Summer 2008 Chaldean Commerce Newsletter

CHALDEAN FESTIVAL WRAP-UPBUSINESS CONFERENCE PREVIEWDIGNITARIES MEET WITH CHAMBERSPOTLIGHT ON BAVARIAN BMW

INSIDE

CHALDEAN COMMERCECHALDEAN COMMERCEsum

mer

2008

GUARANTEED FRESHGUARANTEED FRESH

Detroit Chaldean grocers launch new initiative

The newsletter of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce

ChaldeanCommerce_0808 8/25/08 6:18 PM

CHALDEAN COMMERCECHALDEAN COMMERCEThe newsletter of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce

summer 2008

CALENDAR 4 Mark the Dates

MESSAGE 4 From the Chairman5 From the Executive Director

BRIEFINGS 6 Legislative UpdateChaldean Business survey well underwayChamber and St. Vincent de Paul join forcesMembers in the News

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS 8 Bavarian BMW: Family-run business drives sales9 Educational Outfitters dresses schools and supermarkets

MEMBERSHIP 10 New and Renewed Members

COVER STORY 12 Guaranteed Fresh: Detroit Grocers on Quality Control

SOCIALS 13 Networking at Bavarian BMWChaldean CommencementsGolf Outing sold outMcCain Visits Shenandoah Country Club3rd Annual Chaldean Festival

S U M M E R 2 0 0 8 3

ON THE COVER:

NORMAN YALDOO UNVEILSTHE GUARANTEED FRESHCAMPAIGN TO FELLOWDETROIT GROCERS


CALENDAR

mark the dates

The Chamber continues to strengthen its influence in the busi-ness community and beyond, by sponsoring successful events

and programs such as the Golf outing, Chaldean survey, and advo-cacy for our people.

I am proud to announce the launch of the Chamber’s“Guaranteed Fresh” campaign. Through this program, we want tohighlight the commitment of our Chaldean grocers who have beenserving the City of Detroit for many years, to explore ways toimprove services, and to increase the level of giving back to ourcity and neighborhoods. In this spirit, the Chamber has supportedthe wonderful work of Loyola Jesuit High School in Detroit by edu-cating young disadvantaged kids in a very difficult urban environ-ment. We ask our grocers in Detroit to consider supporting the work ofLoyola High School, or perhaps donating to a local food drive or sponsoringLittle League teams. Help and take pride in the community you operate in.

The Chamber is committed to establishing good relationships and work-ing cooperatively with all community groups and organizations that have amission to serve our community, such as the Associated Food and PetroleumDealers (AFPD), the Chaldean Arts/Writers groups, the Chaldean Democraticcaucus, and others.

We continue to be involved in Washington as we intensely advocate forthe rights of Christians in Iraq. The plight of our brothers and sisters there isdire and requires our help. We continue to support the Chaldean Federation’said to refugees, and we remain confident in our efforts to establish a securearea for the survival of Christians in Iraq.

For the remainder of the year, we look forward to a productive BusinessConference in the fall and the completion of the Chaldean business survey, aswell as other fascinating and pleasurable events. Enjoy the rest of the summerand God bless you.

Dave Nona

from the chairman

MESSAGE

Dave Nona

IN THE MONTH OF AUGUST 2008• Over 2,100 refugees were assisted in June

• Over $33,000 in donations sent overseas in August

:

INDUSTRY OUTLOOK

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 6-8 P.M.

TCF Bank will be sponsoring

this lecture on Women Business

Leaders at Shenandoah.

ANNUAL CHAMBER BUSINESS CONFERENCE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16

Charter One Bank presents the

annual business luncheon at

the Shenandoah Country Club.

More details are available at

www.chaldeanchamber.com.

ANNUAL MEETING & ELECTION

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 6 P.M.

Join us as United Way and

Walsh College present the

results of the Chaldean

Household and Business

Surveys. We will also elect a

new board of directors. To run

for a board position or for

more information, please call

the Chamber at 248.538.3700.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY –CHAMBER OPEN HOUSE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2008

Each year the ChaldeanAmerican Chamber ofCommerce sponsors a holidayparty that is open to commu-nity business members. This isan excellent opportunity toexpand your network in arelaxed, festive setting. Markyour calendars, details arecoming soon.

WE CAN DO MORE… WE NEED YOUR HELP!Call 248-851-3023 for more infowww.adoptarefugeefamily.org

PLEASE NOTE OUR TAX ID # IS 501(C) 38-2953203

ADOPT-A-REFUGEE FAMILYSPONSORED BY THE CFA

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


S U M M E R 2 0 0 8 5

Friends, it has been an exciting and productive summer. We havecompleted two successful events; the Annual Golf Outing, which

was sold out for the fifth year in a row, and the Chaldean Festival atthe Southfield Civic Center, which drew big crowds on Sunday after aday of rough weather on Saturday. Merchant participation grew by35%, and the addition of the bingo tent was a great attraction. TheArtists Row and Chaldean/Assyrian Dance Troupe added extra flavorto our weekend cultural celebration.

The Household Survey results, handled in conjunction with WalshCollege and United Way, were impressive. There are approximately113,000 Chaldeans residing in Southeastern Michigan, and two-thirdsof those households own at least one business. Although the economyhas slowed, our corporate partners tell us that our business community is not only surviving, but meet-ing all obligations. Most area banks have had significant defaults, yet they tell us that loans to mem-bers of our community continue to do well. We can attest to this – several members continue toexpand, specifically within the hospitality, food service and insurance service industries. Our Membersin the News section profiles many new developments in this matter.

The Business Survey is well underway, and the results of both surveys will be released by WalshCollege and United Way at our annual meeting on November 12th.

In this issue, we highlight the Guaranteed Fresh program and the impact Detroit IndependentGrocers have had on the city of Detroit. Not only do they sell quality products, but they also promiseto give back and continue their commitment to the city.

We also spotlight two new and unique members of the Chamber. Educational Outfitters andBavarian BMW sell totally different products but are dedicated to excellent customer service. Moreimportantly, they put profits back into the communities they serve.

These tough economic times force us to lean on one another. I look forward to seeing you at ourupcoming Quarterly Networking Meeting on August 27, our Business Conference on October 16, andour Annual Meeting on November 12. Stay involved, attend our functions and take advantage of theproducts and services we offer.

Martin Manna

Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce30095 Northwestern Hwy.Suite 102Farmington Hills, MI 48334Phone: (248) 538-3700Fax: (248) 932-9161www.chaldeanchamber.com

PublisherChaldean American Chamber of CommerceInterlink Media

Chaldean Commerce is published five times a year by the Chaldean AmericanChamber of Commerce

Martin Manna

from the executive director

EditorCrystal Kassab Jabiro

Art DirectorsAlex LumelskyJoe Sesi

Graphic DesignSKY Creative, Inc.

Although the economyhas slowed, several members continue toexpand — specificallywithin the hospitality, foodservice and insuranceservice industries.


[Legislative Update]Following numerousmeetings and lengthynegotiations throughoutthe year with the legisla-tive leadership andmembers of theAppropriations commit-tees, we were successfulin acquiring a $350,000grant for the ChaldeanChamber Foundation forthe fiscal year 2009 afterGovernor JenniferGranholm signed PublicAct 246 of 2008-theDepartment ofCommunity Healthbudget.

Our efforts were ledby Senator Roger Kahnof Saginaw, theChairman of theDepartment ofCommunity HealthAppropriationsCommittee, and SpeakerAndy Dillon. The fundswill be subcontracted tothe Chaldean Federationof America for RefugeeAssistance.

Currently we are stillworking with theAppropriationsCommittees on theSupplemental budgetthat may happen beforethe end of the calendaryear for new funds forthe museum. We areworking closely withAppropriationsChairman GeorgeCushingberry on a for-mula that would bringeducational funds intovarious culturally-orient-ed museums.

ChaldeanBusinessSurvey WellUnderwayTelephone calls will contin-ue through the remainderof August and earlySeptember. The final resultsare expected to be releasedat the Chamber’s annualmeeting on November 12,2008. Thank you for tak-ing the time to completethe phone questionnaire.To participate in the survey,please contact the Chamberat 248-538-3700.

Chamber andSt. Vincent de Paul Join ForcesThe Chaldean AmericanChamber of Commerceand the Society of St.Vincent de Paul havejointly launched theIraqi Refugee AssistanceProgram. Participatingretailers are asked toplace St. Vincent de Paulclothing donation bins attheir place of business.In return, $25 permonth will be allocated

to provide preauthorizeddebit cards to Iraqrefugees relocating toSoutheast Michigan.The face value of thedebit card will bematched by the Societyof St. Vincent DePaulthrift store operations.The debit cards may beredeemed by the refugeesat any St. Vincent DePaul thrift store to obtainclothing, furniture, appli-ances and other house-hold items. To partici-pate in the program,please call the Chamberat 248-538-3700.

BRIEFINGS


Terry Farida is proud toannounce the opening ofanother Value CenterMarketplace in ClintonTownship. The entirelyremodeled 55,000-square-foot formerFarmer Jack store islocated at 16 Mile andHarper. Farida is cur-rently hiring 150employees to stock, becashiers, and operate themeat, deli, and producedepartments. He hasthree other stores inLivonia, MadisonHeights, and Warren.

The Boji Tower inLansing celebrated its10th anniversary thispast May. The tallestbuilding in Lansing, for-merly known as theMichigan NationalTower, was the BojiGroup’s first investmentas they sought to devel-op and improveDowntown Lansing.

According to PresidentRon Boji, the tower hasnow reached full capaci-ty with the recent trans-fer of the Michigan StateSenate, which occupies34,000 square feet. TheBoji Tower was con-structed almost 80 yearsago and is typical of theArt Deco design of thetimes.

Construction beganthis summer on the newMarket Square ofBloomfield. Owner JohnKarmo will be moving

his specialty store acrossthe street to a new andbigger building on thesouthwest corner ofWalnut Road andInkster. Market Squareoffers a full line of gour-met groceries and finewines. Construction isexpected to be complet-ed in April.

The new Henry FordHospital in WestBloomfield is looking tohire 1600 new staffmembers by next springwhen it opens. They arenow accepting applica-tions for registered nurs-es, certified registerednurse anesthetists, andpharmacists. They willbe posting administrativeand support personnelpositions in the fall.Fore more information,log on to www.henry-ford.com/careers.

Co-Authors (and sis-ters) Margaret Shamoun

and Melody Arabo havereleased the second vol-ume of their acclaimedChaldean for Kids books.Volume 2 includesFoods, Clothing,Animals, and NurseryRhymes. Each book is$12.95 and includes anaudio CD. To promoteSoureth among children,they are offering 50% offthe second volume whenyou buy the first one.Log on to www.chaldeanforkids.comfor more info.

Melody Arabo andMargaret Shamoun

Ron Boji

Members In The News


On September 1st,Board Member RockyHusaynu of ProfessionalInsurance Planners, willbe moving his office tothe Paramount BankBuilding at 31000Northwestern Highwayin Farmington Hills. Itis located on the cornerof 13 Mile andNorthwestern. Hisphone and fax numberswill stay the same.

Congratulations toseveral ChamberMembers who ran foroffice this past August.

They include: DavidLaw for Oakland CountyProsecutor; JohnKuriakuz, Democrat forState Representative inthe 39th District; DavidWolkinson, Republicanfor State Representativein the 39th District;Michelle Economou forWest BloomfieldTownship Supervisor;Cathy Shaughnessy forWest BloomfieldTownship Clerk; TeriAdelberg Weingardenfor West BloomfieldTownship Treasurer;

Larry Brown running forWest BloomfieldTownship Trustee andSteven Kaplan, also run-

ning for West BloomfieldTownship Trustee. Theywill all move to the gen-eral election except forDavid Wilkinson, wholost to Amy Peterman,and John Kuriakuz, whowas defeated by LisaBrown.

Akram Namou ispleased to announce theopening of his newHilton Garden Inn-Southfield. It is locatedoff of I-696 andTelegraph. The hotel

features 196 guestrooms, and is only 20minutes from downtownDetroit. The ballroomaccommodates up to300 people and can bedivided into three halls.Namou has been in thehotel industry for morethan 25 years.

S U M M E R 2 0 0 8 7Michelle Economou Teri Adelberg Weingarden

Artist’s renderings of the new Market Square,top, and Hilton Garden Inn – Southfield, above.

David Law



What does Eitel Dahm, a German-American, have in common with

Chaldeans?Like many, he immigrated to the United

States in 1960 with 75 cents in his pocket,and is now the successful owner of a family-run business.

Dahm was working as an automotivetechnician in Germany when he came toAmerica, only to continue his skills at a cardealership repairing European imports. In1975, he became an authorized BMW dealerafter owning a licensed BMW repair shop.Bavarian Motor Village on Gratiot inEastpointe became the first corporate BMWidentity location in the nation.

Dahm took advantage of the opportuni-ties that came before him and opened Audiof Rochester Hills in 2001, and BavarianBMW in Shelby Township four years ago.There is no stopping the hard-workingmechanic-turned-entrepreneur. Accordingto him, his mission to provide excellentcustomer service got his company ahead.

“Service is a priority, not a necessity,”said Dahm. “This is how I built my business.”

The success of the Eitel Dahm MotorGroup, the collective name for Dahm’s cardealerships and service centers, is attributedto the amazing staff that operates like a fami-ly. In fact, Dahm’s two daughters, Reginaand Helga, have a stake in the corporation.Some employees have devoted over 30 yearsto the business. There is very low turnoverfor employment simply because of job satis-faction, which includes room to expand.

“We are very close-knit, and we see thisin the Chaldean community,” claimed JohnKapousis, Sales Manager at Bavarian. “Wethrive on that. It’s the same kind of culturein our store.”

Sammi Naoum is one employee whocame to grow with Bavarian BMW. He spentnearly two years trying to get a job with EitelDahm until he was finally hired a few yearsago. For the past couple years in a row, hehas been the #1 Salesperson for BMW in thestate. Now he is the Assistant Sales Manager.

Naoum, Bavarian’s only Chaldean sales-person, was instrumental in convincing Dahmto join the Chamber as a corporate partner.Dahm respects Chaldeans for having suchclose-knit families and for being industriousbusiness people. He knows that Chaldeans,who have an average income double that of thenational average, will not only consider a BMWcar as an indulgence, but also an investment.

Bavarian BMW’s family depends onNaoum to educate them about the Chaldeancommunity. He notices the most popularBMWs among Chaldean-Americans are the 5series, 7 series, and the X-5 truck, whichretails at about $54,000. Not only are thesecars spacious enough to fit a large family, butthey are also luxurious, which is exactlywhat a Chaldean consumer is looking forwhen shopping around for an expensive car.

“We’ll always give you a nice deal andgood service,” said Naoum.

While their biggest competition isMercedes and Lexus, BMW contends thatthey present the best benefits.

“If you buy a premium product, you getpremium service,” said Kapousis.

BMW offers free maintenance in order tostay consistent with sales. This includesbrake replacement and even oil changes.Kapousis insists that drivers deserve suchtreatment because of the image this elegantcar projects, as well as its sheer reliability.

While the team at Bavarian BMW workshard to please all their consumers, they alsogive back to the communities they serve.Bavarian supports local programs andfundraising efforts, like the D.A.R.E programand Susan G. Komen “Drive for the Cure,” inwhich the company donates $1 for everymile driven towards breast cancer research.Dahm allows patrons at St. George ChaldeanCatholic Church to use his parking lot,which is 11 acres adjacent to the church.

Dahm continues to invest more time andmoney into the Chaldean communitybecause he remembers where he came from,which got him to where he is today.

“I look at myself,” Dahm said. “I camewith nothing and now I live the Americandream. I have to give back.”

Bavarian BMW is located at 45550Dequindre Road in Shelby Township. Call 248.997.7700 or log on to www.bavarianmotorvillage.com.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS

Bavarian BMW: Family-run business drives sales


2008 Chamber Board of DirectorsCHAIRMANDave NonaPartner, Triangle Development

EXECUTIVE VICE CHAIRMANFrank JonnaCEO, Jonna Companies

SECOND VICE CHAIRMANRocky HusaynuPresident, Professional Insurance Planners

TREASURERSharon HannawaMortgage Consultant, The Prime Financial Group

SECRETARYSandra Hanna Chemist, NSF International

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

LEGAL COUNSELRon AchoPartner, Cummings, McClorey, Davis & Acho PLC

DirectorsPaul AskerPartner, Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith

Kevin JappayaSales Associate, Thomas A. Duke Company

Raad KathawaOwner, Ryan’s Foods

Tony KonjaPresident, Artistic Outdoor Services

Mike KozaPresident, Group 10 Management

Anthony MonaVice President, Investments, UBS Financial Services

Jason NajorPresident, Super Fair Cellular

Bassam SalmanPresident, Apollo Building Company

Amar Toma

Chamber StaffExecutive Director Martin Manna

Director, Operations and EventsLisa Kalou

ControllerPaul Alraihani

2008 Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce Partners

Membership AmbassadorJibran Manna

Art DirectorJoe Sesi

Administrative AssistantTiffany Haio

“Back to school” time is excit-ing for kids and parents

alike, but May Sitto used todread one detail- her daughters’uniforms. Her little girls havealways been in private school,and she would wait in line at theuniform shop for three hoursonly to find out that all the itemswere on backorder. The servicewas horrible and frustrating.

That is why Sitto resolved toopen up her own store, a placewhere shoppers can immediate-ly find what they are looking forand get extraordinary service atthe same time. After muchresearch, she decided to buyinto Educational Outfitters, thelargest school uniform retailer inthe country.

Sitto liked the fact thatEducational Outfitters is operat-ed by local owners who physi-cally have a presence in thestore. She did have to pay afranchise fee, and pays royaltiesto the company. Although it is afranchise, Sitto does not have todeal with “corporate” formalities.

“I’ve shopped my competi-tors for years,” Sitto avowed.“Corporate throws managers inand they become clerks.Anyone can be a clerk, but toreally be successful, the ownerhas to be there.”

For Sitto, who once workedat Darakjian Jewelers for 14years, it was not just aboutbeing a school uniform head-quarters, but helping consumerswho have a distinct need for herproducts.

“Service is number one,” sheasserted. “The customer has tohave a good experience.”

Before opening her 3000square foot facility in Farmington

last year, Sitto sharply securedsix contracts with local privateschools, like Franklin RoadChristian and Red HillsMontessori. These contractsmandate that those students goto Educational Outfitters whichexclusively carries that school’schoice of apparel.

Sitto purchased an immenseinventory to accommodatemany different schools. Theshop even carries pants in slimand husky, and sizes 3-50. Theaverage school uniform con-sumer does not need to comefrom an institution that has acontract with the business, justa requirement for dress codeapparel, including publicschools.

Although the core businessfor Educational Outfitters isschool uniforms, they also carryathletic wear and spirit wear.They do “heat screen” shirts andembroidery, both on-site.

“The Chaldean communityhas been so good to me,” Sittomaintained. “I’ve done logos forbusinesses like supermarkets whohave suggested us to others.”

Sitto was pleased with the“word-of-mouth” advertise-ments. She hardly promotedthe store in this first yearbecause of the successful startthe business had. This actuallyworked out for the better.

“I give back to the schools.That’s where I would ratherspend my money.”

Educational Outfitters is locatedat 23317 Orchard Lake Roadbetween 10 Mile and GrandRiver in Farmington. Call248.426.7273 or log on towww.educationaloutfitters.com.

Educational Outfitters dressesschools and supermarkets

S U M M E R 2 0 0 8 9


New CorporateMembersBLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELDMARCIA MOORE53200 GRAND RIVERNEW HUDSON, MI 48165248-486-2176Largest non-profit health insurance base in thecountry.

GLOBAL SIGNS AND AWNINGSEDDIE BABBIE22907 DEQUINDREHAZEL PARK, MI 48085248-658-0780Manufacturing all interiorand exterior signage, digital readers, awnings,and many more productsand services.

HURON VALLEY-SINAIHOSPITALLYNN TOROSSIANONE WILLIAM CARLS DR.COMMERCE, MI 48382248-937-3627A hospital and health care provider in CommerceTownship, Huron Valley is part of the DMC family.

New PartnerMemberTAPPER’S JEWELRYHOWARD TAPPER6337 ORCHARD LAKEWEST BLOOMFIELD, MI 48322248-865-6323Michigan’s most trustedjeweler since 1977,Tapper’s offers an unparalleled level of customer service.

New Non-ProfitMembersIRAQI DEMOCRATIC UNION OF AMERICANABIL ROUMAYACH30550 WOODSTOCKSOUTHFIELD, MI 48076

New BusinessMembersMICHIGAN FIRST CREDIT UNIONZEPHRY BROWN27000 EVERGREEN RD.LATHRUP VILLAGE, MI 48076248-395-4021The 10th largest creditunion in Michigan is worthover 500 million dollars,with several locations inSoutheast Michigan.

ZONED COMMERCIALJACK BAHRI3290 BIG BEAVER RD.TROY, MI 48084248-939-3650The premiere informationguide to commercial real estate.

B.B. ENGINEERINGBASSIL BASHER30403 W. 13 MILE RD.FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48334248-789-0634Engineering and Consulting firm.

AMERICAN LASERCENTERSAMY WALTERS24555 HALLWOOD CT.FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48335248-324-2273Full service laser skin care with many locations across the country.

CUSMANO, KANDLER, AND REED, INC.RONALD KHOURY124 W. ALLEGAN #1700LANSING, MI 48933517-485-4044Governmental consulting firm.

CONSUMERS PARTY STOREYOUSIF SATTAM20040 W. MCNICHOLSDETROIT, MI 48219313-531-3031Featuring groceries and liquor.

AMERICA’S FINEST TREE CAREDON CLEAR11923 E. GOODALLDURAND, MI 48439810-523-7377Tree removal, including stumps.

AMERICAN RENTALS, INC.STACY HART4901 W. GRAND RIVERLANSING, MI 48906800-637-1110Tent and party rentals for all occasions from 10 to 1,000 people.

ELITE VALET PARKINGRICHARD ABBO4609 WENDRICKWEST BLOOMFIELD, MI 48323248-821-7424Valet systems for all occasions.

LAW OFFICES OF RAYMOND SALLOUMRAYMOND SALLOUM36700 WOODWARD AVE.BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI 48304248-594-4700Law firm specializing inBankruptcy.

KULLEN AND KASSABBURT KASSAB7125 ORCHARD LAKE RD.WEST BLOOMFIELD, MI 48322248-538-2200Law firm specializing inCommercial Transactions and Litigation.

LEVINE BENJAMIN, P.C.LORENZO D’AGOSTINI100 GALLERIAOFFICENTRE, STE. 411SOUTHFIELD, MI 48034248-352-5700Law firm specializing inPersonal Injury, SocialSecurity, Workman’sCompensation, andCriminal Defense.

WHOLESALE WIRELESS LARRY AWDISH21320 COOLIDGEOAK PARK, MI 48237Wireless cellular industry

MILLER COORSCHARLIE PRYSER2010 RICKS CT.BRIGHTON, MI 48114248-789-5831Miller and Coors Beer Brewing Company

SOCKS GALOREWHOLESALECHRIS TOMA13105 CAPITAL STE.OAK PARK, MI 48237248-545-7625Wholesale distributor oftextiles, socks, t-shirts, anda full line of ladies hosiery.

CMP REAL ESTATE GROUPCHRIS JONNA30201 ORCHARD LAKE RD.FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48334Commercial real estate brokers.

New IndividualMembersLARRY BROWNVINCENT JONNALARRY KINAIAMANUEL NAJJARPAUL SAPIRDAVID SENAWIDAVID WOLKINSON

N E W M E M B E R S

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.

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

mission statement

Business Conference Committee – Frank Jonna and Kevin Jappaya, co-chairs. Detroit Convenience Stores Committee – Paul Asker and Clint Kassab, co-chairs.Dinner Committee – Rocky Husaynu and Raad Kathawa, co-chairs. Festival Committee Committee – Mark Kassa and Jason Najor, co-chairs. Golf Outing Committee – Tony Konja and Anthony Mona, co-chairs. Iraq Task Force Committee – Ismat Karmo and James Rayis, co-chairs. Membership Committee – Bassam Salman and Amar Toma, co-chairs.Political Action Committee – Saad Hajjar and Mike Koza, co-chairs.Publication Committee – Sandra Hanna and Sharon Hannawa, co-chairs. .Women’s Business and Professional Committee – Sharon Hannawa and Sandra Hanna, co-chairs.

Join a Chamber CommitteeYour involvement is what

makes this a successfulChamber. If you are

interested in joining one of our many

committees, please contact us at

[email protected] or 248-538-3700.


Renewing BusinessMembersADVANCED TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMSSAAD HAJJAR6775 DALY RD. STE. 101West Bloomfield,, Mi 48322Internet Service Provider.

ATLAS MARKETNEIL ABRO2645 W. DAVISONDETROIT, MI 48238Full service grocery store.

ATTISHA CONSTRUCTIONBASIM ATISHA29429 SOMERSET DR.SOUTHFIELD, MI 48076Commercial and residential construction for new and remodel jobs.

BLOOMFIELD DELIJOE ATTO71 W. LONG LAKE RD. BLOOMFIELD, MI 48304Full service restaurant and catering service.

BOJI GROUPRON BOJI124 W. ALLEGAN, STE. 2000LANSING, MI 48933Commercial real estate investment and development.

FOOD MAXNICK SANDIHA27333 CHERRY HILL RD. INKSTER, MI 48141Full service grocery store.

GEORGE ENTERPRISESMICHAEL GEORGE30777 NORTHWESTERNHWY. STE. 300FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48334Business development and holding company.

GRANDPAPA’S SNACKSMICHAEL ROBIN5800 E. 8 MILE RD.DETROIT, MI 48234Distributors of better made potato chips products and grandpapa’s snacks.

GUARDIAN ANGEL HEALTH CARESAM KASSAB1715 NORTHFIELD DR. ROCHESTER HILLS, MI 48309Certified home care nursingand therapy, patient rehab,and transport services.

J.A. NAJOR CORPORATIONJEFF NAJOR930 E.. LEWISTON AVE.FERNDALE, MI 48220Business development and holding company.

LAKEPOINTE COMPANIESSTEVE ANTON4564 COUCHMAKERBLOOMFIELD TWP., MI 48302General contractors, commercial and residentialconstruction.

LAW OFFICES OF WALTER GRAVES39533 WOODWARD AVE.STE. 170BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI 48304Local law firm.

LIBERTY INTERNATIONALWHOLESALEMIKE DIKHOW21535 HOOVER RD. WARREN, MI 48098Wholesale distributor tothe retail grocery storesand chains.

M+M ENGINEERING, INC. MIKE RAZOKY23965 NOVI RD. STE. 140NOVI, MI 48375Construction Engineers.

MARX LAYNEERIC YOUNAN31420 NORTHWESTERN HWY. STE. 100 FARMINGTON, MI 48334Public Relations Firm.

MICHIGAN WIDEMORTGAGETERRY BOJI24655 SOUTHFIELD RD. STE. 207, SOUTHFIELD, MI 48075Mortgage financing and refinancing, home equityloans.

NAJOR GROUP LLCNAWRAS NAJOR4783 WALNUT CREEK CIR.WEST BLOOMFIELD, MI 4832Real estate investment anddevelopment company,commercial and residential.

PALACE SUPERMARKETAMER SANDIHA1942 VENOYWESTLAND, MI 48186Full Service Grocery Store.

PARKWAY FOODSLOUAY NONA13210 E. JEFFERSON AVE.DETROIT, MI 48215Full Service Grocery Store.

PERFECT MORTGAGERUDY PATROS29200 NORTHWESTERN HWY.STE. 350SOUTHFIELD, MI 48075Mortgage financing and refinancing, home equityloans.

POWERHOUSE GYMTERRIN AZZO6750 ORCHARD LAKE RD. WEST BLOOMFIELD, MI 48322Worldwide fitness facilityoffering full service training support.

PRECISION CONCRETEMARK ASMAR45700 W. 12 MILE RD. NOVI, MI 48377Full concretre services,including driveways, park-ing lots, and repair services,custom work.

PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICESSALAH ZOMA220 BAGLEY, STE. 930DETROIT, MI 48226Consulting and engineeringcompany for a variety ofprojects for the city ofdetroit.

ROBERT SWANSON CPAROBERT SWANSON20793 FARMINGTON RD.STE. 17FARMINGTON, MI 48382Certified PublicAccountants.

RON JONA & ASSOCIATESRON JONA29000 INKSTER RD.STE. 120SOUTHFIELD, MI 48034Architectural Firm.

SCRAFANO & ASSOCIATESCARMEN SCRAFANO600 N. OLD WOODWARD,STE. 203BIRMINGHAM, MI 48009Insurance, WealthConservation, Benefit Plansand Business Plans.

VARIANT PARTNERSDAVID SARAFA24 FRANK LLOYD WRIGHTP.O. BOX 506 H 3000ANN ARBOR, MI 48106National professionalrecruiting firm specialize inenrgy industry, architecture,engineering, local supportin administrtive and officesupport.

VINEYARD MARKET PLACERON ASMAR32418 NORTHWESTERN HWY.FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48334Deli, specialized cateringfrom 20-1,000, gift baskets.

WOODBROOK PAINTING AND POWERWASHINGKEITH HESANO7835 ROOKERY BLVD.WATERFORD, MI 48327Residential and commercialpowerwashing and paintingcompany.

YALDO AND ELIADAVID YALDO4036 TELEGRAPH RD. STE. 204BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI 48301Local law firm specializingin business contracting.

Renewing PartnerMemberVALUE WHOLESALEJOHN LOUSSIA15188 W. 8 MILE RD.OAK PARK, MI 48237Wholesale distributor tothe retail grocery storesand chains.

Renewing IndividualMembersFAISAL ARABOLAYTH BARASHANDY GUTMANKEVIN JAPPAYAJUDITH JONNACARMEN MAFFEZZOLIANTHONY MONAPAUL MONABRIAN YALDOO

Renewing CorporateMembersAT&TLORI DOUGHTY23500 NORTHWESTERN HWY, RM-E147 SOUTHFIELD, MI 48075Cable, television, and Internet services.

CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITYRITA SOMO 1650 REASEARCH DR. STE. 300TROY, MI 48083One of the state’s top doctoralresearch institutions.

CITIZENS BANKDANIEL MONTES900 TOWER DR. STE. 200TROY, MI 48096Financial institution specializing incommercial and personal investingand banking.

D&B GROCERS, INC. BOBBY HESANO12190 SEARS DR. LIVONIA, MI 48150Wholesale distributor to the retailgrocery stores and chains.

DEAN FOODS COMPANYJERRY SHANNON31770 ENTERPRISE DR. LIVONIA, MI 48150Largest U.S. dairy company.

GROUP 10 MANAGEMENT MIKE KOZA31492 GLENDALE AVE. LIVONIA, MI 48150Business development and holding company.

L.A. INSURANCE AGENCIES, INC. ANTHONY YOUSIF21745 W. 8 MILE RD. DETROIT, MI 48219National insurance carrier specializ-ing in niche and local marketing.

OAKLAND ATHLETIC CLUBHAYTHEM SARAFA355 S. OLD WOODWARD AVE. STE. 290BIRMINGHAM, MI 48009Full service fitness facility.

OAKLAND COMMERCE BANKLARRY NICHOLS31731 NORTHWESTERN HWY. STE. 100FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48334Local full service, personalized bankers.

STEWARD CAPITAL MGMT.ANMAR SARAFA355 S. OLD WOODWARD AVE. STE. 200BIRMINGHAM, MI 48009Investment Management.

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R E N E W E D M E M B E R S view a listing of our members at www.chaldeanchamber.com


It all started during casual conversa-tion at Shenandoah. Some store

owners were talking about the image ofDetroit grocers, who have been servingthe city for the past 70 years. In thepast, Chaldean proprietors havereceived negative press for dishonestsituations, like last year’s embarrassing“Pop-Can Scam” in which every newsstation plastered pictures of Chaldeanmen involved in a smuggling ring.Such actions reflect poorly on the restof the store owners, who are hard-working and honest people.

Yet, sometimes the conditions wereout of their control. One store got ahealth violation when the worker waseating lunch behind the counter. Theinspector failed to realize that this per-son cared more to service the cus-tomer than to eat, and took bitesout of his sandwich when there wasno one in line. What appeared tobe pickiness-or harassment to someextent- was truly an act of dedica-tion to the job.

Circumstances like these moti-vated the Detroit IndependentGrocers to be proactive in changingthese images. Chain stores have comeand gone, especially after the 1967 riotsthat rocked Detroit for days. But thatwas over 40 years ago. The large corpo-rations left, but the Chaldeans stayed-even in the worst conditions- becausethey were brave enough to serve the resi-dents who also stayed. This is what theywant the public to realize.

With the help of the Chamber, JohnLoussia and Mike Dikhow spearheadedthe Guaranteed Fresh program and cre-ated a committee of five store owners tocarry it through. They launched thisprogram to endorse the contributionsChaldean grocers have made to the city.

“We want store owners to becomeproactive,” said Loussia, owner of Value

Wholesale. “This campaign promoteshow much we support Detroit.”

To date, there are 24 participatingstores who have signed a pledge to pro-vide a clean and safe shopping environ-ment, supply fresh foods, give back to thecommunity, offer fair and competitivepricing, and continue this commitment toDetroit. Each store will get a customizedsign that includes the Guaranteed Freshlogo and pledge. The Chamber hopesthis number increases to 40 or moreby the end of the year.

Out of an estimated 80 super-markets operating in Detroit, 78 ofthem are owned by Chaldeans.Additionally, Detroit has seen morethan $100 million dollars in newstore development over the past five

years. This could nothave been done withoutthe devotion of Chaldeanstore owners.

Rick Farida, co-owner of Greenfield Market, signed onto the program because he knows hecould stand behind this commitment.

“We want to show the customersthat we are working for them,” he said.

Farida also believes it is importantthat independent grocers gain the properrecognition for this loyalty. Loussiaagrees, and he hopes that more independ-ents will enroll in this quality program.

“We want city leaders and the pressto take notice,” Loussia maintained.“We’ve been here for a long time andwe support the city of Detroit.”

To join the Guaranteed Fresh program,call the Chaldean Chamber at248.538.3700.

COVER STORY

Guaranteed Fresh: Detroit Grocers on Quality Control


Detroit Independent Grocers unveil new signage campaignMembers of the Chamber’s Detroit Independent

Grocers gathered at Shenandoah on Wednesday,

August 13th to network and unveil their new pub-

lic relations and marketing campaign within the

city of Detroit. The networking event included

complimentary cocktails and dinner thanks to the

generous support from Country Fresh.


Networking atBavarian BMWChamber members gathered onMay 14 for fun and fellowship atBavarian BMW in ShelbyTownship. They enjoyed compli-mentary cocktails and hors d’oeu-vres while admiring the beautifulcars in the showroom. Severalmembers won a BMW for aweekend. Special thanks goes toEitel Dahm, Sammi Naoum,Wayne Youngblood and theentire Bavarian BMW team forhosting and sponsoring the event.

ChaldeanCommencementsThe Chamber sponsored scholar-ships for the ChaldeanCommencements in conjunctionwith the Chaldean Federation ofAmerica. The CFA has beensponsoring this program for overtwo decades as a way to promoteeducation among the youth. TheChaldean Chamber Foundationhas been sponsoring this eventfor the last three years and con-gratulates all the graduates.

McCain VisitsShenandoahSenator John McCain (R-AZ) vis-ited Shenandoah on August 13and met with members of theChaldean community, includingChamber affiliates. He listenedto their concerns regarding theplight of ethno-religious minori-ties in Iraq, specifically theChaldeans/Assyrians. The groupexclusively discussed the follow-ing points:

The Chaldean/Assyrian/Syriacpeople, the Christians of Iraq,have and are undergoing crises ofepic proportions. The loss oflife, the loss of religious institu-tions, and the eradication ofidentity must stop.

The Chaldean/Assyrian/Syriacpeople are committed to the cre-ation, within the federal republicof Iraq, of an autonomous regionin the Nineveh Plain, to be con-firmed by the constitution of Iraqand that of the Kurdistan Region.

This plan is within the legalframework of the FederalRepublic of Iraq and supportedby its constitution.

This plan is now being sup-ported by all of our religiousleaders, like His Grace,Cardinal Delly, His HolinessMar Dinkha IV, and even theVatican; leaders in the region,including Iraqi Prime MinisterNouri al Maliki and KurdistanRegional Government PrimeMinister Nechervan Barazani;our people in Iraq supportedby Stephan Demostura, UNSpecial Representative to Iraq;and our political leaders.

This plan prevents the con-stant flow of refugees and asy-lum-seekers by providing analternative- an area that issecure and economically viablefor its inhabitants. Our peoplewish to maintain theirChristianity and live peacefullyin their native land.

Chaldean/Assyrian/Syriac-Americans are committed tobuilding bridges between theUnited States and Iraq, for themutual benefit of both nations.

A similar event is plannedwith Senator Barack Obama inSeptember.

Clockwise from top:

More than 130 membersgathered to enjoyBavarian's hospitality.

Eitel Dahm, Rudy and Hind Patros.

Craig Yaldo, RodneyGeorge, Vivian andFaris Nalu.

Senator Lindsey Graham, Jacob Bacall, Robert Dekelaita, Louie Boji, Ron Boji, Guiliana Younan, James Esshaki, Michael George, RaadKathawa, Senator John McCain, Cindy McCain, Congressman Joe Knollenberg, Sandy Knollenberg, Martin Manna and Ismat Karmo

SOCIALS

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3rd Annual Chaldean FestivalThe 3rd Annual ChaldeanFestival presented by theChaldean Chamber Foundationtook place on August 9-10 on theSouthfield Civic Center Lawn.The Festival was co-sponsored bythe city of Southfield with sup-port from the Assyrian Aid

Society, ChaldoAssyrian SyriacCouncil, Chaldean Federation ofAmerica, and the Chaldean Voice.There were more than 65 mer-chant and food booths, children’sactivities, bingo and artist tents,and a large music stage withmore than 20 local and nationalsingers. Next year’s festival willinclude a carnival!

The $10,000 raffle winnerwas Sami Hannawa. MajidShammami won $3,500 in 2nd

place and Nick Salem won$1,500 in 3rd place. Ticketssold for $20 each or 6 for $100.Proceeds benefit the ChaldeanChamber Foundation.

Although the weatherdampened spirits on Saturdayand parts of Sunday, an estimat-ed 15,000-18,000 patronsattended throughout Sundayafternoon to the evening.Special thanks to our sponsors:Blue Cross Blue Shield, BobEvans, Central Michigan

University, Chaldean News,CIA, Comcast, Comerica,Country Fresh, DTE Energy,FBI, Ford Motor Company,Global Linguist Solutions,Henry Ford Health Systems, I& K Distributors, Miller Coors,MBN TV, U.S. Army, and theU.S. Intelligence Community.


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1. Lunch sponsor –Sherwood foods,

golfers enjoy lunch

2. Ron Acho celebratinganother great shot

3. Presenting SponsorTeam Country Fresh

4. Western Union Team

5. Fifth Third Team

6. Bavarian BMW Team

7. Winning team of L.A. Insurance for

the 5th year in a row

8. Danny Montes –Citizens Bank Team

9. Arvin Meritor Teampictured with the hole

in one prize

10. D & B Grocers Team

11. Rudy Patros and Tom Perkins

Golf Outing Sold OutThe 5th Annual Golf Outingpresented by Country Freshwas a success, and was sold outfor the fifth year in a row. Newto this year’s event was the liveauction that raised funds forthe Chaldean ChamberFoundation. The Foundationwould like to thank CountryFresh and the following corpo-rations for their gratuitous sup-port: 5/3 Bank, BeaumontHospital, Cintas, Citizens Bank,Comerica Bank, Costco, D & BGrocers, Dollar Castle,

Gleaners Community FoodBank, Heaven Hill Distributors,L.A. Insurance, Michigan FirstCredit Union, People’s StateBank, Robert FicanoCommittee, Robin Distributors,Sherwood Foods, StewardCapital Management, TCFBank, Trepco, Wayne CountyVision Fund, and WesternUnion. The Chamber alsoappreciates the unwaveringsupport of the many individu-als who came out to play. Forthe fifth year in a row, the L.A.Insurance team to home theChaldean Cup trophy for hav-ing the lowest score.


Chaldean Chamber Foundation30095 Northwestern Highway, Suite 102Farmington Hills, MI 48334

NON PROFIT ORGUS POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 83

FARMINGTON HILLS, MI


Summer 2008 Chaldean Commerce Newsletter

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