Get Your Energy Back

May 6, 2009, Wednesday, 6:00-8:00pm

Are you tired of being tired? Fatigue can be real, and not just an age related condition, or all in your head. Learn what causes you to feel fatigued, and how to get your energy back! You can end your fatigue with diet and lifestyle changes that are easy, effective and simple to do. Come learn how to put a spring back into your step the natural way! Limited to the first 30 guests. Please make your reservation at 734-756-6904. Presented by Dr. Carol Ann Fischer, D.C., N.D., Holistic Physician, Clinical Nutritionist and the non-profit Foundation for Wellness Professionals. Class held at Noble Library, 32901 Plymouth Road , Livonia . There is no charge for this class. www.TLCHolisticWellness.com.

Staff Appreciation Day at Churchill High School - looking for donations

Staff Appreciation Day at Churchill High School will be on Friday, May 8, 2009. This is a day that we recognize and reward our awesome staff at CHS with special things throughout the day. Thanks to those of you who have already made a donation commitment. You will be getting a reminder email next week. However, we’re still in need of parent donations to help show our CHS Staff how much we appreciate all their efforts with our kids day in and day out. If you could donate any of the following items or your ti me, it would be greatly appreciated. We are in need of:

Gift items for a teacher raffle (anything is great!) – we have 188 staff, so the more the better
200 Panera Bagels (Baker’s Dozen Donations w/cream cheese) The last two years we had them all donated, but
not this year…we need help with this.
5 cases of water (Desani preferred)
4 fresh fruit trays – strawberries, pineapple, melon, etc.
18 dozen (total) cookies, brownies and/or other baked goods – donation of 1 or 2 dozen is great!
Wrapped candy of any type0D
Snack items – chips, pretzels, taco chips, chex mix, etc. (individual snack bag size, please)
Hand held fruit – apples, bananas, oranges, etc.
Volunteers on Thursday, May 7, at 6:30 for teacher raffle and organizing items for the next day.
Volunteers for set-up (about 6:15 AM on 5/8) and tear down (about 1:30 PM on 5/8)
Any other ideas you may have!

Anything you could help us out with would be great. All donations can be dropped off during the week of May 4, but not later than Thursday, May 7, to Karen Oaks in the Principal’s Office (next to the Attendance Office) located near the main entrance of the school (off Newburgh). For planning purposes, if you could let Lorna McKenzie know what you9ll be donating that would also be helpful in eliminating duplicates. If you have any questions, please contact Lorna. Let’s show the staff at CHS how much we appreciate them!

Thank you!


Lorna McKenzie Jesus Murillo
PTSA Staff Appreciation PTSA Staff Appreciation
Co-Chair Co-Chair
lornadm@yahoo.com jmurillo@co.wayne.mi.us
734-422-2338 313-833-2349

BILL BROWN IS FORD'S TOP DEALERSHIP FOR MARCH

Bill Brown Ford led the nation's Ford dealerships with 351 vehicles sold in March. Bill Brown had the same honor for three months last year. Overall, Bill Brown Ford is the nation's No. 2 Ford dealership behind a dealership in California.

GraphiColor Exhibits receives award

In February, GraphiColor Exhibits, a member of the Livonia Chamber of Commerce, received a "Premium Partner for 2009" Award from Expolinc, one of the leading portable display manufacturers worldwide. Expolinc bestowed this award to their top 18 dealers in the Americas. According to Anita Mitzel, President of GraphiColor Exhibits, “Expolinc display products continue to be a customer favorite because of their good value, great styling and quick, intuitive set up. We are honored to receive this award.”

Chamber Special from CBS Outdoor

CBS Outdoor is running a special for Chamber members. Right now through the end of April, 20 Super Kings units are $5,000 for a minimum 4 week showing. These are on the SMART bus lines. You can run the advertising through Wayne, Macomb or Oakland county routes. The normal cost for this campaign is $10,500--A savings of $4,500. Please call Greg Coyne @ 313-556-7141 for more information.

Upcoming Grand Openings

I wanted to remind you of the 2 Grand Openings we have this week on Thursday and Friday!

We have a Grand Opening for Art in the Market on Thursday, March 5th at 3 pm. They are located inside Laurel Park Place Mall next to Bath and Body Works. Our contact is Deb at (734) 432-9177.

We have a Grand Opening for Metro PCS on Friday, March 6th at 3 pm. They are located at 28505 Schoolcraft Building 6, Livonia, MI 48152. They are behind the Home Depot in the Livonia Corporate Park. (Heading east)You will pass Middlebelt and then turn right at the light on the service drive. Our contact is Jay at 734-444-0134.

WEPAINTHOUSES.NET OFFERING CHAMBER DISCOUNT IN MARCH

Painting is THE most economical way to update the look and feel of a room. For home and business, We Paint Houses.Net provides the professionalism of an industrial painting company with the personal attention and craftsmanship Owners expect and deserve. Visit their website to view some of their interior and exterior work, read customer comments, and learn more about environmentally friendly painting. They are pleased to offer discounts for all chamber members placing orders in March. Call them at 734-4427 for your free consultation and quote.

Free Movie Night!

Free movie night! Recently in theaters nationwide, "FireProof" touched the hearts and impacted the marriages of millions of moviegoers Over the span of just a few weeks, this movie showed in top box-office charts.

At work, inside burning buildings, Capt. Caleb Holt lives by the old firefighter's adage: Never Leave Your Partner Behind. At home, in the cooling embers of his marriage, he lives by his own rules. His job is to rescue others. Now Caleb must face his toughest job ever.... rescuing his wife's heart.

Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church (14175 Farmington Rd, Livonia; just north of I-96) will be showing the movie "FireProof" on Friday, February 27th. Doors open at 6:30 pm -Show starts at 7 pm. Door prizes! Register at www.christoursavior.org

Want to know more about the recently passed Stimulus Package?

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Want to know more about the recently passed Stimulus Package? Join our own Congressman Thaddeus McCotter for a conference call with Chamber Members this Thursday morning.

When: Thursday, February 19th, 9:30 am

Call in information: 877-269-7289 When prompted, enter the code: 12256

We look forward to you joining us and Congressman McCotter this Thursday morning to better understand the recently passed Stimulus Package's impact on business in Michigan.

Thank you.

State of the City - March 12

Mayor Jack Kirksey will offer his annual update on Livonia at the State of the City Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 12, at Burton Manor. This is a Livonia Chamber of Commerce event open to the general public. Last year, more than 450 people attended this luncheon which is an outstanding networking opportunity for chamber members. Tickets are $25 per person, $20 for students and senior citizens, and $220 for a table of 10. Respond to this e-mail or call the Chamber office at (734) 427-2122 to reserve your space to this high-profile event.

CITY, CHAMBER WORKS ON RECRUITING MOVIE BUSINESS

Some 40 managers from nearby hotels and restaurants met this week to build relationships and brainstorm ideas to take advantage of the influx in movie industry investments to the area. The meeting was part of an on-going proactive partnership by the city and chamber to lure this business to Livonia by brining attention to the city's hotels, restaurants, stores and services. Livonia is one of four metro Detroit communities to develop a special Web site to provide information and details of available resources in Livonia to movie makers. That Web site is: www.filmlivonia.org. Among the ideas discussed at this week's session at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Winebar, local businesses indicated a desire to share information, ideas and discount arrangements in a bid to welcome more film crews to Livonia. It is expected that movie makers will spend millions of dollars in metro Detroit this year.

Jaycees looking for volunteer dealers at annual First Step Charity Dance

Livonia Jaycees looking for Volunteer Dealers at
the 19th Annual Charity Dance to Benefit First Step

About First Step:
First Step is the only agency in Wayne County that provides comprehensive services to support victims of domestic violence and sexual violence. First Step offers shelter, counseling, advocacy, assault response, 24-hour help line services, legal information, children’s services, training & education to supervisors and to the community. Last year over 10,000 people came to First Step for help.

The Livonia Jaycees will be operating the Vegas Night area of the First Step Charity Dance. We need 50 volunteers for us to have a successful evening. We will be operating 21 Blackjack tables, 10 Texas Hold’em Tables, 1 Roulette Table in addition to the Registration Table and security at the entrance.

Volunteers are asked to be there from 7pm-12pm. The Vegas Night activity may go as late as 1:30am, however, most duties will be completed by midnight.

What: Vegas Night

Where: Burton Manor
27777 Schoolcraft Road
Livonia, Michigan

When: Friday February 20th
7pm – 1:30am
(Volunteers may be finished early, though they should be prepared to potentially stay until the end)

Notes: Volunteers are to wear black dress pants, and a white dress shirt.
Dinner will be provided for volunteers.


Project Chair: Brandon Kritzman – Livonia Jaycees
Community Development Vice-President
Cell: 313-690-1299 (call anytime for info)

Stan Anderson

Our thoughts and prayers go the family of Mr. Stan Anderson, a longtime community activist who died over the weekend after a sudden battle with cancer. He was 87 years old. Mr. Anderson was the longtime leader of the Clements Circle neighborhood association, served on the Plymouth Road Development Authority, and organized many activities at Wilson Barn. He was once honored with Livonia's First Citizen Award with his decades of service to Livonia. He was an honorable gentlemen, who set a sterling example of community service and he will be missed.

City of Livonia Projects up for bids

The City of Livonia is looking for bids for the following projects: The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for separate bids on projects to: Remove and install new surge tanks at the city's three outdoor pools; replace the pump and filter at Botsford Pool; acquire a heater system for Botsford Pool. There is a mandatory pre-bid meeting planned for 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9. For more information, call Jamie Freese at (734) 466-2925. Bids are due by 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23.

The Parks and Recreation Department is looking to construct three picnic shelters with four-inch concrete slab floors, at separate city parks. There is a mandatory pre-bid meeting set for 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4. For more information, call Lyle Trudell at (734) 466-2410. Bids are due by 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25.

The Parks and Recreation Department is looking to remarcite the Livonia Community Recreation Center lap pool. Bids are due by 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10. For more information, call Jamie Freese at (734) 466-2925.

The Department of Public Works is looking for bids to provide a supply of water service parts and fittings. Bids are due by 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10. For more information, call the DPW at (734) 466-2655.

Congratulations to Award Winners!

Thursday, January 22, we held the Awards and Leadership Celebration at Laurel Manor. Thank you to our Sponsors AT&T and UPS. Congratulations to all of our Award winners!

Clarenceville Teachers of the Year
Maryalice Allen, Botsford/Grandview Elementary
Richard Cobb, Clarenceville Middle School
Patricia K. Waeschle, Clarenceville High School

Livonia Teachers of the Year
Lori Charochak, Hoover Elementary
Karla Halvangis, Churchill High School

Livonia Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year
Laurie Schroeder, Clips Coupons

Large Business of the Year
Bright House Networks

Small Business of the Year
Ken Wagner - State Farm Agency

Community Enhancement Award
Livonia Community Recreation Center

Outstanding Youth Award
Emily Swanson

The Livonia First Citizen Award
Lawrence Johnson

Madonna University Offering Continuing Education Courses for the Community This Feb.

What: Community members can explore their artistic side, learn healthy living habits, gain valuable financial skills, or start a new career with Madonna University’s full schedule of Continuing Education non-credit courses this February. Course fees vary.

When:
Painting & Drawing for Seniors – Saturdays, Feb. 6 - March 13, 1-3 p.m.
Design Valentine’s Day Cards – Saturday, Feb. 7, 9 a.m.-noon
Calligraphy – Saturday, Feb. 7, 9 a.m.-noon
Staging Your House to Sell – Saturday, Feb. 7, 10 a.m.-noon
Seven Steps to Healthy Living – Wednesday, Feb. 11, 7–9 p.m.
Picture Framing – Saturdays, Feb. 21–March 28, 10 a.m.–noon
Acrylic Painting – Saturdays, Feb. 21–March 28, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Retirement Planning Today – Saturdays, Feb. 21 & 28, 9 a.m.–noon
Stress Busters – Saturday, Feb. 21, 10 a.m.–noon
Senior Lunch – Finding Your Way in the Second Part of Life – Feb. 25, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Eliminating Bad Spending Habits – Saturdays, Feb. 28–March 14, 10 a.m.–noon

Where: All Continuing Education courses take place at Madonna University’s main campus in Livonia, 36600 Schoolcraft Road at Levan Road and I-96, except for the Senior Lunch, which will take place at 2075 Walnut Lake Road, in West Bloomfield.

For more information or to register, contact Alisa Logsdon in Madonna’s Office of Continuing Education and Professional Studies at 734-432-5804 or alogsdon@madonna.edu.

Are you taking full advantage of all the affinity programs associated with the Livonia Chamber of Commerce?

We have great savings through Verizon Wireless, Office Depot, AAA Group Services - Auto & Home, and TDS Metrocom. If you would like more information on how to benefit from Verizon Wireless discounts please contact Lakisha Jackson at reached at (248)915-3000. Save over 88% on office supplies through the Office Depot discount program by contacting Jill Price at (586)214-6018. AAA Group Services - Auto & Home offers discounts on auto and homeowner/rental insurance. They also offer a discount on AAA membership which includes a 24 hour roadside assistance, FREE maps, TripTik routings and Tour Book guides, plus show Your Card and receive additional discounts. For more information on AAA please call (248) 890-7026. Finally take advantage of TDS Metrocom discounts on your local phone service by calling 1-877-638-7626.

John Walsh has joined Fausone Bohn, LLP

John J. Walsh, a former executive at Schoolcraft College, has joined the Northville law firm of Fausone Bohn, LLP. Mr. Walsh was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in November 2008, serving the 19th District, which is Livonia, MI. Mr. Walsh will concentrate his practice in the areas of business law and corporate counseling.

Lawrence Tech offers first free networking reception, workshops, for displaced workers

Lawrence Technological University will host the first of four networking receptions to bring together displaced workers with college degrees and more than 50 companies with job openings on Thursday, Jan. 22, 5-9 p.m. on its campus at 21000 West Ten Mile Road in Southfield. More than 400 job applicants have already signed up for the event, offered by Lawrence Tech without charge.

To help displaced workers prepare for the networking reception, The Ayers Group of Southfield – a career transition management firm and a division of Kelly Services, Inc. of Troy – is teaming up with Lawrence Tech’s Office of Career Services to offer a workshop, “Networking for Success,” on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and at 7-9 p.m. in the Taubman Student Services Center.

The Ayers Group will lead additional workshops on “Successful Job Search Strategies” and “Resume Building” on Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 28-29, at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.

The networking receptions and workshops are part of Lawrence Tech’s $3 million “Recovery Starts Here” stimulus package for displaced workers. The initiative includes 400 “Recovery Grants” that provide 50 percent of tuition for eligible displaced workers or their dependent children through the completion of a degree program. These grants will enable displaced workers to take advantage of Lawrence Tech’s expanded academic programs in areas such as sustainability, alternative energy and life sciences that are geared to strengthen and diversify Michigan’s economic competitiveness

The networking receptions and workshops are open to all displaced workers with college degrees, not just Lawrence Tech alumni and students. They are designed to provide employers and job-seekers with a face-to-face experience in an informal setting that is both professional and personal.

To register, displaced workers with college degrees and employers can call (248) 204-4100 or email recovery@ltu.edu. For information, go to ltu.edu/recovery/receptions.asp. There are no fees to participate.

Margaret Pierce, director of career services at Lawrence Tech, said many job applicants will be pleasantly surprised to see how many companies in Michigan are looking to add employees who have experience. “This is an opportunity for us to show those companies that the workers they seek are right here in Michigan,” Pierce said.

The networking reception will provide applicants with the opportunity to talk to business recruiters on an informal basis. “Instead of the resume shuffle that takes place at job fairs, we want to give job applicants the opportunity to talk to employers on a variety of topics,” said Kevin Finn, dean of students at Lawrence Tech.

Career fields generating job opportunities across Michigan include energy, life sciences, homeland security and defense, and advanced manufacturing. “Although it is easy to presume that job opportunities are scant, many companies and industries today need talented and experienced people to contribute to and lead their organizations,” Finn said.

Karen Lazarou, business development executive from the Southfield office of The Ayers Group, will lead the three workshops.

“The Ayers Group is positioned as a strong and knowledgeable leader in moving southeast Michigan forward as companies and employees deal with the changing economy and their work environment,” Lazarou said.

Other networking receptions will follow on April 2, June 4 and Oct. 8. The Ayers Group will hold workshops to help job applicants prepare for those events.

Lawrence Technological University, ltu.edu, offers over 80 undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degree programs in Colleges of Architecture and Design, Arts and Sciences, Engineering and Management. Founded in 1932, the 4,500-student, private university pioneered evening classes 75 years ago, and today has a growing number of weekend and online programs. Lawrence Tech’s 102-acre campus is in Southfield, with education centers in Lansing, Livonia, Clinton Township, Traverse City and Petoskey. Lawrence Tech also offers programs with partner universities in Mexico, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

The Ayers Group is headquartered in New York City’s historic Chrysler building, with five offices in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Michigan. Through its partnership with Career Partners International (CPI), The Ayers Group/CPI has offices in more than 175 locations throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, South America and the Pacific Rim.

Kelly Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: KELYA, KELYB) is a world leader in human resources solutions headquartered in Troy, Michigan, offering temporary staffing services, outsourcing, vendor on-site and full-time placement to clients on a global basis. Kelly provides employment to more than 750,000 employees annually, with skills including office services, accounting, engineering, information technology, law, science, marketing, creative services, light industrial, education, and health care. Revenue in 2007 was $5.7 billion. Visit www.kellyservices.com.

Knapp appointed City Attorney

Mayor Jack Kirksey appointed Councilman Don Knapp to become City Attorney, effective early February. He will have to resign his council seat. The City Council will appoint a replacement to fill the remainder of Knapp's term which expires at the end of this year. Knapp replaces Sean Kavanagh who was elected District Court Judge in November.

Chamber Members with Job Postings

Remerica United Realty is seeking receptionist for their busy real estate office in Novi. Real estate experience a plus. Full time with some nights and weekends. Must be a multi-tasker, have pleasant phone manner, and dependable. Must be able to handle multiple phone lines. Please email your resume to novirealestate@yahoo.com.

Parkside Credit Union is seeking clerical/data entry for loan paperwork, 25-30 hours per week. Position is temporary/part time. Please email your resume to skreinbring@parksidecu.org

Neighborly Networking draws great crowd

We had a wonderful time Thursday evening as some 120 people involved in the Livonia and Farmington-Farmington Hills chambers met for a new networking event that involves the two chambers. We heard nothing but good responses to our event at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center. We plan to do one or two more of these networking events with Farmington-Farmington Hills later this year.

Tim Horton’s Grand Opening

Livonia’s fourth Tim Horton’s store opened in late December on Middlebelt Road just south of Six Mile Road. The store’s formal grand opening was held Thursday, Jan. 9 as Mayor Jack Kirksey cut the ribbon with owners Simon and Rana Krikor and several Livonia Chamber ambassadors.

Nominees being sought for 2009 Livonia First Citizen and 2009 Outstanding Youth Award

Nominees are being sought for the 2009 Livonia First Citizen and 2009 Outstanding Youth Award sponsored by the Livonia Observer. Go to www.hometownlife.com and click on the Livonia page to submit a nomination online or download nomination forms. The First Citizen and Outstanding Youth will be honored at the Livonia Chamber of Commerce Leadership Awards Event on Thursday, Jan. 22 at the Laurel Manor Banquet & Conference Center.

Fight Against Hunger Wine Tasting at Andiamo

Join Andiamo of Livonia Thursday, January 15 from 7-9 p.m. as they support "Tast of the NFL in the Fight Against Hunger". They'll be smapling 10 wines from the around the world in this tasting that so generously gives back to the community. $25 per person, all inclusive. Please call for reservations, space is limited 734-953-3200, www.andiamoitalia.com

Coifer Salon Grand Opening!

COIFER SALON
37657 Five Mile Rd
Livonia, MI 48154
Contact: Mrs. Ann Martinuzzi
Phone: (734) 464-3340
http://www.coifersalon.com


We held the grand opening for Coifer Salon Wednesday December 17.