Spring 2006 Chaldean Commerce Newsletter

James Jonna: Business Person of the Year

CHALDEAN AMERICAN LADIES OF CHARITY HONORED

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS

FAMILY SUCCESSION PLANNING

JOE KNOLLENBERG RECEIVES SPECIAL TRIBUTE

CHALDEAN COMMERCECHALDEAN COMMERCEspri

ng 2

006

The newsletter of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce

James Jonna: Business Person of the Year

ChamberNewsletter0506 5/10/06 9:11 AM

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S P R I N G 2 0 0 6 3

CALENDAR 5 Mark the Dates

MESSAGE 5 From the Chairman6 From the Executive Director

UPCOMING EVENTS 6 All at Attention for General KimmittChaldean Festival Coming!Get Ready ‘Fore’ the Golf Outing

BRIEFINGS 8 Police Make Arrest in Store ShootingChamber Members Making NewsJappaya Named CVB Chair

COMMITTEE NEWS 8 Business AdvisoryMembershipBylawsIraq TaskforceWomen’s Business and Professional

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 9 Innovative Cell TechnologiesThe Chaldean Voice

FROM THE DETROIT REGIONAL CHAMBER 13 All in the Family: Creating family business succession plansFederal Legislative UpdateNews from Lansing

FEATURES 10 Awards Dinner a Huge Success James Jonna Named Business Person of the Year CALC Receives Humanitarian AwardCongressman Joe Knollenberg Receives Special Tribute

14 Endless Referrals: How to Cultivate a Network

CHALDEAN COMMERCECHALDEAN COMMERCEThe newsletter of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce

spring 2006

9 9 10


7 STAR FOOD CENTER8 MILE FOODLANDA & C SUPERMARKETABBEY WINE SHOPALPHA SUPERMARKETAMERICANA FOOD STOREAPOLLO SUPERMARKETATLAS MARKET BANNER SUPER STOREBEECH MARKETBI-RITE SUPERMARKETBLUE DIAMOND MARKETCANTON MINI MARTCHECKER SAV MOR PHARMACYCHECKER WESTLAND SAV MORCOUNTRY ACRESCOUNTRY FARMSDEAN'S PARTY STOREDIANNE'S PARTY STOREETON SQUARE MARKETETON STREET MARKETFAIRLINE FOOD CENTERFAIRWAY MARKETFAMILY FAIR FOOD CENTER

FAMILY FAIR MARKETFAMILY FOOD SUPERMARKETFAMILY FOODS MARKETPLACEFARMER JOHNFERNDALE FOODSFOOD 4 LESSFOOD GIANT FOODSFOOD MARTFOOD PRIDE SUPERMARKETFOODMAX SUPERMARKETFOODTOWN MARKET, MONROEFOODTOWN MARKET, ROCKWOODFOODTOWN TEMPERANCEFRUITASIA FARMERS MARKETGIGANTE PRINCE VALLEYGLORY SUPERMARKETGLORY SUPERMARKET, #5022GLORY SUPERMARKET, #5024GOLDEN STAR FOOD CENTERGOLDEN VALLEY FOODSGRAND PRICEGRATIOT MAYFIELD MARKETGREENFIELD SUPERMARKETHARBORTOWN MARKET

HURON SUPER MARKETIMPERIAL SUPER STOREJONNA'S COUNTRY CORNERJOY THRIFTY SCOTKING COLE FOODS, (299100)KING COLE FOODS IIKROWN SUPERMARKETLA FIESTA SUPERMARKETLAKEVIEW MARKET, NOVILAKEWAY SUPERMARKETLIVERNOIS MARKETMAJESTIC MARKETMARKET SQUARE, BIRMINGHAMMARKET SQUARE, W BLOOMFIELDMAYFAIR MARKETMAZEN FOODS EASTMERCHANT FOOD CENTERMID SIBLEY MARKETMIKES PARTY STOREMIRAGE LIQUOR SHOPPEMORANG MARKETMR. C'S DELI, CLINTON TWPMR. C'S DELI, GROSSE POINTE WOODSMR. C'S DELI, GROSSE POINTE WOODS

MR. C'S FOOD CENTERMR. S'S PARTYSTORENEW CENTER MARKETNEW HUDSON FOOD MARKETOAKLAND EXPRESS PARTY STOREOAKLAND FOOD CENTEROAKWOOD FOOD CENTEROBRIENS IGAPAIRS FOOD STOREPALACE SUPERMARKETPARKWAY FOODS SUPERPARTY STOP MARKETPAYLESS MARKETPENNY LAKE GROCERYPICK & SAVEPINE KNOB WINE SHOPPOINTE LIQUORPONTIAC SCOTT MOBILPUBLIC FOODSQUICK PAC FOOD STORERIVIERA MARKETROMULUS MARKETPLACERUDYS QUALITY MARKETRYANS FOODS

SAM'S MARKETSAV A LOT, DETROITSAV A LOT, DETROITSAV A LOT, WESTLANDSAV MARTSAVE A LOTSAVEWAY EAST POINTESAVEWAY SUPERMARKETSAVON FOODS SEVEN MILESAVON FOODS SUPER STORESCHOENHERR SUPERMARKETSCOTIA FOOD STORESEAWAY MARKETPLACESHEENA'S MARKETPLACE #2SHOPPERS MARKET ISHOPPERS MARKET IISHOPPERS MARKET IIISPARTAN FOODSSPECIAL WAY MARKETSPOTLITE MARKETSTERLING FOOD CENTERSUPER GIANT #2SUPER SIX MARKETSUPERLAND MARKET

THE CORDIAL SHOPPETIP TOP LIQOUR & WINE SHOPTOMBOY SUPER MARKETTRADEMARK LIQUORTWIN LAKES PARTY STOREUNCLE JOES MARKETUNIVERSITY FOODS INCUPTOWN MARKETUS QUALITY FOODSVALUE CENTER #2VALUE CENTER MARKETVALUE CENTER MARKETPLACEVALUE SAVE FOOD CENTERVEGAS SUPERMARKETVERNOR FOOD CENTERVILLAGE FOOD MARKETVON'S SUPERMARKETVREELAND MARKETWALTHAM FOOD & DRUGSWINE CELLAR FINE WINEWIXOM FOOD MARKET

Thanks to the support and sales of Dean Food products at the following stores, more than $102,000 has been donated to the Chaldean Community Cultural Center:

To be a part of this program supporting our Cultural Center, please call: 800-968-7980


mark the dates

MAY 10QUARTERLY NETWORKINGMEETINGCocktails and hors d’oeuvresbegin at 6 p.m. at BMWErhard, 38700 Grand River,Farmington Hills.

MAY 16A CONVERSATION WITHBRIGADIER GENERAL MARK T. KIMMITT on the IraqWar and the future of Iraq’sminorities. 7 p.m.,Shenandoah Country Club

JUNE 22THIRD ANNUAL CHAMBERGOLF OUTING, ShenandoahCountry Club

AUGUST 9QUARTERLY NETWORKINGMEETING, 6 p.m.,Shenandoah Country Club

AUGUST 26-27CHALDEAN FESTIVAL,Southfield

SEPTEMBER 21REAL ESTATE CONFERENCE,Shenandoah Country Club

S P R I N G 2 0 0 6 5

Knowledge is power, and our goal is to keepyou informed and engaged in the activities of

the Chaldean American Chamber.It’s been a busy spring. The highlight, of

course, was our Third Annual Awards Dinner,held April 7. Nearly 900 people packedShenandoah Country Club, making the event asellout. It was a wonderful evening of camaraderieand I thank all of you who helped out, fromattending planning meetings to buying tickets tohelping secure sponsors. Please turn to page 10 toread a recap and see pictures from the event.

It is so gratifying to see how much interestthere is in the Chaldean American Chamber.Dozens of corporations acted as sponsors anddozens more bought tables. If Shenandoah werebigger, we could have hosted at least 150 morepeople — that’s how popular our dinner hasbecome in three short years!

We’ve also been busy with our Meet the CEOseries. Robert J. Buckler, president and chief oper-ating officer of DTE Energy Distribution, was ourguest in February, and Mike Duggan, presidentand CEO of the Detroit Medical Center, came inApril.

We also hosted Dick DeVos, Republican candi-date for governor, and executives from the DetroitFree Press — Publisher David Hunke, ExecutiveEditor Caesar Andrews and Vice President/EditorPaul Anger. We’re looking forward to welcomingMary Kramer and others from Crain’s DetroitBusiness in May. These meetings give some of

Detroit’s most important decision-makers theopportunity to learn more about the Chaldeanbusiness community.

Looking forward, we’re busy planning the GolfOuting (June 22) and Chaldean Festival (August26-27) as well as several other events. Thanks asalways for being a member of the ChaldeanAmerican Chamber!

Best regards,

Saad Hajjar

from the chairman

CHAMBER STAFFEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Martin Manna

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND EVENTS Lisa Kalou

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS Joyce Wiswell

CONTROLLER Paul Alraihani

Chamber Quarterly is published fourtimes a year by the Chaldean AmericanChamber of Commerce: Winter, Spring,Summer and Fall.

Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce30095 Northwestern Highway, Suite 102Farmington Hills, MI 48334Phone: (248) 538-3700Fax: (248) [email protected]

PublisherChaldean American Chamber of Commerce

EditorJoyce Wiswell

Art DirectorAlex Lumelsky

Graphic DesignSKY Creative, Inc.

Advertising Information(248) 538-3700 or [email protected]

CALENDARMESSAGE


MESSAGE

This is abusy and

fruitful time atthe ChaldeanAmericanChamber as wemove forwardon a number ofinitiatives:

• The chamber is honored to bepartnering with the ChaldeanFederation of America on the 24thAnnual High School and CollegeCommencement on June 12.

• By the end of this year, weexpect the Chaldean ChamberFoundation to finalize plans withUSAID for a joint economic project innorthern Iraq.

• We’ve begun soliciting grants tofund the first-ever Economic Profileand Census of Metro Detroit’sChaldean-American community, ajoint effort of the United Way andWalsh College.

• Bringing the entire communitytogether is a major goal of theChaldean Festival in Southfield onAugust 26-27. We’re delighted thatthe Chaldean Chamber Foundationhas agreed to donate a large portion ofthe proceeds to St. George, the com-munity’s newest and largest church.

• The Chaldean American PAChas been established and off to a greatstart thanks to the leadership ofWendy Acho. It will contribute tothose candidates and legislators whoseideals share the chamber’s vision.

Our staff remains committed toserving you, our members. Please donot hesitate to call whenever we canbe of assistance.

At Your Service,

Martin Manna

from the executive director

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

ChaldeanFestival Coming!Southfield will come aliveon August 26-27 for theChaldean Festival.

The event will includesomething for everyone —a Kids’ Area with rides andinflatables, a Beer Tent,Vegas Tent, Merchants’Row, dunk tank, food, liveChaldean and Americanmusic, street performersand more.

The Chaldean News,Chaldean Voice, MBNAmerica and Comcast haveagreed to be media spon-sors. Patrons will beencouraged to attend intraditional Chaldeanclothing.

Besides offering thecommunity a great time —and the chance for arearesidents to learn moreabout Chaldeans — thefestival will raise much-needed funds for St.George Chaldean CatholicChurch, the new church inShelby Township.

Thanks to our spon-

sors: Comcast, World ofErhard, Fifth Third Bank,Dean Foods, Ford MotorCompany, LaSalle Bankand Comerica. Dean Foodsand Pepsi are supplyingfree products. Join thegrowing list of sponsors bycalling the chamber officeat (248) 538-3700.

Get Ready ‘Fore’the Golf OutingLaSalle Bank presents theChaldean AmericanChamber’s Third AnnualGolf Outing on June 22 atShenandoah Country Club& Golf Course. This yearwe’ve moved up the starttime to noon, so dinnerwill take place later, atabout 5:30 p.m.

The last two years haveseen perfect weather and agreat day of camaraderieand good-natured compe-tition out on the course.We’re looking forward toanother successful day onJune 22. See page 15 forall the details.

All at Attentionfor GeneralKimmittThe Chaldean Chamber ispleased to host a Conversationwith Brigadier General MarkT. Kimmitt on May 16 at 7p.m. at Shenandoah CountryClub. He will speak on theIraq War and give his take onwhat he sees at the future ofminorities in Iraq.

General Kimmitt isdeputy director of Strategyand Plans with UnitedStates Central Command.

The event is free, butyou must pre-register bycalling the chamber at (248) 538-3700 or e-mailing [email protected].

UPCOMING EVENTS


Police Make Arrest in Store ShootingFarmington Hills Police have arrestedHerman Lewis Cheese for the shooting andattempted armed robbery at the OrchardMarket Place on February 22. A Chaldeanman, Jeffrey Ammouri, was shot in the inci-dent but is expected to fully recover.

Cheese, 26, has been charged withassault with intent to murder, possession of afirearm in the commission of a felony, assaultwith intent to rob while armed, and threecounts of firearms possession.

A $10,000 reward was posted in connec-tion with this case for information leading tothe conviction of the assailant(s). FarmingtonHills Police put up $5,000 from its NarcoticsForfeiture Fund, and the chamber’s WaadMurad Advocacy Fund matched the amount.Police Chief William Dwyer declined to com-ment on the status of the reward, but said,“We definitely had help from the publicbecause of the media attention.”

Cheese is being held in Oakland CountyJail. His bond has been set at $1 million cash.A second suspect remains at large.

BRIEFINGS

Randall A. Denha hasreturned to Cox Hodgman &Giarmarco PC as a partner spe-cializing is estate planning,business planning and assetprotection planning. He alsoserves as chief general counselfor Wireless Toyz.

John Denha is expanding his8 Mile Foodland in Southfield.The expanded grocery store willhave an additional 9,000 squarefeet, nearly doubling the cur-rent size of 11,000 square feet.John also plans to renovate thestore’s façade, enhance signage

and resurface the parking lot.Andy Acho, worldwide

director of EnvironmentalOutreach & Safety at Ford, hasretired from Ford MotorCompany after nearly 46 years.He won’t be idle, though, as heconsults through his firm Acho

Resources Inc. and writes abook on proactive environmen-tal actions that also save money.

PizzaPapalis made the list ofLargest Restaurant Chains in theApril 24 issue of Crain’s DetroitBusiness. The deep-dish pizzachain is owned by Mark and JoeSheena, who were the chamber’sBusiness People of the Year in2004. Crain’s ranked PizzaPapalisat No. 19. The Sheenas are alsopart owners of Rio Wraps, whichCrain’s noted had revenue grownof 40 percent in 2004-2005.

Happy birthday toVinotecca, which celebratedone year in April. The wine barin downtown Royal Oak isowned by the Jonna family,which has also openedVinology in Ann Arbor.

S P R I N G 2 0 0 6 7

Chamber Members Making News

Jappaya Named Livingston County CVB ChairKevin Jappaya is the new chair of the Livingston County Convention & Visitors Bureau.He is seen here accepting the gavel from past chair Kimberly Dane. Kevin is the managerof the Kensington Inn in Howell. “Kevin is wholeheartedly embracing this leadershipopportunity and his enthusiasm is certain to invigorate his fellow board members,” saidBarbara Barden, executive director for the LLCCVB, in a statement.


Rene

wed

Mem

bers

New

Mem

bers

AMT TELECOM GROUP, Tom GeorgeARTISTIC OUTDOORS, Tony KonjaATTO CONSTRUCTION, Richard AttoBBDO DETROIT, Joyce Tominna and Vivian AlhermiziTHE BOSC GROUP, Basim BinnoCALIFORNIA INDEPENDENT GROCERS AND CONVENIENCE STORES, Auday AraboCAMBRIDGE PAYMENT SYSTEMS, James NafsoTHE CHALDEAN NEWS, Vanessa Denha-GarmoCHOCOLATES BY RENEE, Stephanie Acho-TartoniCOMERICA, Amal Berry-Brown, Corporate Member!FEDERAL TITLE AGENCY, LLC, Zaid Elia/David YaldoFIFTH THIRD BANK, Imad AbdulahadFOOD GIANT, George DenhaFREEMAN COTTON & NORRIS, PC, Brian HenryGEORGE KESTO COMPANIES, LLC, David GeorgeGRANDPAPA’S, INC. , Michael RobinINTERNATIONAL WHOLESALE, Shoki KonjaKENSINGTON INN, Kevin JappayaLASALLE BANK, Wendy Acho, Corporate Member!MAINLY MARKETING, LLC, Renee AntoonMARATHON OF WALLED LAKE, Robert MannaMARQUIS FOODSERVICE, Zina GeorgeMARTIN GEORGE CONSTRUCTION, Martin GeorgeMCMANUS LAW, John McManusMILLER, CANFIELD, PADDOCK & STONE, PLC, Gayla HauserMJM GROUP, Matthew JonnaNAMOU, EADAH & ASSOCIATES, Akram NamouPARKWAY FOODS, Louay NonPENTACLE TECHNOLOGIES, Ed BabbiePEPPER HAMILTON LLP, Randy AwdishPROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES, INC., Salah ZomaPROVIDENCE PARK HOSPITAL, John LewandowskiQWIK PARK, Mike KozaR. BONAM ACCOUNTING, Robert BonamRE/MAX CLASSIC, Brian YaldooREPUBLIC BANK, Jack AbboRESORT AMERICA, Hanna KarchoSECURITY FINANCIAL SERVICES, Kenny ZairSTEWARD CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, Anmar Safara, Corporate Member!TARGET TELECOM SALES & SERVICES, INC., Ron JanulisTINELLE PROPERTIES, Ronnie AsmarWACHOVIA SECURITIES, Walid HabbooWORLD OF ERHARD, Howard Openo, Corporate Member!XPRESS APPRAISAL GROUP, Tony DalloYORK FINANCIAL, Sally LaFave

AF JONNA DEVELOPMENT, Arkan JonnaA.G. EDWARDS & SONS, INC., Alvin SemmaAMERICA’S PREMIERE MORTGAGE, Raymond AnkawiANTONIO OF ITALY, AntonioAPOLLO HOLDINGS, LLC, George AskerCHARTER ONE BANK, Alice Elia COX, HODGMAN & GIARMARCO, P.C., Kevin Nalu GATEWAY LANDSCAPE & HOME IMPROVEMENT, Jesse (Ghassan) Loussia GRAND DISCOUNT PARTY STORE, Kaies KalouGRAND PRICE FOOD CENTER, Amar AyarHEATHER’S LIQUOR LAND, Adel Thomas GalloziL.A. INSURANCE AGENCIES, Anthony Yousif, Corporate Member!STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DAVID LAWMARCO’S PRO SHOP, Ron KarmoMAX PRODUCTIONS, INC., Faris Goryoka MBN AMERICA, Wally Jadan M2TECHNOLOGY CONSULTANTS, Firas YonoMICHIGAN TECHNOLOGY, INC., Iptesam ZbairMINORITY INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS, LLC, Zaid Murad PARK LANE CORK & BOTTLE SHOPPE, Jamal Qonja QUICKPICS, Hether Jonna Frayer DEREK SARAFA KARL SENAWI SILVIA’S SALON, Isam KizySKY CREATIVE, Alex LumelskyTAORELLO’S MARKETPLACE, Raad Kello TCF BANK, Marianne KureUNITED HARDWARE, Jerry George U.S. ICE CORP., Saad AbboVICTORY LIQUOR, Avin Yelda WARREN CONSOLIDATED BOARD OF EDUCATION Trustee, Insam Susan KattulaWIRELESS TOYZ, Joe Barbat, Corporate Member!WORLDWIDE MERCHANTS, James Esshaki and Doraid Markus

Business AdvisoryThe committee has been busyplanning upcoming events,including a chambers networkingevent on August 9. We’ve invited anumber of area chambers of com-merce to join us at Shenandoahto tell us about their organiza-tion, including Birmingham-Bloomfield, West Bloomfield,Lakes Area, Southfield,Farmington Hills, SterlingHeights and Troy. This will be agreat opportunity for us all toget to know each other better.

Also new is a Real EstateConference on September 21,also at Shenandoah. Speakerswill include a broker, developer,attorney, title agent and realestate investment specialist.

The Business AdvisoryCommittee meets the thirdTuesday of each month. TonyKonja serves as chair.

MembershipMembership has grown to morethan 650 people — so we arewell on our way to our year-endgoal of 800 members.

New members are welcome onthis committee, which is chairedby Rocky Husaynu. The nextmeeting is set for June 14 at 6 p.m.

BylawsThe committee is hard at workreviewing the chamber’s bylaws.

A specific look is being taken atlifetime members; terms, boardvacancies and voting for theBoard of Directors; and officers.

The Bylaws Committee ischaired by Paul Asker.

Iraq TaskforceThe United States Agency forInternational Development(USAID) is not interested in ahumanitarian proposal but hasindicted it will fund adairy/agriculture project.Meanwhile, Joe Kassab is lead-ing an effort to get a resolutionthrough the U.S. Congressgranting asylum for 5,000Chaldeans/Assyrians. The com-mittee continues to discuss aplan of action with theChaldoAssyrians.

Dave Nona and Dr. AdhidMiri are the committee chairs.

Women’s Business and ProfessionalThe committee is reaching out towomen members of the chamberand strategizing on how toincrease women involvement. Thecommittee is looking into a semi-nar specifically targeted forwomen members. A partnershipwith the Chaldean AmericanLadies of Charity on future busi-ness seminars is being considered.

Sharon Hannawa is the com-mittee chair.

To join any of these chamber committees, please call the chamber office at (248) 537-3700.

Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce Marketing Partners:

COMMITTEE NEWS

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


The Chaldean Voice Twenty-five years is a notable achievement forany business. When you consider that a busi-ness run by volunteers has hit that milestone,it’s all the more impressive. For more than aquarter-century, the Chaldean Voice has pre-vailed as the source of information and enter-tainment programming on the Chaldean com-munity. A gala dinner was held in 2005 tomark the station’s silver anniversary.

“We reach a vast majority of the people,and all aspects of our community,” says ShokiKonja, who has been with the radio programsince the beginning.

Shoki acts as producer and on-air personal-ity. He’s also a noted songwriter who haspenned and produced more than 100 songsheard on the Chaldean Voice.

The show is primarily in Aramaic andincludes a bit of English and, at the end of eachprogram, a segment in Arabic. Thanks to theInternet, it is heard throughout the world.Currently, the station is working to raise fundsfor Norvat, a Christian television station inLebanon.

The Chaldean Voice airs eachSaturday from 1-5 p.m. on AM 690WNKZ.

The Chaldean Voice30555 Berg RoadSouthfield 48034(248) 353 1083www.chaldeanvoice.org

Innovative Cell TechnologiesWhen Joseph Kassab discovered the world of nanotechnolo-gy five years ago, he was so intrigued that he formed a com-pany specializing in it.

A nano is a billionth of a meter, 100,000 times smaller thanthe thickness of human hair. Nanotechnology is also known asthe science of manipulation of matter and atom at nanoscalelevels, where unique phenomena enable novel applications. It isan emerging branch of engineering that deals with the designand manufacture of extremely small electronic circuits andmechanical devices built at molecular level of matter with greatpotential in a number of industries, including computers, ener-gy, environment, food, textile, healthcare and medicine.

“It could be used to only target and kill cancer cells andleave the good cells alone in the tissue,” says Joe.

Joe learned of nanotechnology as a bio-researcher at WayneState University’s School of Medicine, where he served 25 years.He started Innovative Cell Technologies four years ago. “Thecompany provides consulting and unique, cost-effective toxico-logical testing and safety screening platforms that are effective fornanomaterials design and engineering,” Joe explains. “In additionto providing services to nanomaterials manufactures and phar-maceutical companies, we are very much engaged in writingproposals, protocols and grants to support us in our mission.”

Joe, who is one of the founding members of theAmerican Academy of Nanomedicine and the president ofthe Chaldean National Congress of Michigan, is enthusiasticabout the possibilities of this new technology. He encouragesyoung people to consider entering the field, and said nan-otechnology offers a great investment opportunity.

“I want our community to understand that there is a lot ofpotential in this business,” he says. “The U.S. government hascommitted $4 billon over the next four years for nanotechnol-ogy research and development. It is rapidly gaining momen-tum and is going to be the science of the future.

“Every industry has an economic bubble,” Joe adds,“however, the novel applications of nanotechnology are hereto last, and that is what our company is banking on.”

Innovative Cell Technologies (ICT)30186 Walnut CourtFarmington Hills, MI 48331(248) [email protected]

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

S P R I N G 2 0 0 6 9

Joseph Kassab

Shoki Konja


James JonnaNamed BusinessPerson of the YearA highlight of the chamber’sAnnual Awards Dinner onApril 7 was honoring JamesJonna as Business Person ofthe Year.

James founded theJonna ConstructionCompany, which built com-mercial and residentialbuildings, in 1965. Morethan 45 years and 600

buildings later, he’s stillgoing strong as chairman ofthe board at the age of 81.Today, Jonna Companies isa holding company of JonnaRealty Ventures and JonnaConstruction CompanyL.L.C.

Where others see avacant lot, James Jonna seespotential. He has an uncan-ny knack for evaluatingunderdeveloped land sitesand determining the mosteffective use and design forreal estate. But it is his peo-ple skills that really set him

apart, evident in his philos-ophy: “Service people,work with people, respectpeople.” That, coupled withhis unerring sense of hon-esty, makes Jimmy one ofthe most respected figuresin the real estate and build-ing industry.

Jimmy was instrumentalin the forming of theChaldean Iraqi AmericanAssociation of Michigan andhas helped dozens of peopleget a successful start inbusiness. Among his crow-ing achievements are the

1 0 C H A L D E A N C O M M E R C E

The Chaldean American

Chamber of Commerce’s

Third Annual Awards Dinner

on April 7 was a complete

success. Nearly 900 people

attended the gala evening at

Shenandoah Country Club.

Among the event’s highlights

was the keynote presentation

by Ambassador Christopher

W.S. Ross, an expert on the

situation in Iraq. Ambassador

Ross noted that in order to

form a democracy in Iraq,

the rights of prosperity of the

country’s minorities and the

larger community must be

obtained. Iraq’s constitution

must include those rights, he

said. Community members also

met privately with Ambassador

Ross to discuss the plight of

ChaldoAssyrians in Iraq.

Murray Feldman of Fox 2

News was an expert master

of ceremonies, and we thank

him for his time.

Awards Dinner a1 2 3

7


former Mission NationalCorporation Headquartersin Farmington Hills (nowDaimlerChrysler Services);the Bloomfield Center inBloomfield Hills; the NorthValley Office Center inFarmington Hills; andShenandoah Country Clubin West Bloomfield.

James and his wife,Selma, have five children:Christine, Gary, Debra,Diane and Janet; and 13grandchildren.

CALC ReceivesHumanitarianAwardMembers of the ChaldeanChamber were delightedto present the 2005Humanitarian of the YearAward to the ChaldeanAmerican Ladies ofCharity (CALC). PresidentClair Konja accepted theaward on behalf of theorganization.

CongressmanJoe KnollenbergReceives Special TributeIn recognition of his hardwork and dedication to theChaldean community, theChaldean Chamber laudedCongressman Joe Knollenbergwith a special tribute at theApril 7 awards dinner.

AcknowledgingOur SponsorsThanks go out to all the sponsorswho so generously supported the dinner:

PRESENTING SPONSOR:Comerica

GOLD SPONSORS:DaimlerChrysler Financial ServicesDean FoodsDTE EnergyFifth Third BankFord Motor CompanyLaSalle Bank

SILVER SPONSORS:Coca Cola Jonna CompaniesPeoples State BankSpartan Foods

BRONZE SPONSORS:Apollo MarketArt One SignsAsker, Clos & Perlmuter, PCAssociated Food DealersBank of MichiganComcastDetroit Medical CenterDollar CastleGreektown CasinoGroup 10 ManagementHenry Ford Heath SystemsInternational WholesaleJ. Lewis CooperManagement RecruitersMerchants Fine WineMJM GroupOak Management Corp.Pepsi Bottling GroupProvidence Park HospitalRon Jona & AssociatesSherwood FoodsSprintTCF BankTrepco WholesaleVarsity Lincoln MercuryWalsh CollegeWhitehall Real Estate InterestsWorld of Erhard

Much gratitude to all whoworked so hard on planning theevent, including Co-Chairs AmalBerry Brown, vice president ofbusiness development forComerica Bank, and Frank Jonna,CEO of Jonna Companies.

Huge Success

Clockwise from top of opposite page: 1. Ron Acho (left), Adhid Miri and Ambassador Christopher Ross 2. Mike Mehr and Stephen Yatooma 3. Wendy Acho (left), Sonya Kory-Haio and Michael Martin 4. Murray Feldman and Clair Konja 5. Ed Babbie (left), Sammi & Linda Naoum and John Kapousis 6. Congressman Joe Knollenberg 7. James Jonna

S P R I N G 2 0 0 6 11

4 5

6



FROM THE DETROIT REGIONAL CHAMBER

Strategic PlanA strategic plan looks at what thebusiness will look like in 5 to 10 years.All businesses, whether they are family-owned or not, should have a writtenstrategic plan. No business is too small tohave one. And a plan that resides only inyour mind is no plan at all and helps noone. The strongest plans have input frompeople who understand the business andhow to grow it, including owners, man-agers, employees and professional consult-ants. This group needs to gather relevantdata to predict the developments in theindustry, the marketing neighborhood andthe competition that will be crucial to anystrategic plan.

Family businesses also need familymember input. Strategic planning providesfamilies the opportunity to establish familyvalues, the principles intrinsic in that fami-ly business. Including all family membersin the discussion creates family cohesionand, ultimately, a stronger company. A

knowledgeable professional is essential infacilitating and coordinating the discus-sions among the experts and the familyand will prepare the written plan that syn-thesizes the conclusions of both.

Succession PlanA succession plan looks at the knowledge andexperience that will be necessary to make thestrategic plan a success. It lays the ground-work for which family members will work inthe business and which will not, as well ashow the leadership will be determined.Critical to succession plans is developing a

process and rules that all family membersaccept, even if grudgingly. Some familiesrequire all family members to apply for posi-tions with the company and they are judgedjust as any “outsider” would be. Other fami-lies find a place for every member who wantsto be involved in the business. Both modelsare viable so long as family members under-stand the underlying premise. If, despiteefforts to develop the next generation, thenecessary skills are not available in the family,hiring outside talent to lead the business atleast during a transitional period can positionthe company for the future so long as it is putin place with clear understandings and appro-priate written documentation.

The elephant in the room in every familybusiness is the often undiscussed question of

succession. The potential for family discordbecomes increasingly greater with each gen-eration unless a plan has been developed.Often a family member’s position in thebusiness determines her self-esteem and thenature and quality of her relationships withother family members. Ignoring these under-lying psychological issues will doom themost worthwhile efforts. Unresolved familyissues often are acted out while creating suc-cession plans and must be dealt with.

A successful plan will establish theground rules for family participation in thebusiness, the roles of inactive members,ownership by both family and non-familymembers (including in-laws), what happensto ownership on divorce, family compensa-tion and retirement.

Estate PlanA successful estate plan coordinates andcomplements both the strategic and succes-sion plans. It takes into consideration taximplications as assets are passed from gener-ation to generation. Most estate plans con-

template passing on at least some owner-ship interest in the family business dur-

ing the estate planner’s life and devel-oping wealth in addition to thebusiness. Many succession andestate plans anticipate that owner-ship of the business will be givento the members of the succeeding

generations who are active in run-ning the business, while other assets

are left for those inactive family mem-bers. For some families, this is the most

appropriate distribution. For others it is bet-ter to separate voting and non-voting owner-ship and, perhaps, specify compensation lev-els and distributions to owners.

None of these plans can be created with-out significant deliberation and fact-finding.And once developed, they should not bestatic, unchanging documents. Just as fami-lies and businesses change, so must strategic,succession and estate plans, in order to takeinto consideration unanticipated events andnew family and business realities.

Establishing a family council that meetstwo, three or four times a year can maintainthe freshness of the plans and anticipatepotential issues that might torpedo them.

This article was written for Tips4Biz byRobert Gordon, a partner with Jaffe RaittHeuer & Weiss PC in Southfield, a member of the Detroit Regional Chamber.

finance

All in the FamilyCreating successful business successsion plans

Don’t let your family-owned business be among the morethan 90 percent that fail to

survive beyond the second generation.

The owners of family businesses have

a particularly strong commitment to

their success, but only 30 percent of such

make it to the second generation and

fewer than 10 percent beyond the second

generation. Often it is because the family

entrepreneur who began the business

either failed to plan or failed to do it

early enough or effectively.

If you want your family company to

survive these statistics, you need to

start now to make a succession

plan, a strategic plan and an

estate plan.


Federal Legislative Update• Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative:The Detroit Regional Chamber joined othernorthern border chambers of commerce theweek of February 13 to lobby Congress andthe Department of Homeland Security regard-ing the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative(WHTI). The December 2004 law stipulatesthat everyone crossing from a foreign countryinto the United States must possess a passportor other similar document that verifiesnationality and identity. The requirementapplies to U.S. citizens and may require peo-ple who do not have passports (80 percent ofAmericans and 60 percent of Canadians) topay an additional cost per person and wait 6-8 weeks to obtain the required credentials.Opponents fear this will greatly reduce cross-border traffic and cost border communitiesmillions of dollars. The chamber is calling fora compromise that would allow the use ofmore secure drivers licenses.

• Health Plan Legislation: The DetroitRegional Chamber conceptually supportsaspects of new federal Association Health Plan(AHP) legislation introduced by U.S. SenatorEnzi (WY). The legislation is a compromise topast bills, which would allow formation ofgroup health plans that could circumvent stateregulation through preemption of ERISArequirements. Enzi’s S 1955 would allowbusiness and trade associations to band theirmembers together and offer group health cov-erage on a national or statewide basis, stream-line varying state regulations, and preservestates’ primary role in health insurance over-sight and consumer protection. Coveragemandated in 45 states and by the federal gov-ernment would make the mandated list. Thechamber is actively providing suggestionsregarding bill content to Sen. Enzi through thenational coalition we helped establish. Wewill continue to monitor provide suggestionsfor improvements to the legislation.

.

News from Lansing• Job Providers Bill of Rights: In 2003,the Chamber’s Tax Policy Committeedeveloped a series of recommendations tostreamline business tax regulations andinteractions with the Michigan Departmentof Treasury. These recommendations arenow incorporated into legislation that haspassed the House and is pending beforethe Michigan Senate Finance Committee.

This chamber-led initiative will result inbetter consistency in application of theSingle Business Tax and more predictabili-ty when working with the Department ofTreasury.

• Michigan Economic Growth Authority:Earlier this year, the Detroit RegionalEconomic Partnership, working withchamber leadership, suggested a number ofchanges to the Michigan Economic GrowthAuthority Act. Among those suggestionswere amendments that would increase thenumber of “MEGA” grants available,increase flexibility when considering tech-nology related industries for credits andprovide more ease in qualification for thegrants. Senate Bill 802 encompasses all ofthe Chamber’s suggestions as well as anumber of amendments developed by theMEDC and other interested parties.

• Water Regulation: Senator Patty Birkholzled passage of Senate Bill 850-52 to regu-late water usage in Michigan out of theSenate Chambers. These bills represent theproduct of a number of hearings aroundthe state to determine the best approach toregulate water in Michigan. While theSenate ultimately passed favorable legisla-tion, the members of the House will needsome close guidance to ensure a qualityproduct for the Governor’s office. Thechamber supports “grandfathering” currentregulations for existing users and setting ade-minimus standard of 2 million gallonsper day for regulations on new users.

• Air Quality Improvement:Representative Phil Pavlov (St. Clair) hasintroduced House Bill 5508 to lower thevapor pressure on the region’s summertimefuel. Lowering the vapor pressure on theregion’s fuel supply will decrease our ozoneemissions and bring our region into federalair quality attainment standards. Thechamber supports this solution over themuch more expensive options such asemission testing and tighter industrial con-trols. Reaching attainment by 2007 is cru-cial to residential and business growth inthe region.

S P R I N G 2 0 0 6 13

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



No question about it; you provide one ofthe most valuable services imaginable.

However, without an ongoing and ever-increasing number of new, quality prospects,you’ll eventually run out of people withwhom to share the benefits. You might evenend up asking yourself that most dreaded ofquestions in the world of sales, which is,“Who do I talk to next, now that my originallist of names has run out?” That thought canbe downright discouraging, can’t it? Thenagain, it need not happen.

Develop profitable, win/win relationshipswith practically every new person you meet— whether one on one or in a social setting.

How? Ask questions. Specifically, “feel-good” questions. These are questionsdesigned to put your conversation partnerat ease, and begin the rapport-buildingprocess. These are not intrusive, invasiveor in any way resembling those of thestereotypical salesperson. Feel-good ques-tions are simply questions that make yournew prospect/potential referral-source feelgood; about themselves, about the conver-sation and about you. Vital, because “allthings being equal, people will do businesswith, and refer business to, those peoplethey know, like and trust.” Asking feel-good questions is the first step to accom-plishing that goal.

So what are some of these “feel-good”type questions?

1. “How did you get started in the ‘widg-et’ business?” I call this the “Movie-of-the-Week” question because most people love theopportunity to “tell their story” to someone.This, in a world where most people don’tcare enough to want to know their story.

2. “What do you enjoy most about whatyou do?” Again, you are giving them some-thing very positive to associate with you andyour conversation. You are making them feelspecial, important.

You’ve begun to establish a nice rapportwith your new prospect. You are focusing onhim or her, as opposed to you and yourawesome product, as most salespeople do.He or she is starting to feel good about youand has enjoyed answering your first two“feel-good” questions. Now it’s time for the“one key question,” and here it is:

“Pat, how can I know if someone I’mspeaking with would be a good prospect foryou?”

Here, you’ve continued to establish your-self as being different from all others theymeet who are in business, who only seem towant to know, “How can you help me?”Also, since you are asking for help in identi-fying their prospects, she will gladly supplyyou with an answer. And the fact is, nothingbuilds trust and credibility with a prospectthan actually referring business to themwhenever possible.

Your conversation has ended and you

never even mentioned your products orservices. Good, since your relationshipwith this new prospect may not be farenough along for him or her to be recep-tive to this. (At other times it’s very advis-able to bring up.) That’s fine. Hopefully,you’ve gotten your prospect’s businesscard. Now you are in the position to followup correctly and systematically in order tonurture this new relationship.

Whenever meeting new people, theabove questions will help you to very quick-ly build your prospect list with high-qualitypeople in a manner that is fun and withoutstress. You’ll never again feel the “discom-fort” in the pit of your stomach, knowingthat you have to nervously and clumsilyapproach someone you don’t want toapproach, and whom you can just sensedoes not want to be approached.

Know this: The typical person knowsabout 250 people. Thus, every time youmeet one new person and develop a relation-ship based on the fact that he or she nowfeels as though they “know you, like youand trust you” you’ve actually just increasedyour personal prospect list a potential 250people, every single time. Do this oftenenough and before long, you’ll cultivate anetwork of endless referrals.

This article was written by Bob Burg, theauthor of “Endless Referrals: Network YourEveryday Contacts Into Sales” and “WinningWithout Intimidation: How to Master the Artof Positive Persuasion.” His newest booklet is“The Successs Formula.” He also publishes afree weekly ezine newsletter. To sample, go towww.burg.com/newsletter.html.

Endless Referrals How to cultivate a network

As a member of the Chaldean AmericanChamber of Commerce, you receive a com-plimentary membership to the DetroitRegional Chamber. Your membershipgives you access to an array of contacts,programs and resources including:• Subscription to Your Biz e-newsletter, a

weekly on-line newsletter.• Savings on shipping needs.• Office Depot Program — access to an

exclusive list of more than 300 of themost-ordered office supplies at the deep-est discount, 6 percent off regular catalogitems and promotional products discount.

• The best deal on service from VerizonWireless and 25 percent off accessoriesfor equipment.

• A diverse group of health insuranceoptions exclusively designed for small-to medium-sized businesses throughBlue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan(BCBSM). Members also have access todedicated customer support and admin-istrative insurance services.

• Property and casualty insurance cover-age options that include workers’ com-pensation, business owners’ policies,commercial auto and more.

• COBRA administration for only$25/month for chamber membersenrolled in the Blue Cross Blue Shield ofMichigan health insurance program.

• Free Summary Plan Description (SPD).The Department of Labor requires allemployers to provide an SPD to employ-ees or risk legal penalties. Chambermembers enrolled in the Blue Cross BlueShield of Michigan health insurance pro-

gram receive an SPD for free.• Additional insurance options: umbrella

and excess policies, group life insurance,short and long-term disability, long-termcare insurance, errors and omissions,voluntary vision and dental coverage.

• 5 percent savings on your monthlyinvoice for local long distance andInternet connectivity products fromLDMI A Talk America Company.

• The Platinum Plus for BusinessMasterCard

• Official labor law posters and theMichigan Employment Law Handbook

• Unlimited Access to Smart-Detroit’s e-café with access to email and theInternet while doing business in Detroit

• Discounts on Equifax personal creditmonitoring and protection services.

• Savings on technology supplies fromTech Depot.

You’re Already a Member!


HOLE-IN-ONE PRIZES include two-year leases on:

BMW Z4 ROADSTER and LAND ROVER LR3

SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES

• Listed as Presenting Sponsor on all Promotional Materials

• Two Foursome Golf Packages

• Speaking opportunity at dinner

• One Foursome Golf Package

• Hole Sponsorship

• Logo placed on signage with special recognition at event

• One Foursome Golf Package

• Hole Sponsorship

• Logo placed on signage with special recognition at event

• Four Golfers, use of the putting greenand golf range, lunch and dinner

• Signage at the hole and throughoutthe venue, lunch and dinner

• Single Golfer, use of the putting greenand golf range, lunch and dinner

PRESENTING SPONSOR$7,500 (SOLD)

BEVERAGE CART SPONSORCOCKTAIL HOUR SPONSOR

LUNCH SPONSORDINNER SPONSOR

$2,500

BIRDIE SPONSOR $1,100

GOLF FOURSOME PACKAGE $600

HOLE SPONSORSHIP $500

SINGLE GOLFER REGISTRATION

$175

DINNER ONLY$75

All Golf registration includes Lunch,Cocktails, Cigars, Dinner and Door Prizes *

about the eventJoin us for a day of fun — rain or shine — for a great

cause. The Chaldean Chamber Foundation annual

golf outing at the Shenandoah Golf and Country

Club is always a great time. Shenandoah Country

Club is a full-service, upscale 18-hole golf course

measuring up to 6,620 yards in length with undulat-

ing greens to challenge players of various

abilities. At the event, enjoy:

• 18 Holes of Golf

• Lunch

• Cocktails and Cigars

• Dinner

• Door Prizes

• Hole-in-One Car Giveaway

• Fun Promotions and Product Trials at Several Holes

presents the

CHALDEANCHAMBERFOUNDATIONthird annual

GOLFOUTING

11 am, Thursday, June 22, 2006

at

Shenandoah Country Club

5600 Walnut Lake RoadWest Bloomfield, MI 48323

Corporate Sponsors:


Call (248) 538-3700 or e-mail [email protected] for details.

Rates are reasonable!

Want to Advertise in

This Space?

The Chaldean AmericanChamber of Commerce offersmembers many opportunitiesto help make a difference.Please join us on one or moreof the following committees:

• Dinner Committee: Helps plan the AnnualAwards Dinner, held each spring at Shenandoah Country Club.

• Golf Outing Committee: Plans our annual dayof fun at Shenandoah, set this year for June 22.

• Festival Committee: Helps plan the AnnualChaldean Festival being held on August 26-27.

• PAC: Plans ways to increase Chaldeans’ political influence.

• Iraq Task Force: Helps us implement ways to help rebuild the homeland.

• Membership: Plans benefits and services, and works on increasing membership.

• Business Advisory: Creates opportunities forChaldeans to do business with local, state andfederal governments.

• Internal Networking: A forum for members to meet and share business referrals.

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

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

It’s Your Chamber - Become Involved!


Spring 2006 Chaldean Commerce Newsletter

Documents

Transcript of Spring 2006 Chaldean Commerce Newsletter