Fall 2007 Chaldean Commerce Newsletter

The newsletter of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce

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2ND ANNUAL CHALDEAN FESTIVALQUARTERLY NETWORKING MEETINGWAYNE COUNTY TURBO PROGRAMINS

IDE

WIRELESSINDUSTRYOUTLOOKWHAT’S TO COME FOR THIS

FAST GROWING ECONOMIC SECTOR

WIRELESSINDUSTRYOUTLOOKWHAT’S TO COME FOR THIS

FAST GROWING ECONOMIC SECTOR

TODD SHAYA, WIRELESS GIANT

ChaldeanCommerce0907_0120 9/4/07 4:41 PM

CHALDEAN COMMERCECHALDEAN COMMERCE

S E P T E M B E R - O C T O B E R 2 0 0 7 3

The newsletter of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce

september - october 2007

CALENDAR 4 Mark the Dates

MESSAGE 4 From the Chairman5 From the Executive Director

BRIEFINGS 6 Members in the news New & renewed members

MEMBER PROFILE 8 VeraVault

FEATURES 9 Wayne County Turbo Program10 2nd Annual Chaldean Festival

SOCIALS 12 Chaldean Store Owners MeetingWomen's Networking Event at Blush SalonQuarterly Networking Meeting

COVER STORY 14 Wireless Industry Outlook

ENTREPRENEURSHIP 16 Get connected with your franchise community

ON THE COVER:TODD SHAYA,

WIRELESS GIANT

PHOTOGRAPH BY DAVID REED


The last couple of months have been very busy and produc-tive at the Chaldean Chamber. We have had activities

addressing issues relating to the interests of our members, aswell as the plight of our people elsewhere.

The Chaldean Festival at the beginning of August was verysuccessful and was attended by about 26,000 people with plen-ty of food, music, and fun for all. The Festival Committee is tobe commended for a job very well done, and the same is true ofall the efforts and dedication the volunteers that were recruitedby the Committee demonstrated. Several good ideas and sugges-tions have also been presented to the Committee for considera-tion regarding next year’s festival.

In addition, we started a breakfast series called “IndustryOutlook,” whereby experts from a particular industry arebrought together to make a presentation relating to their assess-ment of that industry. The first was about the Wireless Industry featuring informa-tive presentations by representatives from Wireless Toyz, Wireless Giant and Sprint.We would like to see even more attendants in the next presentation covering theHospitality Industry on October 11, 2007.

We have a new Task Committee to address particular issues relating to theDetroit store owners. This Committee came about as a result of the good efforts ofJohn Loussia who is heading the Committee and who already has had several pro-ductive meetings. On behalf of the Chamber, I would like to thank all the storeowners who have become members of the Chamber. As a Chamber, we commit tosupport this group and the needs of our store members in any way we can.

It has also been very informative and gratifying for several of us at the Chamberto have hosted representatives from our Chaldean Assyrian and Syriac people fromall over the world. We have hosted Mr. Sami Al Malah, an activist from Sweden, Mr.Dawd Berno from Iraq, Dominican Fathers Yousif Toma and Hani Daniel, publishersof the “Al Fiker Al Massihi” or “Christian Thought” in Iraq, which is considered oneof the world’s best opinion journals according to the Vatican. Most recently, we havehosted representatives from the Assyrian Democratic Organization, or MtKesta fromSyria, Mr. Bashir Saadi and Mr. Younan Talia. These gatherings were also attendedby representatives from our local community organizations. The meetings haveserved to bring our people together, focusing the need for a unified program andaction on the part of our people in the Diaspora; to aid our suffering Christian peo-ple in Iraq.

I am looking forward to the upcoming Real Estate & Franchise Conference onSeptember 20, 2007. This promises to be an interesting and rewarding conferencewith booths and presentations from several prominent franchise companies thatwould like to conduct business with our Community. Mark the date and invite yourfriends and associates to attend.

Peace and God’s Blessings to all.

Dave NonaChairman

from the chairman

MESSAGECALENDAR

Dave Nona

mark the dates

SEPTEMBER 20Real Estate & FranchiseConference11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.Shenandoah Country Club,West Bloomfield, MI

OCTOBER 11Hospitality Industry OutlookJoin industry leaders as they present the economicoutlook and future opportunities. Complimentarybuffet will be served. 7 p.m. Shenandoah CountryClub, West Bloomfield, MI

NOVEMBER 15Annual Chamber Meetingand Board Elections6:00 p.m. ShenandoahCountry Club, WestBloomfield, MI

DECEMBER 13Annual Chamber Christmas PartyCopper Canyon Brewery,Southfield, MI

It’s Your Chamber –Become Involved!The Chaldean American Chamberof Commerce offers membersmany opportunities to help makea difference. Please join us onone or more of the followingcommittees:

• Dinner • Golf Outing • Festival • PAC • Detroit Task Force • Iraq Task Force • Membership • Business Advisory • Women’s Business

And Professional

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


Ajigsaw puzzle requires the assembly of numerous small, unique interlocking pieces to createone unified image. When a puzzle has been completed, it is taken apart with pieces being

moved away from each other into new locations. Taken apart, the goal is to once again find thepieces and unify them as a whole.

The Chamber is analogous to a jigsaw puzzle: conjoin different pieces together with the goal ofrepresenting and, ultimately, unifying various interests. Each component below fits perfectly togeth-er to achieve our goals.

• In September, I traveled to San Diego, California along with representatives from the Chamberto meet with community members there to consider establishing a Chaldean Chamber affiliate. SanDiego has a Chaldean population of approximately 30,000, which is the second largest populationoutside of the Middle East. Similar to the Chamber, the affiliate would honor and represent Chaldeanowned businesses, while promoting Chaldean commerce.

• The Chaldean Household Survey will be sent out for the second time. The influx of sur-veys was minimal, less than 10% were returned. The study will help achieve better representa-tion in government and media, while promoting our economic influence and culture. It is neces-sary for recipients to complete and return these surveys, as they paint a picture of who the Chaldean communityconsists of as a whole. The results are now planned to be released in November.

• The formation of CASCA, the Chaldean Assyrian Syriac Council of America, has produced monumentalaccomplishments. The organization is dedicated to assisting Iraqi Refugees and finding resources to redevelop theNinevah Plains. Each month several meetings take place throughout the country to discuss the preservation of thePlains and to stop the constant harassment and hardships of the Christian people. CASCA will hire a publicist tomagnify the situation with Christians on a national level. The CASCA is also looking to hire a lobbyist to implementand fund programs to assist in the revitalization of Northern Iraq.

Without the members of the Chamber, the puzzle can never be complete. As always, the Chamber will be yourvoice. But ultimately, the members will be the force behind the unification of our community. Each member isencouraged to join one of the different committees, such as the Iraq Task Force, Women’s Business & Professional,and Political Action Committee.

Your support is always encouraged and appreciated.

Martin MannaExecutive Director

from the executive director

Martin Manna

EEddiittoorrMervit Bashi

CCooppyy EEddiittoorrBrenda Koza

AArrtt DDiirreeccttoorrAlex Lumelsky

GGrraapphhiicc DDeessiiggnnSKY Creative, Inc.

PPhhoottooggrraapphheerrssDavid ReedKaren Dabish

CChhaallddeeaann AAmmeerriiccaann CChhaammbbeerr ooff CCoommmmeerrccee30095 Northwestern Hwy.Suite 102Farmington Hills, MI 48334Phone: (248) 538-3700Fax: (248) 932-9161www.chaldeanchamber.com

PPuubblliisshheerrChaldean American Chamber of CommerceInterlink Media

CChhaallddeeaann CCoommmmeerrccee is published six times a year by the Chaldean AmericanChamber of Commerce


Heaven HillDistilleries, Inc. haspromoted FayeGappy as MichiganArea Manager.Previously, Gappyserved Illinois,Indiana, andMichigan as State

Manager for BoissetAmerica. Gappy hasserved the beveragealcohol industry formore than 25 years.Founded in 1934,Heaven HillDistilleries, Inc. isthe nation’s largestindependent, familyowned marketer andproducer of distilledspirit products.

Nick S. Kaczmarhas recently joinedFirst IndependenceBank as an AssistantVice President inCommercial Loans

and is eager todo business withthe ChaldeanCommunity in thisnew capacity.Kaczmar is an expe-rienced CommercialLoan Officer withover 10-years of

experience andunderstands thefinancial needs ofbusiness owners.First IndependenceBank is opening a new LoanProduction Officeand expanding itsoperations to 6960Orchard Lake Road,West Bloomfield,Michigan. FirstIndependence Bankis a State CharteredBank and head-quartered in Detroitwith five conven-ient branches.

MichaelRomaya joined thelaw firm of Varnum,Riddering, Schmidt& Howlett as anAssociate on July13, 2007.Romaya—based outof the firm’s Novi

office—is a memberof the Regulatorypractice group witha focus in realestate, liquor con-trol, and bankingtransactions. Heprovides counsel oncommercial loanworkouts, realestate developmentand business trans-actions. The firm isheadquartered inGrand Rapids,Michigan with over160 attorneys in sixoffices throughoutthe Midwest region.

Members In The News

BRIEFINGS


A & L MARKET, OMAR AYARA supermarket featuring an extensive selection of qualitymeat, dairy goods and fresh produce. 12955 Grand River,Detroit MI 48227.

ABC PAVING COMPANY, JOSHUA CHRISTMANOffering services in asphalt paving, excavating and site work,underground utilities, snow management, industrial mainte-nance and more. 2650 Van Horn Rd. Trenton, MI 48183.

CHALDEAN FOR KIDS, MELODY ARABO & MARGARET SHAMOUNThe Chaldean for Kids book series is designed to teach theChaldean language through English. These books make it funand easy for people of all ages and ethnicities who would liketo learn about the Chaldean language and culture. West Bloomfield, MI.

FARMERS FOOD CENTER, DAVID NAJORA supermarket featuring a wide selection of quality meat,dairy goods and fresh produce. 2411 Central, Detroit, MI 48209.

FARMER JOHN, SAM SATTAMA supermarket featuring an extensive selection of qualitymeat, dairy goods and fresh produce. 9731 Harper Avenue,Detroit, MI 48213.

FIRST INDEPENDENCE BANK, NICK KACZMARFirst Independence Bank is a community bank providingfriendly and personal service to individuals and businesses.6960 Orchard Lake Rd. Suite 306, West Bloomfield, MI 48322.

FISHBONES, LORI REPPFishbones, a throwback to 1920’s Bourbon Street, prides itselfon offering guests the finest seafood, steak and sushi avail-able, as well as other delicious recipes. For the past 15 years, itsrecipes, design and concept has catapulted Fishbones to one ofhottest spots in Michigan. 29244 Northwestern Highway,Southfield, MI 48034.

FOOD 4 LESS, RAY KALASHOThe nation’s leading price-supermarket chain, offers a diverseselection of quality products and destination departments suchas bakery, deli and produce. 14020 Grand River, Detroit, MI 48227.

JEWISH VOCATIONAL SERVICES, DONNELL R. CRAVENSJVS is an award winning non-profit organization that providesstate-of-the-art programs and services throughout metropoli-tan Detroit. 29699 Southfield Rd., Southfield, MI 48076.

JOHN KURIAKUZ (I)*

KELLER WILLIAMS, KAMAL KHAMIAt Keller Williams, it is about more than real estate, it is aboutyour “likes and dreams.” Unlike other real estate companies,Keller Williams was designed to serve clients better by reward-ing agents for working together. 30500 NorthwesternHighway., Suite 300, Farmington Hills, MI 48334.

LEVEL ONE BANCORP, PATRICK FEHRING Level One Bank strives to continuously exceed customer expec-tations in every point of contact. With the most qualifiedbankers, Level One intends to provide full service commercialand consumer banking services from a main office inFarmington Hills, Michigan. 30201 Orchard Lake Road,Farmington Hills, MI 48334.

MOBILE 1, TAMMY JONNAMobile 1 is an authorized dealer of T-Mobile. It is one of thelargest exclusive retailer of T-Mobile in the country. Mobile 1 iswhere you can find the latest, cutting edge technology offeredby T-Mobile. 21 East Long Lake Rd, Suite 102, Bloomfield Hills,MI 48304.

PICK & SAVE SUPERMARKET, JIMMY MARROGYA supermarket featuring an extensive selection of qualitymeat, dairy goods and fresh produce. 7404 E. Seven Mile,Detroit, MI 48234.

SUPERLAND MARKET, ANDY NAJORA supermarket featuring an extensive selection of qualitymeat, dairy goods and fresh produce. 17201 Schoolcraft,Detroit, MI 48209.

TRADEWELL DISTRIBUTORS, SAHIR GAPPYOne of the largest independent food wholesalers and distrib-utors in the Metro Detroit area. Tradewell Wholesaler servesover 100 supermarket chains and independent retailers. 12821 Northend, Oak Park, MI 48237.

UNIVERSITY FOOD CENTER, NORMAN YALDOA grocery store featuring everyday low prices on a wide selec-tion of quality meat, dairy goods and fresh produce.Conveniently located close to Wayne State University.1131 W. Warren, Detroit, MI 48201.

*INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP

Renewed Members

New Members view a listing of our members at www.chaldeanchamber.com

CB RICHARD ELLIS, Harry Barash

CRANBROOK FINANCIAL, Renee Denha

CENTURY 21 TOWN & COUNTRY, Robert Gappy

D&B GROCERS, INC, Bobby Hesano, CORPORATE MEMBER!

DEAN FOODS/COUNTRY FRESH, Jerry Shannon, CORPORATE MEMBER!

DERDIAN, KANN, SEYFERTH, SALUCCI, P.C., Kathryn Nofar

DOLLAR CASTLE, INC., Eddie Denha, CORPORATE MEMBER!

GEORGE ENTERPRISES, LLC, Michael George

GRAND PRICE FOOD CENTER, Amar Ayar

HURON ENVIRONMENTAL, Fred Abdou

JUDEH & ASSOCIATES, Jumana Judeh

LODGING ENTERPRISES, Faiq Konja

MARX LAYNE & COMPANY, Eric Younan

MEP ENGINEERS, Steve Metti

MICHIGAN FINANCIAL COMPANIES, Kim Stein, CORPORATE MEMBER!

MOMSHH, Lillian Shallal

NEW YORK FINANCIAL, Faisal Arabo

PATRICK HEFFERNAN

PERFECT MORTGAGE, Rudy Patros

REMAX, Wasim Somo

SHENANDOAH COUNTRY CLUB, Kamel Kassem

SILVIA’S SALON, Isam Kizy

THOMAS A. DUKE COMPANY, Kevin Jappaya

TMR HEATING & COOLING, INC., Mike Najar



MEMBER PROFILE

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

VeraVault Many professionals and business

owners alike share an inherentneed for data storage. VeraVault (VV)provides online data backup services forclients on a secure server at their datacenter located in Troy, Michigan.Having the capability to backup online,rather than housing a server on location,greatly simplifies the process for clients.

Providing consulting servicesthrough Pentacle Technologies, Inc. (PT)since 2004, also a Chamber member,partners Ed Babbie and Samer Whitecame to realize their client’s needs fordata backup. PT is a full service IT con-sulting company serving small to medi-um sized businesses in the Detroit met-ropolitan area providing a complete lineof Information Technology consultingand outsourcing services.

In addition to his Bachelor of Arts inCivil Engineering, Babbie holds a Masterof Science in Management InformationSystems from the University of DetroitMercy School of Commerce and Finance.On the more technical and design side ofthe business, White’s backgroundincludes a Bachelor of Science inElectrical Engineering and Master ofScience in Computer Engineering.

This year VeraVault was launched toserve their client’s data backup needs. VVprovides a secure and efficient alternativeto traditional backup methods such astape or CD/DVD. Remote backup isbecoming the data protection solution ofchoice for businesses of all sizes. VV alsooffers the high level of customer and tech-nical support that the market calls for.

After choosing a plan, a one-timeset-up is required. Following that, theservice is automatic unless the clientwants to make any changes. All that is

needed to keep the system up and run-ning is an internet connection.

When it comes to selecting a databack-up company, additional considera-tions also come into play. For example, itis important to ensure that data will beprotected in case of fire, flood or theft.Having data safely stored off-site at VV’sbackup facility provides this peace ofmind. Even when traveling, the backupdata can be restored from anywherearound the world.

Babbie and White offer a full range ofservices via Pentacle Technologies (PT),hand in hand with VeraVault (VV). Basedon a professional site survey that is con-ducted, they can consult with clients todetermine exactly what their needs are.

Some of their clients include theChaldean Cultural Center, the ChaldeanNews, Super Fair Cellular, St. ThomasChaldean Catholic Church and TriangleDevelopment.

To learn more go to www.veravault.com.

Remote backup is becoming the data protection solution of choice for businesses of all sizes… an efficient alternative to traditional backup methods such as tape or CD/DVD.

databackupprocess

Ed Babbie



FEATURE

JULY 24 Wayne County officials met withChamber members and non-members for theWayne County Turbo Program presentationat Shenandoah Country Club. TURBO is anincentive program offering a number of toolsto increase investment in Detroit properties.

Wayne County Executive Robert A.Ficano, along with the Wayne CountyTreasurer, Mr. Raymond Wojtowicz, and the

Wayne County Commission initiated this pro-gram through the Wayne County Land Bank.The bank is also developing additional pro-grams to return the county’s inventory of tax-reverted properties back to productive to use.

TURBO is an aggressive incentive pro-gram which reimburses investors by givingcash back to property owners who make

significant real estate investments inWayne County. It is targeted to benefitindividual homeowners, business ownersand investors who want to develop prop-erty they own in Wayne County. Any localunit of government may even designateareas or projects as TURBO DevelopmentDistricts. This is made possible by capital-izing on the tools and capabilities provid-

ed by the Wayne County Land Bank.Available to all Wayne County communi-

ties, the TURBO Program can be implement-ed for both smaller and larger scale proj-ects—residential or commercial. There arethree options to choose from: TURBOMaximum Benefit for projects involving newconstruction or total rehabilitation, TURBO

Limited Benefit for projects limited to a par-tial rehabilitation, and TURBO Brownfieldfor projects involving an approvedBrownfield Plan.

If you want to invest in Wayne County,Wayne County wants to invest in you!Please contact the Wayne County Land Bankif you have a project involving the develop-ment or rehabilitation of unproductive or

underperforming Wayne County property.The Wayne County Land Bank staff willwork with you to identify the option thatwill work for your project.

For more information on the TURBOProgram contact the Wayne County LandBank (313) 224-6673.

Wayne County Turbo Program

Wayne County Executive Robert A. Ficano


2nd Annual Chaldean Festival AUGUST 4, 5 An estimated 26,000people attended the 2nd AnnualChaldean Festival that was held onthe Southfield Civic Center lawn. Itwas hosted by the Chaldean AmericanChamber of Commerce (CACC) inconjunction with the City ofSouthfield. Once again this year therewere lots of free, fun, family friendlyfestivities for all.

A celebration of Chaldean her-itage—the festival offered an array offood and refreshments to choosefrom—in addition to the fantasticentertainment that took place allweekend long. Those who stoppedby Merchants Row, were able to takeadvantage of free health screeningsand a shot at the dunk tank. Allsorts of children’s attractions wereavailable as well.

Festival highlights included a raf-fle for a 2007 BMW X5 or $30,000cash option, for which only 1,100$100 tickets were sold. The winner ofthis grand prize was Leila Kello ofBloomfield Hills. Plus, other prizeswere awarded like $1,500 cash (sec-ond prize winner Patrick Najor),$1,000 cash (third prize winnersKevin & Olivia Shamoun), and for 2winners (fourth and fifth prize RanenIsho & Firnas Boutres), a year worthof Stroh’s ice cream! Thanks to allwho participated by purchasing tick-ets for the raffle.

The festival raised $25,000 tobenefit the Chaldean ChamberFoundation, a non-profit organizationthat advances the needs of theChaldean American communitythrough advocacy, education andcharitable giving. It includes the WaadMurad Advocacy Fund, which sup-plies reward money for informationthat leads to the arrest and convictionof the assailant(s) of violent crime per-petrated against businesspeople.Proceeds from the event will also bedonated to St. George ChaldeanCatholic Church in Shelby Township.

A great many thanks to thedozens of volunteers who made theentire weekend such a success. Wehope everyone in attendance trulyenjoyed this year’s celebration.

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Raffle Winners GRAND PRIZE:

Leila Kello,2007 BMW X5

2ND PRIZE:

Patrick Najor, $1,500 cash

3RD PRIZE: Kevin & OliviaShamoun,$1,000 cash

4TH & 5TH PRIZE: Ranen Isho & FirnasBoutres, a year supply of Stroh's ice cream

Thanks to our sponsorsCharter One, BobEvans, CentralMichigan University,CIA, Coca-Cola,Comcast, ComericaBank, CountryFresh, DTE Energy,FBI, Ford MotorCompany, HenryFord Health Systems,InternationalWholesale, People’sState Bank, Pepsi,Sara Lee BakeryGroup, St. JohnHealth, The U.S.Army and World of Erhard

Media SponsorsChaldean News,Chaldean Voice,MBN America


Chaldean Store Owners MeetingJULY 10 The Chaldean Chamber met with independent grocery store owners fromDetroit and the surrounding metropolitan area at Shenandoah Country Club. Theobjective was to promote advocacy for these business owners and diminish the biasthat has been exhibited toward them in the local media. In attendance, were a groupof 65 Chamber members, as well as non-members.

To reach their goal of creating a positive image, the store owners plan among otherthings to become proactive, establishing a strategy to change the perception of our com-munity in the city of Detroit. In addition, they aim to participate in an active Detroit task-force committee to address and respond to the growing needs of their peers within the city.

The CACC continues its commitment to serving as an advocate in supporting Chaldeanstore owners. The committee meets the third Tuesday, of each month at 7:30 p.m. atShenandoah Country Club. Please call the Chamber if you would like to be involved.

Women’s Networking Event at Blush SalonJULY 12 The Chaldean Chamber Women’sBusiness & Professional Committee gatheredfor a fun evening of networking hosted byLena Arafat of Blush Salon in Walled Lake. Asuccessful endeavor—the Women’sCommittee organized the event in an effort toincrease the involvement of women in theChamber. Some 40 women met to mingleand exchange business cards in a relaxed set-ting. Attendees even had the opportunity fora little pampering while chatting up their pro-fessions. Salon owner Lena Arafat, a success-ful hair stylist and makeup artist, also spoketo the group about her business and how shefirst launched it.

Rounding out the night, three lucky rafflewinners received gift certificates to BlushSalon. No one left empty handed though, aseach woman received a fabulous door prize.

Stay tuned for more Women’s Committeeevents to come.

Quarterly Networking MeetingAUGUST 22 Erhard BMW of BloomfieldHills hosted the Chamber’s QuarterlyNetworking Meeting (QNM). The main bene-fit of our QNM is getting to know fellowChamber members. The evening provided agreat opportunity for approximately 100members and their friends who were in atten-dance to mingle and exchange business cards.Amidst the socializing, guests were also ableto check out some of the cars on display inthe showroom. The space was beautifully dec-orated especially for the event and compli-mentary cocktails & hors d’oeuvres wereserved for all to enjoy.

A special thanks to Howard Openo andLeslie Rhodes from World of Erhard.

For information on hosting a future QNM,contact Lisa Kalou at (248) 538-3700.


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Board of Directors/Executive CommitteeCHAIRMANDave NonaPartner, Triangle Development

EXECUTIVE VICE CHAIRMANFrank JonnaCEO, Jonna Construction

SECOND VICE CHAIRMANRocky HusaynuPresident, Professional Insurance Planners

TREASURERArvin AyarVice President, Whitmore Lake Hotels, Inc.

SECRETARYWendy Acho

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR & EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERSaad HajjarPresident, Advanced Technology Systems

COUNSELRon AchoCummings, McClorey, Davis & Acho

Board Members

Paul AskerFoster, Swift Collins & Smith, P.C

Sandra Hanna Chemist, NSF International

Sharon HannawaMortgage Consultant, The Prime Financial Group

Tony KonjaPresident, Artistic Outdoor Services

Majid (Mike) Koza President, Group 10 Management

Anthony Mona Vice President, Investments, Smith Barney

Jason Najor President, Super Fair Cellular

Bassam SalmanCEO, Apollo Development

Stephen YatoomaManaging Partner, Audere Group

Chamber StaffExecutive Director Martin Manna

Director, Operations and EventsLisa Kalou

ControllerPaul Alraihani

AdministratorBrenda Koza

2007 Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce Partners

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



TODD SHAYA, WIRELESS GIANT

As Vice President ofMarketing & StrategicDevelopment, Todd Shayais in charge of relationshipswith manufacturers andcarriers for WirelessGIANT, as well as recruit-ment of new agents andretailers. Headquartered in Madison Heights,Michigan since 1995, the company has over 60Wireless GIANT branded stores, as well as a largesubagent base which activates and purchasesdevices through them.

Technology is advancing at such a rapid pace, itis more important than ever that companies keep upto remain on the playing field. Shaya notes that froma business perspective, some shake-out has been seenwith smaller stores in the industry of late. Changesare literally occurring on a daily basis. Smart phonesare all the rage. Consumers want more features. It’s

not just about voice anymore. Music, video andemail features are extremely popular.

All that’s new requires that wireless agents andtheir employees are knowledgeable across the board.With so much out there, consumers are comforted toknow that the person they are purchasing theirdevice from isn’t lost when it comes to giving advice.

Wireless GIANT stores offer Nextel, VerizonWireless, T-Mobile, AT&T (Cingular), Sprint, VirginMobile, Dish Network, DirecTV, Sirius SatelliteRadio and other leading carriers.

“We have a very strong relationship with vari-ous leading carriers such as BlackBerry,” Shaya said.

With a clear view of where the industry is head-ed, Wireless GIANT continues to place greatemphasis on offering a one-stop shop that allowscustomers to choose exactly what fits their needsfrom a wireless standpoint.

“We help them figure out what they need, notwhat we want to sell them,” Shaya said.

Wireless GIANT is recognized for having one ofthe strongest back-end systems, POS system, recon-ciliation, commission structure and support to offer

COVER STORY

The wireless industry is undergoing huge transformations and growth.This is primarily due to the ever changing technology of service anddevices. Representatives from some area wireless industry leadersprovide an idea of the outlook for the industry as whole.

Isaac Hanna originally

established Global

Network Communications

in 1995. Because of his

broad perspective of the

industry and consumer

needs, the company start-

ed doing business as

Wireless GIANT in 2004.

As a result, the “one-stop

shop” concept was

embraced and Wireless

GIANT is now on its way

to becoming a branded

retail outlet nationally to

meet consumer needs.

Todd Shaya at a Wireless GIANT product display



its franchisees and subagents. With astate-of-the-art training facility, locatedin Madison Heights, franchisees areprovided with extensive training.Wireless GIANT ensures that its sub-agents and franchisees always havethe right devices in stock.

Then, it’s key that appropriatemarketing is put into place to let theconsumer know that they can findthe smart phones and devices theywant at Wireless GIANT.

The outlook: Armed with supe-rior carrier partnerships, WirelessGIANT is continually expanding product lines foradditional revenues and profits.

JERRY SEAY, SPRINT

With 17 years experience inthe wireless industry, JerrySeay currently serves as theDirector of Indirect Channelsfor Sprint. He is responsiblefor indirect distribution.This includes national retail-ers such as Best Buy, RadioShack and Wal-Mart, as well as local dealers. Seay’sprevious position with Sprint entailed working withthe direct sales force as Director of Retail Channels.

“The big thing that’s changing is the focus movingfrom just voice to data,” Seay said. He describes theincreasing demand for features such as music, emailand mobile broadband.

Handsets continue to improve—people wantthe latest new thing. Sprint allows customers todownload music over the air, boasting wirelessdownloads. Users can access TV on their devices,as well as the Sprint Radio network. The carrieralso offers GPS navigation—called SprintNavigation Service—directly on devices as well.

Consumers not only want these features, butthey want them to work efficiently. Sprint MobileBroadband cards offer hi-speed internet with

speeds comparable to that ofDSL.

The dealer channel is veryimportant to Sprint. “The localindirect channel is a very impor-tant part of Sprint’s future inDetoit,” says Seay, “While othercompanies may be focusingmore on the large national retail-ers, Sprint focuses on givingback to the community throughthe local dealer network.”

The outlook: Hot newservices on the horizon suchas WiMAX and Nextel DirectConnect keep Sprint on thecutting edge of the wirelessindustry.

RICHARD SIMTOB,WIRELESS TOYZ

As President of Financeand Development ofWireless Toyz, RichardSimtob is responsible forthe strategic direction andmanagement of the organi-zation’s franchise growth,as well as its technology,financial and business systems. During his previousposition as Chief Operating Officer, he managed theexpansion of the company’s franchise networkthrough the opening of 66 new stores in 2006.

“As big as the industry is, it’s growing,” Simtob said.Wireless Toyz is positioning itself in the indus-

try as the premiere wireless retailer. The companywhich was founded in 1995 is based in FarmingtonHills, Michigan.

One-stop shopping is what consumers are look-ing for. With multiple carriers under one roof,Wireless Toyz locations carry the full selection of thenewest technology for all carriers, which includes all

WiMAXTechnology Sprint is developing anationwide advanced wire-less broadband networkthat is being designed tomobilize the Internet, bringwireless innovation todevices and deliver newmobile multimedia applica-tions to customers. A pactwith Google is a milestonein Sprint’s mobile Internetstrategy, and it builds uponcurrent WiMAX ecosysteminfrastructure and deviceagreements to establish anInternet destination foruser-generated content andmultimedia offerings.

Sprint is working withWiMAX ecosystem partnersand others to incorporateWiMAX technology in arange of computing,portable multi-media, inter-active and other consumerelectronic devices. The com-pany plans WiMAX testservice in the Chicago,Baltimore and WashingtonDC areas by year-end 2007.Commercial service isexpected to be available ina number of markets start-ing April 2008 and cover100 million people by year-end 2008 in conjunctionwith a planned partnershipwith Clearwire.

These efforts areexpected to allow Sprintcustomers to experience anationwide mobile broad-band network that isdesigned to offer fasterspeeds, lower cost, greaterconvenience and enhancedmultimedia quality. TheSprint WiMAX mobilebroadband network willuse the company’s exten-sive 2.5GHz spectrum hold-ings.

WiMAX is expected toroll-out in Detroit some-time in 2008.

Sprint MUZIQ

by LGAttractive devicegives customers thefreedom to easilyreceive and listento music withoutcables or wiresthrough over-the-air songdownloads, FMtransmitter andadvanced stereoBluetoothTM. Thisis the first Sprintdevice thatallows use of a4GB microSDmemory card,holding up to4,000 songs.

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“In business for yourself, but not byyourself . . .”

Perhaps no phrase in franchising is quiteas overused as that one. In virtually everyinstance in which it is used, it refers to thefranchisee—who, while acting as an inde-pendent business, receives initial trainingand the ongoing support of a franchisor inareas such as site selection, lease negotiation,purchasing, merchandising, advertising andother business systems.

But in franchising, the idea of being “inbusiness for yourself, but not by yourself” canbe taken a step further. Franchisors, whomight otherwise have to go it alone, can usethe collective knowledge of the franchisecommunity as a whole to improve their opera-tions and otherwise increase their productivity.

THE POWER OF NETWORKINGSome years ago, a very prominent franchisorwas attending a cocktail party at an event spon-sored by the International Franchise Association.While franchise sales were going well, he waslamenting the company’s inability to collect roy-alties on a timely basis. One seasoned franchiseveteran’s solution was simple: Tie purchasingdiscounts to timely royalty payments. Oneweek later, the solution was implemented,and the collection problem was largely solved.

The old saying is that “it’s not what youknow, but who you know.” As the exampleabove illustrates, sometimes, it’s not just whoyou know, but what they know.

Networking within the franchise com-munity provides a tremendous opportunityto gain insight to industry best practicesfirsthand—from executives who have “beenthere and done that.”

Aside from well-intentioned networking,there are also opportunities for good, old-fashioned competitive intelligence gatheringand benchmarking. If one of your majorcompetitors were giving a speech on the lat-est trends in franchise lead generation, itwould seem only prudent to attend.

Isolation can only ensure that few freshideas will enter your system, and while youare standing still, your competitors are likelygaining ground.

STRANGE BEDFELLOWSBeyond the educational value, networkingwithin the franchise community can have awide range of unanticipated benefits.

As a growing franchisor, one of your firstand foremost needs will be to find people to

populate your flourishing organization. Andwhile you can certainly use managementrecruiters or “grow your own talent,” cultivatingrelationships within the franchise communityallows you to know just what kind of talent isavailable and at what price. And occasionally,you’ll sit down to lunch with someone whocould take your organization to the next level.

Likewise, the franchise community is filledwith potential alliances that might not be read-ily apparent on the surface. Some years ago, Iwas involved in a study for a major oil compa-ny that was looking for co-brand partners fortheir c-store operation—and one of the final-ists was a company I might never have consid-ered if not for a lunch I spent with their CEO.Perhaps more important given the recent spateof venture capitalists, buyers and sellers in thefranchise marketplace is the opportunity tobegin cultivating relationships that could pro-

vide ownership with an exit, merger or acqui-sition opportunity.

And of course, there are the franchisees.Many of the events geared toward the fran-chise community will attract franchisees aswell as franchisors. And some of these fran-chisees may be looking for additional con-cepts to add to their portfolios.

The types of opportunities are almost lim-itless. Over the years, I have seen franchisorsform alliances to co-market franchises at jointseminars. I have even seen instances in whichfranchisors have sent leads that might haveotherwise been discarded to other franchisorsfor which those leads might have value.

And of course, none of this could havehappened in a vacuum.

ACCESSING THE COMMUNITY

The first step in accessing the franchise com-munity, for most franchisors, will be to jointhe IFA (www.franchise.org). Founded in1960, the IFA is a trade organization com-prised of franchisors, franchisees and ven-dors to the franchise community that is ded-icated to the advancement of franchising andfranchise-related causes. The IFA affords you

numerous opportunities for both networkingand franchise education.

Perhaps the single biggest event for thenetworking franchisor is the IFA’s AnnualConvention. In addition to providing net-working activities, the event hosts dozens ofeducational sessions on virtually every topicof interest to franchisors and franchisees alike.

Events like the IFA’s Annual Conventionoffer another important benefit to fran-chisors: an opportunity to meet with industrysuppliers who specialize in franchising. Thesesuppliers provide franchisors with an oppor-tunity to learn about the latest developmentson products and services. Some of theseproducts and services include POS systems,franchise intranet sites, lead tracking soft-ware, franchise advertising vehicles, special-ized insurance packages, personnel manage-

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Get Connected With Your Franchise CommunityWhy it’s important to network with your fellow franchisors

By Mark Siebert


[ continued on page 18 ]


available product models. In addition, theystill carry accessories for phones and devicesthat are no longer in production, but that arerecent enough that customers may come inlooking for a particular accessory.

Wireless Toyz offers Sprint, T-Mobile,Alltel, Verizon Wireless, AT&T (Cingular),Helio, Disney Mobile, Sirius Satellite Radio,DirecTV and Dish Network.

Customer service is essential. Assistanceis offered to those who come into stores withbilling or handset issues to resolve the partic-ular problem. Wireless Toyz even providesloaners if a device needs to be kept for serv-ice. According to research, this kind of cus-tomer service has 92% of customers referringtheir friends and family to Wireless Toyz.These referrals are rewarded with a $25 cred-it on the referring customer’s next purchase.

Marketing to franchisees is primarilyfacilitated through the internet, as well asfranchise brokers. From a franchising stand-point, the company finds it is important toact as a strategic partner and leader. What isoffered to franchisees is a turnkey businesssystem that entails a relationship with thenational carriers. This even means that forentrepreneurs who would like to relocate

and start something new in a new market,the opportunity is available to them.

Intensive training is divided between atwo week classroom setting at the headquar-ters, one week at a Michigan store, and 3months in the local franchisee market.

Joe Barbat, Chairman and Founder of

Wireless Toyz, built the organization from astand-alone kiosk he opened at the age of 18into a multi-million dollar company with200 locations in 23 states today.

Barbat was one of Crain’s DetroitBusiness “30 Under 30” in 2005. Also oneof the 50 Michigan companies to watch that

year. Wireless Toyz was in the Inc. 500 listof fastest growing privately held U.S. com-panies for 2006. This year, the organiza-tion was in the Entrepreneur “Franchise500” list, as well as in the Entrepreneur“Fastest Growing Franchises” list for 2007.Simtob’s efforts were also key in attaining

these accolades. On June 14, 2007 Barbat was

one of nine to receive the 2007Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of theYear Award in the Central GreatLakes Region. He was the winnerin the Business Services category.Next, Barbat is eligible for consid-eration for the Ernst & YoungEntrepreneur of the Year 2007national program. Those winnerswill be announced at the annualawards gala in Palm Springs,California on November 17, 2007.

The outlook: In a recentinterview Barbat was quoted

with regard to the industry outlook as say-ing, “We’re planning on taking the compa-ny to 1,000 plus locations across the coun-try. The company will become a householdbrand similar to Starbucks. When youthink of cell phones, you’ll think ofWireless Toyz.”


ment, franchise brokers, recruit-ing services and consulting serv-ices. Nowhere can a franchisorlearn so much about such awide variety of services andproducts offered at one venue.

The IFA also provides anumber of other vehicles forfranchisors to network and gainideas. The Franchise BusinessNetwork hosts quarterly meet-ings in 30 cities around NorthAmerica—these meetings featurespeakers on topics of franchisesignificance, and, in a number ofthese cities, are co-hosted by theWomen’s Franchise Network.For those with a more politicalbent, the annual FranchiseAppreciation Day takes place inWashington, DC, where fran-chisors meet with legislators todiscuss various issues of impor-tance. The InternationalFranchise Expo provides anothergood networking opportunity.

Each of these events offersfranchisors a chance to meet

with the leaders in franchisingand to benefit from theirdecades of experience.

Beyond the IFA, there arenumerous opportunities to buildyour network within the franchisecommunity—industry specifictrade shows (like the NationalRestaurant Show for restaura-teurs) provide more focused net-working. And aside from “press-ing the flesh,” you will certainlywant to read everything you canon what is happening in the fran-chise community.

In today’s rapidly changingdigital marketplace, it is impera-tive to stay ahead of the curve.For most of us, that meansculling the best ideas and imple-menting best practices fromevery source possible.

Mark Siebert is the “Franchising Your Business”coach at Entrepreneur.comand the founder and CEO ofiFranchise Group Inc., a con-sulting company that helps busi-nesses assess their franchising.

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[ continued from page 13 ]

Jerry Seay, Sprint and Richard Simtob, Wireless Toyz at the recentWireless Industry Outlook conference.


Industry Outlook: A series of informative events in an informal setting

Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce

P R E S E N T S

WHEN AND WHERE7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 11, 2007

at Shenandoah Country Club5600 Walnut Lake Road

West BloomfieldComplimentary Buffet

Join hospitality industry leaders as they

present the economic outlook and

future opportunities in the hospitality

industry. The panel discussion will

include audience participation and the

opportunity to learn more about the suc-

cess & future of the hospitality industry.


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

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 83

FARMINGTON HILLS, MI

2008 BUSINESS GUIDE WILL INCLUDE: Listings of all area owned Chaldean Businesses / Enhanced listing

of CACC members / Economic Data on Chaldean American Business Community / Guaranteed 10,000 will be

printed and distributed / 6,000 will be directly mailed to Chaldean homes / 3,000 will be directly mailed to

Chaldean businesses and members / 1,000 will be available at newsstands throughout Metro Detroit

To make sure your business is listed in the Guide or if you would like to purchase a display ad, please call the Chamber office at (248) 538-3700

C O M I N G I N J A N U A R Y …

CHALDEAN COMMERCEBUSINESS GUIDE 2008


Fall 2007 Chaldean Commerce Newsletter

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Transcript of Fall 2007 Chaldean Commerce Newsletter