The Dearborn Heights Chamber of Commerce celebrated Michigan Week in May in a number of ways.
There was a free business resource expo for small business owners and entrepreneurs to attend which enabled them to speak with representatives from various organizations that offer free and low-cost services to businesses that help them improve in a number of ways. The participating organizations included SCORE (www.scoredetroit.org), Counselors to America’s small business; PNC Bank (www.pnc.com ), the Center for Empowerment and Economic Development (www.miceed.org) , Procurement Technical Assistance Center of Schoolcraft College (www.schoolcraft.edu/bdc); Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (www.michigan.gov); Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center of Schoolcraft College (www.schoolcraft.edu/bdc).
The expo was followed by a special Michigan Week Luncheon at Warren Valley Golf and Banquet Center. The menu, designed and prepared by their new chef, Nick Apone, featured food stations with all foods grown and produced in Michigan. Among the menu were items included such as Amish country cheeses from Linwood, Zingerman’s Bridgewater cheese from Ann Arbor, chicken sliders with buns from Brown’s in Detroit, meats from Ginsberg in Detroit and Alexander Hornung from St. Clair Shores, pasta from Mama Muchi’s in Canton, Dearborn sliced ham, and Achatz Handmade pies from Chesterfield. There were also wine and beer samples from Michigan vineyards and breweries.
After lunch the keynote speaker was Meghan McCann from Search Ad Marketing. McCann has been helping small businesses in southeast Michigan build their online presence for over three years. Her topic focused mainly on Facebook and how businesses can successfully develop relationships with clients using this medium.
At the end of the luncheon there was a special presentation to Chamber President Daryl Jamieson of J&M Towing. He was recognized for the time and energy he has devoted to the chamber this year with a plaque presented by Executive Director Wendy Fichter. His term does not end until June 30, but the chamber traditionally thanks its president at the Michigan Week luncheon.
The chamber also raffled off several prizes all centered around Michigan attractions. The menu, raffles and business awards were centered around the theme of the Michigan Week, focusing on Michigan products, attractions and businesses.