NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR LIVONIA'S BEST BUSINESSES

The Livonia Chamber of Commerce is looking for nominations for top small and large businesses of the year. A small business is 49 employees or less and large businesses employ 50 or more. Nominations will be reviewed by a selection committee and the winners will be honored at the Awards and Leadership Celebration, presented by AT&T, at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, January 22, 2009, at Laurel Manor. The Chamber is looking for nominees that have made a difference in Livonia with their customer service and community involvement. Please send nominations by responding to this e-mail, or calling the Chamber office at (734) 427-2122.

Bus Manufacter Comes to Livonia

There is some good economic news for Livonia. Thanks to city and state incentives, a new bus manufacturer that will develop a more fuel-efficient engine is coming to Livonia. Fisher Coachworks plans to invest $7 million and create more than 500 jobs in the coming year. They are looking to build these buses on a site on Schoolcraft near Middlebelt.

Steve Violetta speaks at Wake Up Livonia!

We had a great turn out for out Wake Up Livonia! breakfast today at Madonna University, sponsored by Eastern Michigan University. We were lucky to have Steve Violetta, Vice President of Business Affairs for the Detroit Red Wings speak. For sports fans & non-sports fan alike, it was a great lesson on branding and customer service, and how Steve handles this for the Detroit Red Wings.

Ambassador Luncheon at Luigi's Pizza and Subs

"Yesterday was the Ambassador Holiday Luncheon at Luigi’s Pizza and Subs. It was especially nice to have Dan Irvin, former Vice President, join us with his wife Andrea, and newborn baby Brady. A special thanks to all that attended, and for all of your hard work throughout the year! We truely appreciate you!", Sandy Swish - Director of Membership Development

Botsford opens new Cancer Center

Congratulations to Botsford Hospital for the dedication Wednesday of its new “Botsford Cancer Center,” which was constructed next to the hospital’s main campus on Grand River near Inkster. The two-story facility, which is a first LEED-certified cancer care center in southeastern Michigan, is scheduled to begin serving patients on Jan. 5, 2009.

Aladdin's eatery Grand Opening

Aladdin's eatery

37104 W. Six Mile Rd.

Livonia, MI 48152
(734) 462-0055

We held the grand opening today for Aladdin’s Eatery. The owners renovated the entire interior of the former Boston Market site on Six Mile near Newburgh for this new restaurant that specializes in Lebanese food. Aladdin’s is a 14-year-old, Ohio-based chain and the Livonia location is the first Aladdin’s Eatery to open in Michigan. This is a neat story about brothers Mac, Sam and Joe Boumaroun who brought this new restaurant to their hometown of Livonia. We wish them best of luck.

Andiamo Brunch with Santa December 14

Join Andiamo of Livonia Sunday December 14, 11am-5pm, to have brunch with Santa. Adults are $24.95, Children 12 & under $10.95, Children 5 and under are free. Please call to make a resevervation of any size, 734-953-3200.

Laurel Park Mall Food Court

Dan West ~ "I checked out the new food court at Laurel Park Place Mall today. It is trendy looking, like a big coffee shop. Three restaurants are open so far, with at least one more on the way. You will be able to check it out when you visit Santa Claus this month."

Dan West on radio

Dan West was interviewed Wednesday on Plymouth-Canton schools radio station 88.1 FM to talk about the upcoming Wake-Up Livonia Breakfast (Dec. 12), featuring keynote speaker Steve Violetta, the senior VP of business affairs for the Detroit Red Wings.

Open House Davenport-Livonia new Executive MBA

Davenport University will introduce its new executive Master of Business Administration degree at an open house set for 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at its new location in Livonia. The session will include short presentations involving program highlights that will give guests the opportunity to learn more about this new degree.

Davenport University is launching its newest innovative graduate program at its new location in Livonia, 19499 Victor Pkwy. The Davenport Executive MBA is designed for professionals with experience in management positions to enhance their leadership capabilities and prepare for advancement.

“We recognize a need to close the gap between learning and doing,” said Steven Hughes, program director of the Executive MBA program. “Although we inform EMBA students about leadership theories and concepts, our primary focus is teaching students to be leaders. We are confident that through the practice of leadership, working professionals will truly learn and enhance their leadership capacity across all functional areas.”

The Executive MBA is a 21-month program offered to a cohort of students once each fall with the exception of the launch in January at the Livonia location. The EMBA also offers a unique schedule that allows working adults to maintain their careers and balance their family lives. The coursework for the EMBA will be offered in seven-week sessions that include three alternating weekend meetings per session (Friday evening and all day Saturday).

In fall 2009, Davenport University will begin offering the Executive MBA Program in Grand Rapids and online in addition to Livonia. Growing interest indicates the potential for the program to expand in fall 2009 to Davenport locations in Lansing and Saginaw.

MEDITATION COURSE AT STAUTZENBERGER HEALTH & WELLNESS INSTITUTE

Stautzenberger Health & Wellness Institute will host a free 8-week Meditation Course taught by Great Lakes Meditation beginning in January. Learn more at an Open House on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 10am - 4pm. Meditation is a proven approach to manage stress, gain inner peace and balance. Each class will consist of meditation theory, practice, and application. For more information call Tina at 734-779-0730.

ART IS IN MARKET FEATURES ARTIST TOM CRIMBOLI

On December 6, from 1 pm-8pm, Tom Crimboli Will be the featured artist at Art is in Market in Laurel Park Place. Tom is a Metal artist and a silver smith. Bring in your silverware of sterling and silver plated silverware and have it designed into a one of a kind piece of jewelry. Drop in to see Tom's one of a kind jewelry, spoon rings earrings, pendants, zipper pulls and some metal sculptures. Tom's work can be found at Art is In Market In laurel Park Place along with 30 other of Michigan's finest artist. For more information please call Art is in Market at 734-432-9177.

"A CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL" WITH THE LIVONIA SYMPHONY

Come join the Livonia Symphony Orchestra for a "Christmas Festival" Saturday December 6 at 4pm. This Concert begins with selcted dances from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker featuring Bunny Sanford's dancers. Musicians from the Livonia Symphony Orchestra in a festive celebration this holiday season. Concerts are held at Louis Schmidt Auditorium, Clarencville High School located at 20155 Middlebelt in Livonia, Between 7 & 8 Mile.

Learn How to Avoid the Holiday Blues at Madonna University December 11

Learn How to Avoid the Holiday Blues at Madonna University Dec 11

What: Robert Cohen, Ph.D., director of supervision and training for the Madonna University Psychological Services Clinic will speak about what triggers the holiday blues. He also will share techniques for managing the doldrums. This free seminar is open to the public. For more information please contact Robert Cohen at 734-432-5736.

“The holiday season can be challenging for many individuals, especially during this year of economic uncertainty,” said Cohen, an Ann Arbor resident.

Madonna University’s Psychological Services Clinic offers psychotherapy and assessment to children, adults and families through individual and group therapy sessions at reduced fees. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 734-432-5493.

When: Thursday, Dec. 11, 7:15 – 8:15 p.m.

Where: Madonna University
Room 1305 (entrance D)
36600 Schoolcraft Road (at Schoolcraft and Levan Rd., off I-96)
Livonia, MI 48150



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Strictly Business in the Livonia Observer

The Livonia Observer now features a new business page, Strictly Business, which debuted on Nov. 20. The page is dedicated to providing information to the newspapers' readers and on the newspaper's Web site at www.hometownlife.com about businesses (both large and small) in Livonia. Strictly Business will include information on business milestones, such as openings, special events, anniversaries and special sales. The page will highlight promotions and special awards to employees, along with Chamber Chat, which will be news and highlights from the Livonia Chamber of Commerce.

A local business will also be featured each Thursday in a Q-and-A format. Local businesses are invited to be part of it, too. Business owners and employees who want to publicize recent business openings, promotions, awards and events and want them listed can e-mail information and photos (jpg format) to kabramcz@hometownlife.com. Items also can be mailed to Ken Abramczyk, editor, Livonia Observer, 36251 Schoolcraft, Livonia MI 48150.