“The BRACE event combines effective networking and an expo showcasing over 35 businesses. This exposure adds great value to our members,” said Dearborn Chamber of Commerce board president Mike Kirk. “Recognizing innovative and forward-thinking business models is part of business appreciation that members and the community at large have for companies like TechShop that are truly embracing innovative thinking.”

“We are thrilled to receive this award as a nod to our business model, which allows affordable access to anyone so they can build their dreams,” said TechShop CEO Mark Hatch. “We like to think that we’re creating access to the tools of the next industrial revolution and providing transformative experiences.”

TechShop Detroit Grand Opening Celebration May 5 and 6

TechShop and Ford executives, along with other key partners like Autodesk, local TechShop members and the Detroit area maker community, will celebrate the newest TechShop location, serving the greater Detroit Metro area at 800 Republic Drive in Allen Park. The event will kick off on Saturday, May 5 with a maker-style door opening at 10:30 AM. Event runs 10AM-6PM both Saturday and Sunday.

Over the course of the weekend TechShop will showcase its collection of advanced machines, tools and technologies that enable members to make everything from toys to instruments to vehicles. Tours of the facility will run throughout the day as well as a full program including activities, workshops and panel discussions. Key partners including Ford, Autodesk, The Henry Ford Museum, MAKE, Etsy and more will be represented in projects, demonstrations and displays. Gourmet street faire food will be available in the front parking lot. Final Design Challenge entries for a People Mover device will also be on display for the People’s Choice award where attendees may vote for the best design. For online event invitation with more details, see http://techshop.ws/ts_detroit.html.

ABOUT TECHSHOP, INC.

Founded in October 2006, TechShop, Inc. is a membership-based, do-it-yourself (DIY) workshop and fabrication studio providing access to a vibrant community of highly creative people and more than $1million worth of high quality machines, tools and software. TechShop offers classes, workshops, instruction and meet-ups for people of all ages and skill levels. TechShop is based in Menlo Park, Calif., with current locations in San Francisco, San Jose, Raleigh, NC and Allen Park, Mich., and plans to expand nationally.

For information and course listings, visit http://www.techshop.ws, email info@techshop.ws or call 855-TECSHOP. You can follow TechShop on Twitter at “@TechShop.” TechShop is also on Facebook as “TechShop Incorporated.”

MEDIA CONTACT:

Carrie Motamedi, TechShop, Inc.
Phone: 415 244 2204
Email: carrie@techshop.com

So, let’s examine this hot button topic; the wage gap. It’s highly unlikely employers are going to give women across the nation a 23% wage increase to make nice. It’s not practical and it’s not financially prudent. What do these employers look like? Well, they look like women. According to Forbes, 2012 was a record setting year as 17 women held the CEO position of Fortune 500 companies including IBM, Pepsi and Kraft. In addition, women own over 8 million businesses, employing nearly as many while generating $1.3 trillion in annual revenue.  This tells that in some instances women are at the helm of the wage differential. The good news is that statistics show that in the past 50 years, women have closed the gap, likely through education. And only through education will we continue to close that gap.  In Liza Monday’s new book, “The Richer Sex,” she cites women receive roughly three-fifths of both bachelors and masters degrees from American colleges and universities. By the year 2050, she points out, demographers forecast there will be 140 college educated women for every 100 college educated men. It’s statistics like these that will organically drive change.

Monday also cites new research that shows in U.S. cities single women in their 20′s without children on average make more than men. The next generation of women in America will stand to make more than their male counterparts across all levels of employment. In addition, almost 40% of working wives out-earn their husbands. As time progresses, we will find that not only will the wage gap come to a close, but so will the conversation.

Where are we now? In 49 of the last 50 months, unemployment was lower for women than men according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The National Journal Heartland Monitor Group is reporting that three-fourths of women say they believe they can now advance as far as their talents will take them regardless of their gender. And nearly as many report that they have not experienced discrimination at all in the workplace.

This trend did not start 3 ½ years ago.  It started when my mother entered the workforce. Now holding a high ranking role with a major health care institution, my mother didn’t chide her way to the top, she earned it. She paved the way for future generations. There is not a war on my gender, only my intelligence.  To suggest that the only political issues of importance to me is the wage gap and contraception is insulting.  My friends and I are interested in the economy, job creation, taxes, foreign policy, gas prices and the future of public education.  My political affiliation doesn’t treat me as a gender, but as an educated professional.

From the desk of:
Jennifer Knott Giering
President
Dearborn Chamber of Commerce

The US Chamber of Commerce launched the Hiring Our Heroes initiative in March 2011 with the intent to connect veterans and their spouses with meaningful employment. In the first year, Hiring Our Heroes has hosted more than 130 hiring fairs in 45 states and the District of Columbia; more than 9,000 veterans have landed jobs.

Efforts will be significantly increased in 2012 with hiring fairs in 400 communities, the establishment of a stand-alone program for military spouses, and a sustained campaign to enlist the commitments from the small business community to hire veterans and military spouses over the next years.

The Dearborn Chamber of Commerce is pleased to be a part of the April 11 Hiring Our Heroes fair taking place from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center.  To date, over 140 employers have committed to be in attendance.  Local employers include Ford Motor Company, Severstal, Kearns Brothers, LaFontaine Automotive Group, Oakwood Healthcare and Livernois Engineering.  Organizers expect close to 1000 job seeking veterans to attend.  Those seeking employment are encouraged to register before April 3 at hoh.greatjob.net. In addition, various veteran service-providers will be in attendance.

The unemployment rate for veterans is significantly higher than the general population.  It is our obligation to afford every opportunity to these men and women who risk their lives to protect our country and our freedom.  They hone numerous transferable skills while in the military, positively impacting workplace performance; leadership, team work, loyalty and dependability. When these and other job skills are translated for civilian work, you have a recipe for an all-star candidate.  These men and women fight for our country, they shouldn’t have to fight for jobs.

Jennifer Knott Giering
President

The Detroit Lions 2011/2012 season was a cavalcade of historic moments and emotional highs.  While the season may have ended in the first round of playoffs, fans were still treated to numerous nationally televised games this year, and this Lions unit proved they were not the same pushovers from years prior.  They became a force in the NFC and a likely fixture in playoff race for the foreseeable future. Working alongside General Manager Martin Mayhew and Head Coach Jim Schwartz, Lewand is leading one of the NFL’s most improved teams.

“We want business owners and executives to be motivated and inspired by comeback stories such as the Detroit Lions,” said Chamber President Jennifer Knott Giering. “Lewand has proven to be a creatively aggressive business force.  In addition to the transformation of the Lions’ business operations, he has helped position Ford Field as a cornerstone in the area’s urban renewal and revitalization efforts.”

Since taking the helm, Lewand continues to evaluate and review opportunities to grow the team’s operations to impact it’s ability to win on the field.  In 2010, the team sold out seven of eight home games and introduced numerous fan-friendly and family-oriented ticket options.  Overall attendance in 2010 increased 14 percent, the largest increase by any NFC team.  Detroit was one of only two teams in the NFL to experience a double-digit increase in ticket sales. Under Lewand’s guidance and direction, Ford Field has been host to Super Bowl XL (2006); NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four (2009); NCAA Men’s Hockey Frozen Four (2010) that not only set NCAA Frozen Four records but world indoor hockey records as well.

Lewand received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan in 1991, and earned both his Juris Doctor at the University of Michigan Law School and his Master’s degree in business administration from the University of Michigan Business School in 1996. Lewand aided the Michigan football program in various capacities on a volunteer basis while attending the school.  He and wife Suzanne have four daughters and maintain several close alliances to community organizations.

The Dearborn Chamber offers this breakfast series as an opportunity for members to engage with newsmakers and key opinion leaders who make significant impact on the business community. The Business Builders Breakfast in May is the first of these breakfasts scheduled for 2012. Previous speakers included Ford Motor Company’s Alan Mulally and U of M Athletic Director David Brandon. Individual tickets are available ($30 for members; $35 for non-members) as well as corporate tables ($400) by going to www.dearbornchamber.org. 

The Dearborn Chamber of Commerce provides 500+ members with the opportunities and resources to engage and network with other businesses, enhancing financial growth, professional development, and the ability to contribute to a thriving community environment.

Event Registration

The Dearborn Chamber of Commerce and the Dearborn Public Schools invites the community, business and educators to participate in an upcoming Community Conversation on Wednesday, March 28, 6:30 – 8:30 pm at the Dearborn Public School Administration Building, 18700 Audette, Dearborn. In partnership with the Center for Michigan, a nonprofit and nonpartisan “think-and-do” tank located in Ann Arbor, the Chamber and Dearborn Public Schools volunteered to convene a group of 25-50 people for a 90-minute discussion focused on Michigan’s preK-12 education system and student learning. 

During the conversation participants will learn more about many of the key issues and choices related to education which impact students within this community. The Center for Michigan will also provide an opportunity for the audience to share success stories about what’s working in local schools to improve student learning.  The conversation will be one of more than 250 structured dialogues taking place in 2012 all across the state. Altogether, the participants will include more than 5,000 local leaders and engaged citizens, including students, parents, job providers, and educators.

As part of a statewide effort, our local conversation will help accomplish four goals:

• Expand the knowledge of students, parents, employers and educators about the education choices facing Michigan today.
• Gather the perspectives and preferences of Michigan residents on major education policy and reform choices under debate in Michigan and around the country.
• Amplify the voices of Michigan residents and press state decision makers to follow participant recommendations on how best to improve students’ prospects for future success.
• Provide participants with options on how to become more involved in improving educational opportunities for students in their own communities.

To learn more about the Community Conversations and the Center for Michigan, please visit www.thecenterformichigan.net.  Please RSVP to www.dearbornchamber.org by March 26.

The Dearborn Chamber of Commerce promotes the best interests of nearly 600 member organizations by enhancing leadership opportunities, connection with prospective customers, endorsement of products and services, increasing sales and saving money.

How often have we as children heard “You kids don’t know what good music is or how to really have fun…well, in MY day…” This theme runs through our society, with each generation thinking that the one before was smarter, better behaved, less self-absorbed. My grandmother’s fondest memory is riding her bike to work at Harrods in 1930’s London.  No modern day advancement or luxury could ever compete with the vivid and fond memories of her youth. Upon arriving in America, however, she was the first of her sisters to have a washing machine. While nostalgic, she appreciated modern conveniences and was one who easily adapted to change.

Nostalgia seems to be on the minds of many lately. Fond memories transport Dearborn citizens back to shopping at Sanders, Crowley’s and Jacobson’s.  These fine establishments hold a very special place in the history of Dearborn. Unfortunately, the growing trend of regional malls sealed their fate and they went the way of the 8 track tape, Polaroid cameras and pay phones.  The market will no longer bear these elegant stores profitable existence.  We must continue to embrace the new, the innovative business models that will carry this community forward.

The economic prosperity of this community should not be judged on storefronts along Michigan Avenue.  It should be gauged by the brilliant entrepreneurs operating in this city everyday.  They work in warehouses, multi-story office buildings and in basements.  While making a great name for Dearborn, these individuals are running profitable businesses.  Look to technology companies operating in Ford Land properties, The Glass Academy producing art in a warehouse, Brightly Twisted producing beautiful clothing in the basement of Village Plaza and Puppy & Bean operating out of a home.  While nostalgia plays an important part in our culture by grounding us to yesteryear, we must be careful it does not cast a shadow on the successes and opportunities of today.

The “Hiring Our Heroes” Hiring Fair is scheduled for April 11, 2012, from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, located at 15801 Michigan Ave., just one block east of Southfield Freeway.  Organizers are committed to making this one-of–a-kind FREE hiring fair a win-win for employers and veteran/military spouse job seekers.

This event is one of the largest fairs to date, with a goal of bringing 100-area employers together with hundreds of local veterans.  These companies will range from America’s biggest employers to dozens of small companies from across the state.  These companies are looking for veterans of all levels of rank and experience. Employers and job seekers must pre-register for this FREE event by going to www.hoh.greatjob.net. Registration closes on April 3, 2012.  Job seekers please bring along proof of military service.

This hiring event, sponsored by Hero2Hired (H2H) and Ryder System, Inc. is being conducted by the  U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Dearborn, Detroit, Great Lakes, and Southern Wayne County Regional Chambers of Commerce,  City of Dearborn, U.S. Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Services (DOL VETS),  Ford Community and Performing Arts Center, Veterans’ Services Division, State of Michigan, United States Army Reserve, Michigan National Guard, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR),  Vietnam Veterans of America, Michigan State Council, Wayne County Veterans Affairs Division, and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

Credentialed members of the media are invited to register through press@uschamber.com or by calling 202-463-5682. For more information please contact Ms. Jennifer Giering, President, Dearborn Chamber of Commerce at jgiering@dearbornchamber.org or (313) 584-6100.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

Download the flyer here!

www.uschamber.com @USChamber

www.freeenterprise.com Hiring Our Heroes Dearborn/Detroit

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The Dearborn Chamber of Commerce asks the business community to “brace” itself for a brand new approach to its current business awards and expo and announces B.R.A.C.E—short for Business Recognition Awards Ceremony & Expo.  This annual event–to be held Thursday, April 26, 2012, 11 am – 2 pm, at the Henry, an Autograph Collection Hotel in Dearborn–combines effective networking, business appreciation and an expo showcasing over 35 business.  Presenting sponsor is Ford Land.

“We are always looking for ways to update and invigorate our current events to add value to our members,” says Dearborn Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board Mike Kirk.  “The name was just the first step in creating a clearer message and branding to recognize innovative and forward-thinking business models.”

This year the Chamber will honor Henry Ford Medical Center—recent recipient of the 2011 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, one of the most prestigious national awards for performance excellence—with the Business of the Year Award. Named after the 26^th Secretary of Commerce, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award was established in 1987 by Congress to promote quality awareness, to recognize quality and business achievements of U.S. organizations, and to publicize these organizations’ successful performance strategies.

The Leadership Award will be given to Genevieve Vang, proprietor of Bangkok 96 Restaurant. The Small Business Award will be bestowed on The Glass Academy.

Vang has owned the Thai food restaurant since 1996 and has just embarked on the creation and promotion of a frozen food line of her best culinary offerings.  She supports several local charities including the Dearborn Animal Shelter.

The Glass Academy, opened and operated by award-winning artists Michelle Plucinsky and Chris Nordin, exemplify how strong work ethic and great leadership impact growth, profit and community dedication.  Housed in a renovated auto manufacturing plant, the art space has become a destination for art enthusiasts throughout the region. In addition to commissioned works of art created for large organizations, the Academy also hosts successful shows featuring beautiful glass pumpkins and holiday ornaments.

The luncheon will also honor a forward-thinking unique business model that breaks traditional molds with its Innovator of the Year.  Another new aspect will encourage nominations from the community and chamber membership via an online voting component. Past awardees have included The Henry Ford Makers Faire, Hype Athletics and Severstal North America.

The newly branded B.R.A.C.E. will connect and showcase organizations in the Dearborn community.  The luncheon, including a new video component spotlighting each awardee, will also highlight businesses celebrating milestone anniversaries, from 5 years to 100 years.  The expo will enable companies to promote their products and services to more than 300 business owners, community leaders and corporate professionals.

The cost to attend the event is $50 for Chamber members and $65 for non-members; $500 for table of 10 with signage. Space is limited.  Register online at www.dearbornchamber.org.

The Dearborn Chamber of Commerce promotes the best interests of over 500 member organizations by enhancing leadership opportunities, connection with prospective customers, endorsement of products and services, increasing sales and saving money.