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.

 From the desk of Jennifer Knott Giering

The Walk-About concept was modeled after a similar event held by the South Placer Business community in September, 2010. South Placer is comprised of the Sacramento Metro Chamber, City of Lincoln, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, City of Rocklin, Rocklin Area Chamber of Commerce, City of Roseville, Roseville Chamber of Commerce, and Placer County in California.

The walk paired one Dearborn Chamber of Commerce member with one City staffer or official for 12 teams. Groups focused on several key business districts, including West Dearborn (from Mason to Telegraph on Michigan Ave.), East Dearborn (Greenfield, Warren and Schaeffer), Monroe, and Telegraph between Oxford and Ford Rd.. Each pair asked three basic questions: How is business?; What do you like about doing business in the area?; and What improvements are needed in the area?

When asked “How is business,” more than half of respondents indicated that business “was good, could be better.” An overwhelming majority (89%) said business was “okay or better.” While these responses represent a positive business climate, 11% admitted that business was suffering.

When asked “What do you like most about doing business in Dearborn?,” 31% indicated that they liked their locations most, followed closely by community atmosphere. Twenty-two percent appreciated their client base and demographics best. The findings for “What can be done to improve business,” showed that 23% answered “other.” When asked for details, responses included filling empty store fronts, lowering taxes, parking lot issues and city cooperation. Twenty percent hope for traffic flow improvements and 20% hope for improved economy.

“We can’t promise any kind of immediate results to issues that business owners identified, but this event gives us another opportunity to learn about the experiences of the business community, and help us to continue to respond in a relevant ways,” said Barry Murray, the director of the City’s Economic and Community Development Department.

The report findings will be distributed to each participating business, Chamber leadership and city officials for review. According to Jennifer Giering, President of the Dearborn Chamber of Commerce, two Walk Abouts are scheduled for 2012 to continue the momentum of this outreach effort. The Dearborn Chamber intends to present its findings at an upcoming City Council meeting. The Chamber provides more than 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

Learn how a steamy love life can impact and improve your heart health.  Dr. Joel Kahn, Cardiologist and System Director, Health & Wellness for DMC, gives specifics on how sex can boost your immune system, burn calories, improve your heart health, reduce pain and a host of other hot topics related to your libido and health.

 “We felt it was important to create the opportunity to educate women about health issues that impact us the most,” said Chamber President Jennifer Giering.  “With women’s busy schedules, we wanted to offer a one-stop forum for healthy living, important networking opportunities and fashion.”  A reception featuring heart-healthy appetizers will be a part of this brand new event.

Other local businesses included are Sophia’s Giftique, a boutique that features funky bags, one-of-a-kind jewelry and custom-made cards/invitations. Hair Designs North will offer hair care tips and CID Design will provide custom-made jewelry.

Dr. Kahn will begin his remarks at 6 pm.  After the cocktail reception at 7 pm, enjoy a runway-style fashion hosted by Hoda Salameh, Assoc. Editor of StyleLine Magazine. Show will feature the hottest ways to upgrade your style for Spring 2012.  Looks from New York’s Carlisle and Per Se Collections featured. Cost is $25 per person and includes a complimentary glass of wine, appetizers with cash bar. Register online at www.dearbornchamber.org.

 Other sponsors include Health Alliance Plan, LaFontaine Automotive Group and StyleLine Magazine, Metro Detroit’s #1 guide to fashion, beauty and home.

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.

Six new board members have been elected to join the Dearborn Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and will begin their three year terms January 1, 2012. New board members include Barb Biess, B2 Consulting; Jeff Evans, U of M Dearborn; Basima Farhat, Banners Nationwide; Alan Osborne, The Henry Hotel; Joel Schembri, Allstate Insurance – The Schembri Agency and Bill Wednieski, Severstal.                            

Board members who were re-elected for a second term include; Cecelia Fydroski, Henry Ford Center Fairlane / Ford Road;   Rick Hillbom, Oakwood Hospital; Minnie LaGrande, PNC Bank, Rick Morrone, Blue Cross Blue Shield; Cathy O’Malley, Fairlane Towne Center and Michelle Plucinsky, The Glass Academy.

“On behalf of the leadership of the Dearborn Chamber of Commerce, I want to extend a warm welcome to the six newly elected Directors of the Dearborn Chamber of Commerce,” said outgoing chairman of the board Eddie Fakhoury, Executive Director of the Dearborn Education Foundation. “We are very pleased to have such a distinguished group of professionals join our organization.”

The newly elected directors were formally introduced at the Holiday Auction, December 7 at Village Ford.  Additionally, Mike Kirk, Neumann Smith Architecture, was introduced as the incoming Board Chair and Rick Morrone, Blue Cross Blue Shield as Chair-Elect.  Patti Jones, U of M Dearborn, Marty Heger, Dearborn Federal Savings Bank, Bob Pierce, The Dearborn Inn, A Marriott Hotel and Jim Thorpe, Ameriprise Financial were acknowledged as outgoing board members having served at least 2 three-year terms.

The Chamber 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.

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The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead agency forbusiness, talent and jobs, focusing on helping grow Michigan’s economy.  The organization recently announced a new export assistance program for small businesses. Businesses with fewer than 500 employees can qualify for the program, which offers financial assistance for exporting. The funds come from a $1.5 million award to the state from the U.S.

 “We want business owners and executives to look on these Business Builder Breakfasts as a great resource for current, beneficial information,” said Chamber President Jennifer Knott Giering. “The MEDC is doing significant work in the areas of business and talent attraction and retention and we look forward to hearing most positive stories about the state’s turnaround.”

 Prior to taking the helm at MEDC, Finney served as president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK, a public-private partnership whose mission is to advance innovation-based economic development in greater Ann Arbor. Named by Crain’s Detroit Business as one of the 2007 Newsmakers of the year, Finney also served as president and CEO of Greater Rochester Enterprise, Rochester, New York and vice president of Emerging Business Sectors at MEDC.

The Chamber’s Business Builders Breakfast in November is the fourth of these breakfasts in 2011. 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.

The representation on the island comprised the best and brightest in Michigan. The energy was high and contagious. No matter what side of the aisle, be reassured that the leaders of this state are focused on economic prosperity and they’re doing something about it. The issues are difficult and times are tough, but that’s when Michiganders get tougher. We must stand together, be good ambassadors and support leaders who lead. The state’s administrators and captains of industry are courageous in their pursuit of economic prosperity and are committed to reach their goals.

Several initiatives were developed as a result of the conference. Governor Snyder, Conference Chairman Charles G. “Chip” McClure, and Detroit Regional Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Sandy K. Baruah announced the 2011 Mackinac Policy Conference “To-Do” list to help the Chamber’s efforts to re-invent and re-energize Michigan.  Second, was the launch of Pure Michigan Business Connect, the new $3 billion public-private initiative, created by Governor Snyder with top business leaders to strengthen the administration’s economic gardening philosophy through an alliance of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), State of Michigan agencies and major Michigan companies and organizations.  These are forwarding thinking and strategic approaches to pushing Michigan to the top once again.

We can’t agree with everyone all the time. But we can agree that we all know how to pronounce Mackinac, we can experience the four seasons in one week and that some people do live in the thumb. Most importantly, we love the state and we will be #1 once again.

Jennifer Knott Giering

President

Taste of Dearborn, Wednesday, June 15, 2011

The Dearborn Chamber of Commerce’s Taste of Dearborn returns Wednesday, June 15 from

6 – 10 p.m. The event is sponsored by Ameriprise Financial – Advisor Jim Thorpe.

Twenty restaurants will participate this year in West Downtown Dearborn and the Fairlane Town Center complex. Cost is $20. For groups of 10 or more, tickets are $15 per person. Ticket price at the door is $30. Pre-registration reservations are required by June 14, 2011. Register online at www.dearbornchamber.org. Participants must be at least 21 to participate.

Tasters sample free appetizers, purchase drink specials if they choose, then catch one of the passenger vans available for transportation to the next participating restaurant of their choice.  Transportation is available to participating restaurants until 10 p.m. and is sponsored by LaFontaine Automotive Group.  Menus will be distributed to each participant and are sponsored by Allegra Print & Imaging.

This is a delicious way to enjoy all the great restaurants Dearborn has to offer. A complete list of participating restaurants is listed below. For more information contact Peggy Richard, Event Director at

313-584-6100 or register online at www.dearbornchamber.org.

Participating restaurants include: Andiamo’s – Dearborn, bd’s Mongolian Barbeque, Bailey’s, Bangkok 96 (at check-in, Bryant Library), Big Fish Seafood Bistro, Bravo! Cucina Italiana, Buffalo Wild Wings, Buddy’s Pizzeria, Chef Gourmet Catering (at check-in, Bryant Library), Crave, Deliziosa Restaurant, Double Olive, Guilio’s & Sons (Hyatt Regency), Kiernan’s Steak House/Silky’s Martini Bar, La Pita Mediterranean Cuisine, PF Changs China Bistro, PizzaPapalis, Post Bar, Ten Eyck Tavern (newly renovated in the Dearborn Inn), TRIA (in The Henry Hotel)