Greater Romulus Chamber of Commerce

romuluschamber.org Phone: 734-893-0694

Officers & Directors
President Rev. William Kren The Evangelical Church Vice President Chuck Zuerner EQ-The Environmental Quality Co. Secretary Julie Allison US Park/Qwik Park Treasurer Susan Wyputa Public Service Credit Union Directors Terry Bridges The Spiratex Company William Crane Crane Funeral Home David B. Goodwin Goodwin, Lademan & Associates Ron Hopson Hopson Financial Keith L. Johnston Johnston, Lithograph, Inc. Roger Kadau City of Romulus Tim Keyes City of Romulus Mark J. Lewkowicz Landis Machine Shop Jakleen Ochalek Wayne County Executive office David J. Paul Retired - City of Romulus Oscar JR Rhoton Metro Realty Group Larry Williams LWA Properties Executive Director Karen La Belle

info@romuluschamber.com Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

February 2012 Fax: 734-893-0696

Monthly Business Luncheon

Date: Monday, February 20, 2012

Location: Best Western Gateway Intl Hotel 9191 Wickham Rd., Romulus Time: Cost: RSVP: Registration 11:30 am Lunch at 12 noon Member $15/Non-Member $18 Thursday, February 16, 2012 Chamber office 734-893-0694 email info@romuluschamber.com Walk-ins limited so please make your reservation. Guest Speaker: Senator Hoon Yung Hopgood About Our Guest Speaker Page 2

Please be advised that if you make a reservation and are unable to keep that reservation you will still be billed. Please give a 24 hour notice for cancellations.
Th

Welcome New Member

Metroplex Investments, LLC 6855 Metroplex Dr. Romulus, MI 48174 734-607-1010 www.ems4hvac.com

The mission of the Greater Romulus Chamber of Commerce is to promote and meet business needs. The Chamber is dedicated to creating an environment wherein the Romulus businesses, non-profit institutions, government, and citizens can work together for the purpose of enhancing the quality of life within the community.

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About Guest Speaker Senator Hoon-Yung Hopgood has been a resident of Taylor for the past 35 years, since 1976 when he was adopted by Diane (Chris) and the late Rollie Hopgood. He was successful in a five person Primary Election for State Representative on August 6, 2002 and went on to win the General Election for the 22nd House District on November 5, 2002. Mr. Hoon-Yung represents a large portion of Downriver and parts of Western Wayne and serves as the first Korean-American to hold state office in Michigan. He was born in Inchon, South Korea on December 8, 1974. Mr. Hopgood attended Holland Elementary School, Hoover Junior High School, and Truman High School where he graduated with honors in 1992. He went on to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor where he obtained his Bachelors of Arts in 1996 while majoring in Political Science. Mr. Hopgood received an internship in the Washington, D.C. Office of Congresswoman Lynn Rivers in the summer of 1995. After undergraduate college, he worked for the Michigan State AFL-CIO as a Labor Coordinator during the 1996 campaigns. At the beginning of 1997, Senator Hopgood started working for the House Democratic Policy Staff. He was able to work on a variety of legislative issues but concentrated on K-12 education. In 1999, he joined the legislative office of State Representative Raymond Basham. While in Rep. Basham's Office, Mr. Hopgood was engaged in several important legislative issues for the district, as well as the state. He also provided many constituent services for the 22nd House District.

Mr. Hopgood is a member of the Michigan Democratic Party, the 15th District Democratic Party, the Michigan Young Democrats, the Democratic Club of Taylor, the Michigan Democratic Action Network, the University of Michigan Club of Downriver, and the Advisory Board of the Council of Asian-Pacific Americans. Mr. Hopgood has been engaged in several volunteer efforts which included child literacy programs, holiday meal deliveries, Angel Night patrols in the city of Detroit, and low-income assistance programs. In the Michigan House of Representatives, Mr. Hopgood served on the Education, Energy and Technology, and the Regulatory Reform Committees. He was also a member of the Steel/ Mining Caucus, the Children's Caucus, the Capitol Speakers Bureau, and on the Board of Michigan Youth in Government. Senator Hoon-Yung Hopgood's late father, Rollie, served as the President of the Michigan Federation of Teachers and School Related Personnel. His mother, Diane, retired as the principal

What Business Are You Really In? Give this one some thought. A bookstore does not just sell books. They market information, inspiration, knowledge and entertainment. A hardware store does not just sell tools and parts; it sells the solution to problems and easier living. A clothing store doesnt just sell clothes; it sells an improved personal appearance, higher self esteem and greater self-confidence. Knowing what you really provide to your customers will help you create a working marketing plan. Try to think of your business in terms of what benefit the customer receives when they do business with you. Excerpt from Up Against the Wal-Marts By Don Taylor & Jeanne Smalling Archer

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Presidents Ponderings
Not a day goes by and I dont hear myself saying, or at least thinking, I wish I had more time. My profession is one of facing weekly deadlines. I am constantly rushing to appear at meetings on time, carry out personal routines of daily life, meet self-imposed deadlines and hurry through the week with the preparation for a Sunday service. Maybe, you can relate? Has modern living enslaved you to time? Do you feel you have lost real freedom to care for your family and your own personal needs? In an attempt to ease the stress of modern day work, I propose three venues in creating time. First, create some relaxing time. My scheduled day off from the office and my professional duties is Saturday. This is my freedom from the weekday work routine. It is my duty to ritualize this day as a day of relaxation. Lee Iacocca once said: If you want to make good use of your time, youve got to know whats most important and then give it all youve got. Why not give it all youve got on the day off? Find a quiet place where you can relax your body, reflect on life and rejoice in the many blessings that surround you. Second, you can create time in your community and outside of your professional circle. This will help you see the unfolding nature of life in a new way. Life unfolds moment by moment and affords you wonderful opportunities to discover the stories of others, imagine yourself in the shoes of someone else and to learn that the other story is surprisingly similar to your own.

Not long ago I had an opportunity to speak to a large group of men and women who represented organizations outside of my professional circle. It was an invigorating experience that helped me to value my time. I discovered that I am not alone in my struggles with this thing of wisely redeeming the time. Third, take advantage of a few unique opportunities offered by your Romulus Chamber of Commerce! This year, the Chamber is offering new workshops and classes that will save you time and money! Need to improve your golf game? Weve got a free class coming your way! Struggling on the computer with your Excel program? Two workshops (2 hours each) will help your proficiency as you track and highlight important data. Looking for new ways to advertise your product and attract new customers? A class will be offered on how you can better utilize the social media. Got questions about investing, savings, loans and other money matters in 2012? A financial services seminar will point you in the right direction! These are but a few of the benefits of being a member of the Romulus Chamber of Commerce. We are here to help in 2012!

Bill Kren

The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.

-Ralph Noder

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Bowling Night 2012 Highlights

The Greater Romulus Chamber of Commerce would like to extend its thanks and appreciation for all who supported this years Bowling Night. We had over 100 bowlers come out for this fun filled event. Thanks to the following Team/Door Prize/Basket Sponsors: Airlines Parking Bergeron Financial Blue Sky Ice Cream & Hamburger Chase Crane Funeral Home DAVCO & Associates Ellen Craig Bragg, City Clerk EQ-The Environmental Quality Company FastSigns Goodwin, Lademan & Associates Hopson Financial Johnston Lithograph, Inc. Landis Machine Shop Leroy Burcroff Lodge Lanes MaryAnn Wells McDonalds Metro Realty Group, Inc. Public Service Credit Union Rev. William Kren Robert McLachlan Romulus DPW Romulus House Romulus Rotary Rough 2 Ready Restoration ServPro of Romulus/Taylor Shore Mortgage Stroia Securities Stacy Paige, City Treasurer Terry and Debbie Bridges The Spiratex Company Westland Fire Extinguisher William Wadsworth Continued on Page 5

27th Romulus Person of the Year Has Been Selected The Greater Romulus Chamber Of Commerce has selected Jim Poet to be The 27th Romulus Person of the Year. On Wednesday January 25, 2012, Jim was invited to a breakfast meeting with several of the chambers board members. He was caught completely off guard when it was revealed to him that he would be the next Romulus Person of the Year. Jim is a lifelong resident of Romulus. He built his family home on property that is part of the original Poet Homestead that dates back to the 1800s. He is a graduate of Romulus High School. He met his wife, the former Diane Radtke, a resident of Dearborn, while actively attending St. Paul United Church of Christ in Taylor, Michigan. Jim is currently serving as the president of the church council at Saint Pauls. Jim and Diane have three children, Eric, Candace and Crystal. All three of their children have graduated from Romulus High School. When Eric was enrolled in the Robotics Program at Romulus High, Jim agreed to be one of the adult mentors for the project. When the Robotics contest deadlines were approaching, Jim would stay until 1:00 AM if necessary while the students finished the project. Continued on Page 5

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Continued from Page 4 27th Romulus Person of the Year Around 1994, Jim volunteered to work with the Romulus Little League organization. This started when his son was enrolled in T-Ball, and he continued to volunteer for the next 8-10 years. Jim hired in with the City Of Romulus in August of 1973 as a Fire dispatcher. In 1981 the Wayne County Sherriffs discontinued servicing the City of Romulus with their patrol cars. At that time, Jim began to work as the police & fire dispatcher for Romulus, as they formed their own police department (under the late Mayor William Oakley). In 1974 he joined the Romulus Volunteer Fire Department. Jim is retired from the city as a dispatcher, but he continues to serve in the capacity of a volunteer fireman to this day. He is the owner of Westland Fire Extinguisher Company, which is actually located in Romulus. He purchased the company in 1978. His company is a long time supporter of the Greater Romulus Chamber Of Commerce. Jim is a member of the Romulus GoodFellows. During the Christmas holidays, the GoodFellows sell a newsletter to raise money to help families in need of assistance. Jim will be found on a street corner selling these papers. He has also convinced his children to volunteer their time to sell the newsletters. Jims father, the late Bob Poet would drive the Westland Fire Extinguisher service truck, delivering hot chocolate to the volunteers that were selling newsletters. Continued on Page 6

Continued from Page 4 Bowling Night 2012 Highlights

Photos provided by Roger Kadau, City of Romulus and Chamber Director. Additional photos can be viewed on the Chambers website and Facebook

Continued on Page 6

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Continued from Page 5 Bowling Night 2012 Highlights

The Chamber would also like to take this time to thank its volunteers, who aided in the success of the evening: Keith Johnston Julie Allison Terry and Debbie Bridges David Goodwin MaryAnn Wells Many thanks to Bob Goike, Lodge Lanes and his staff for their help in assuring a fun filled night for everyone who attended. Congratulations to Pete Bergeron who bowled a 300 game!!!!! January Business Luncheon Highlights
Additional Photos can be found on the Chambers Website and Facebook.

Continued from Page 5 27th Romulus Person of the Year The Romulus Progressive Club is a service organization that dates back to the 1930s. They maintain a meeting hall on Ozga Road at an area known as Five Points. Many activities have occurred at this hall over the years and it provides an important service to the community of Romulus. The Progressive Hall, as it is known, was built in the 1940s and has a rich history. It has witnessed a weekly bingo, wedding receptions, political rallies, chamber of commerce functions, funeral luncheons, auctions, birthday parties, a Light Parade reception, the annual firemens ball and the former Kiwanis Club pancake sales, just to name a few. It was time for the Progressive Club & Hall to be transferred to a younger generation of volunteers. One of the longtime members, John Hadyniak Sr., and a group of longtime volunteers met with Jim Poet and Jim Van Meer in order to transfer the organization over to them. Jim Poet is serving as the president with his wife Diane serving as treasurer. Jim Van Meer is the current vice-president. They invest a great deal of time into this organization to keep it going. In the good old days, as with all service organizations you had more volunteers to get the job done. One of the most recent successful fundraisers was a New Years Eve party that was attended by many Romulus residents. Continued on Page 7

Photos provided by Roger Kadau, City of Romulus and Chamber Director

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Continued from Page 6 27th Romulus Person of the Year Jim had a good idea when he realized that the participants of the Romulus Light Parade (formerly sponsored by the Light Parade Committee and now sponsored by the Romulus Rotary) would appreciate a rest at the end of the parade that would include refreshments. They eventually served as many as 600 hot dogs, a bag of chips and a can of pop to the people that visited the hall at the end of the parade. One of the most notable things that Jim does for the community is to serve as Romuluss Santa Claus. This came about in 1975 when former councilman Junior Block asked Jim to be Santa. Junior was acting as Santa Claus for Romulus, with his daughter Cindy playing the part of Christmas Carol. Junior was ready to give this responsibility to the next person, and he thought that Jim was a good fit. In the beginning Jim had to use the outfits that were supplied to him, and sometimes they werent in very good condition. Through the years, he has purchased several of his own Santa suits at his own expense, in order to portray a professional looking Saint Nick, as he visited the area schools and even an individuals house.

He has participated in the citys tree lighting ceremony for over 35 years. After the ceremony is finished he goes to the Progressive Hall and patiently listens to each childs Christmas wish, and they have their picture taken with Santa. It is a nice evening event and the community turns out to the Progressive Hall to enjoy refreshments and a working model train display that is hosted by the Lincoln Park Train Club. Prior to this event occurring at the Progressive Hall, it was formerly held at Romulus City Hall for several years, and also at the Romulus Community Schools. As you can see, Jim has volunteered many hours to the community. He will be honored at a dinner to be held in April, 2012. Please contact the chamber office at 734-893-0694, if you have any questions. The chamber website is www.romuluschamber.org.

Thank You, Renewing Members

Parkway Federal Credit Union 37451 Ecorse Romulus, MI 48174 734-326-0400 Mr. Handyman 2922 Jefferson W Trenton, MI 48183 734-671-5888 www.mrhandyman.com

Calendar of Events
February 6 February 7 February 7 February 8 FMLA Compliance Update Workshop, Comfort Inn, W. 12 Mile Rd. For more information call 800-601-4636 or visit www.skillpath.com. FMLA Compliance Update 2012, Comfort Inn, Farmington Hills. For more information visit www.skillpath.com or call 1-800-601-4636. Excelling as a Manager or Supervisor Workshop, SkillPath Seminar, Farmington Hills. For more information call 800-873-7545 or visit www.skillpath.com. African American History Celebration Program, Romulus Ministerial Alliance, Romulus High School. For more information call 734-595-6330.

February 8-9 Mastering QuickBooks, Embassy Suites, Livonia. For more information call 800-564-2688 or visit www.live.quickbookstraining.com. February 14 February 16 Romulus Chamber Excel Workshop. More information to follow. February 17 St. Aloysius Banquet Royale 2012, St. Stephen Activity Center, New Boston. Ticket cost $150. For more information please call 734-941-5056. February 20 Romulus Chamber Business Luncheon, Guest Speaker, Senator Hoon Yung Hopgood, Legislative Update, Best Western Gateway Intl Hotel. See Page 1. February 24 Romulus Winter Frost Day, Mary Ann Banks Park, Romulus. For more information call 734-942-7545. February 25 Becoming Michigan, From Revolution to Statehood, Cultural Center, Macomb Community College. For more information visit www.LorenzoCulturalCenter.com or call 1-586-445-7348. Scheduled dates are February 25 through May 5, 2012. February 27 Finance & Accounting for Non-financial Managers, Skillpath, Farmington Hills. For more information call 800-873-7545 or visit www.skillpath.com.

Mark Your Calendar

March 20 Romulus Chamber Business Luncheon, Guest Speaker, Jack Richert, Special Tree Rehabilitation System, Hilton Garden Inn. For reservations email info@romuluschamber.com or call 734-893-0694. Lunch with Bob, Romulus Senior Center, 11:30 am. Call 734-955-4120 to make your reservation. Deadline is March 23, 2012. Touch of Mardi Gras, Auction Dinner Dance, Romulus Chamber, Detroit Metro Airport Marriott Hotel, Romulus. For more information call 734-893-0694.

March 27 March 30