Michigan. These positions serve as the pri-mary store-level sales person to smaller accountssuch as convenience stores, gas stations anddrug stores.

Primary Job Duties:• Sell and execute promotions, solicit placement

of equipment and sell sufficient productinventory

• Order product in advance to be delivered by adelivery driver to the store

• Develop all assigned accounts relative to salesvolume, market share, product distribution,space allocation, and customer service

• Solicit new business to increase volume andnew package distribution within territory

• Utilize point-of-purchase materials to stimulatesales

• Build displays, rotate product and set up pro-motional materials such as pricing signs andbanners

Job Eligibility Criteria:• Bachelors Degree plus 1 year demonstrated

sales experience or 3+ years demonstratedsales experience

• Valid driver’s license• Minimum 18 years of age• Flexibility to work over 40 hours per week and

weekends• Must be able to perform frequent lifting,

reaching, bending, twisting, kneeling andsquatting

• No more than one moving violation within thepast 12 months (anything other than parking)

Applying for this Position:Interested candidates, please send resume [email protected]. Please refer-ence “Sales Resume: in the subject line. No tele-phone call or faxes please.

PBG IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F/D/V

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTComputer-literate person with good communica-tion skills and multitasking abilities needed forbusy, fast-paced office. Full-time job includesseveral nights a month attending meetings.Competitive salary, excellent working environ-ment and a great opportunity to network withthe Chaldean community. Fax resume and coverletter to 248-932-9161 or email [email protected]. No phone calls please.

CLASSIFIED LISTINGS

Real Answers on

Real EstateInvesting in a Challenging Economyis the theme of the Chaldean AmericanChamber’s First Annual Real EstateConference. We’re expecting hundredsof people to participate in this informa-tive and interesting day at ShenandoahCountry Club.

Speakers will address a variety ofissues. Here’s the tentative schedule:

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.REGISTRATION/LUNCHEON/NETWORKING

1-1:30 p.m. STATE OF THE ECONOMY

1:30- 2 p.m. THE DEVELOPER INSIGHT

2-2:30 p.m. BROKERING - LANDLORD/TENANTREPRESENTATION

2:30-3 p.m. BREAK

3-3:30 p.m. LIKE KIND EXCHANGES - 1031

3:30-4 p.m. HOT TRENDS IN THE MARKETPLACE

4-4:30 p.m. OUT OF STATE INVESTING

4:30 p.m. DRINKS AND CIGARS ON THE TERRACE (not included in registration fee)

Registration is just $40 for chambermembers and $50 for non-members.

The event will also include a tradeshow with booths. A number of spon-sorship opportunities exist.

To register, rent a booth or inquireabout sponsorship, call the ChaldeanAmerican Chamber of Commerce at(248) 538-3700.


The Chaldean AmericanChamber of Commerce offersmembers many opportunitiesto help make a difference.Please join us on one or moreof the following committees:

• Dinner Committee: Helps plan the AnnualAwards Dinner, held each spring at Shenandoah Country Club.

• Golf Outing Committee: Plans our annual dayof fun at Shenandoah.

• Festival Committee: Helps plan the AnnualChaldean Festival being held September 9-10.

• PAC: Plans ways to increase Chaldeans’ political influence.

• Iraq Task Force: Helps us implement ways to help rebuild the homeland.

• Membership: Plans benefits and services, and works on increasing membership.

• Business Advisory: Creates opportunities forChaldeans to do business with local, state andfederal governments.

• Internal Networking: A forum for members to meet and share business referrals.

Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce30095 Northwestern Highway, Suite 102Farmington Hills, MI 48334

For more information on any ofthese committees, or to sign up,please call the Chamber office at (248) 538-3700 or e-mail [email protected].

It’s Your Chamber - Become Involved!

RANGEROVERSPORT

win this vehicle

at the Chaldean Festival!

see page 12 for details

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 83

FARMINGTON HILLS, MI


Documents

Summer 2006 Chaldean Commerce Newsletter