Commerce Commentary...2020/06/05 · Commerce Commentary Westland Chamber of Commerce Newsletter...

Commerce CommentaryWestland Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Serving the Business Community for 58 YearsJune 2020 Edition

36900 Ford Road • Westland, Michigan 48185 (734) 326-7222 • www.westlandchamber.comwestlandcarcaretowing.com

Great Service is No AccidentGreat Service is No AccidentWESTLAND CAR CARE

A U T O M O T I V E G R O U P

24 HOUR EMERGENCY

ROAD SERVICEWe are here for you.

Call us at866 CAR CARE

Let Us Know How We Can Help Your Business!The chamber staff and Board of Directors are focused on working with our members during this unprecedented time

in our community. Please know that our team is committed to providing resources, responsiveness, and flexibility to as-sist our members.

I want to personally thank you for your investment andcontinued confidence in the Westland Chamber of Com-merce. I look forward to our partnership this year as wecontinue to shape the future of the Westland Chamber ofCommerce. Please reach out to us and let us know how wecan assist your business.

Stay Safe and Healthy!-Gretchen, Westland Chamber President

Westland Chamber of Commerce

Are You Making the Most of Your Chamber Membership? Email [email protected] for more info!

2020 Board of DirectorsSande Godbout, Chairperson of the BoardSt. John’s Episcopal Church..........313-550-7498

Hillary Stone, Chair ElectRe/Max Cornerstone .....................734-855-9500

Don Nicholson, Immediate Past ChairDon Nicholson Enterprises ..........734-658-5296

Maria Mitter, Vice Chair of Community and Educational DevelopmentWayne-Westland Community School District.......................................................734-419-2036

Timothy Gilbert, Vice Chair of Membership andMarketingKoda Group, Inc............................248-914-2861

Michael M. McNamara, Vice Chair of Government AffairsFausone Bohn, LLP.........................248-468-4536

Gary Thomas, Vice Chair of Business DevelopmentWestland Shopping Center ................734-425-5001

Ricardo Seir, D.D.S., Parkside Dental Team ...................734-261-6060

Dr. Amanda Apfelblat, DC, Michigan Chiropractic Specialists, PC ....734-838-0353

Sharon P. Scott,Wayne County Community College District.......................................................734-722-4651

Chamber StaffGretchen Heinicke,

President and CEO....................734-326-7222

Mary Vellardita, Marketing & Membership .........734-326-722

www.westlandchamber.com

2019 Business Persons of the Year, Hillary and Garrett Stone fromRe/Max Cornerstone and Motto Mortgage

Preparing to Go Back to Work

As restrictions start tolessen and more and moreof us start to head back towork, I wanted to talkabout our experience com-ing back to the office.

Real estate agents are nowable to show houses in per-son again and this has madeus adapt in many ways. Wehave to remember to grabour mask, gloves and sani-tizer before we jump out ofthe car. I wasn’t quiteready for my first showingsand I had to improvisegloves with sandwich bags,nothing like meeting a

client and asking them to wear a mask and wear sandwich bag gloves. Thiswas definitely a new experience for me, I have to learn a different way todo my job. I’m trying to go with the flow and not get upset with a newway of doing things, I keep telling myself this is only temporary.

Returning to the office has been slow, we are currently only allowing our-selves and our administrative assistant inside. We have a binder near thefront door for our daily questionnaire and temperature checks which is anadditional thing we have to remember to do every day. It has definitelybeen a challenge keeping distance especially when someone needs help onthe computer. Now I have to make sure I have my mask, sanitize beforeand after touching their workstation.

There has definitely been a few trials and errors but after a week or so weare all starting to ease back into our old routines with the new modifica-tions.

Just take it slow and give yourself some time to adjust to your new practicesand remember it’s temporary. In the whole timeline of your life this willbe a small section. Practice kindness with yourself and others in this trans-action period.

The Mayor’s Corner By Westland Mayor William R. Wild


Dear Chamber Member: June 2020

I want to start by thanking the members of the Westland community for doing their part in help-ing to flatten the curve. We have seen a significant decline in the numbers of new cases ofCOVID-19 and that is a true reflection of everyone’s cooperation during these difficult times.

The Coronavirus pandemic has caused changes in all of our personal lives as well as how we have been doingbusiness over the last few months. Our City of Westland team has been working hard over the past few monthsto continue to provide the essential services that are needed to keep Westland up and running while implementingsafe guards and social distancing measures to ensure when our City buildings reopen, we can do so safely. We arehappy to announce that beginning Monday, June 1 we are implementing phase 1 of our “Return to Business” planwhich means that City Hall and the Jefferson Barns Community Vitality Center will reopen to the public and ourAssessing, Building, City Clerk, Economic Development, Finance, Planning, Public Service and Water/SewerDepartments will all resume normal operations.

Due to restrictions still being in place on large gatherings, the City was forced to cancel a number of summerevents, including Blues, Brews and BBQ. I know many of you have sponsored and supported this event throughoutthe years, and rest assured, we will be working diligently to get our slate of community events back up and runningwhen it is safe to do so.

We know many small businesses are struggling during these unprecedented economic challenges and, in re-sponse, the City of Westland is launching a grant program to help support small businesses in our community.Thanks to additional allocation of CDBG funding through the CARES Act, we have established a Westland SmallBusiness Grant Fund, which will be available to Westland businesses who have experienced income loss due toCOVID-19 and make a commitment to retain staffing levels. We will begin accepting applications on Wednesday,June 3. Be sure to check www.cityofwestland.com or email our Economic Development Director, Aubrey Bermanat [email protected] for more details.

The City’s website www.cityofwestland.com, the City’s Facebook and Twitter and our cable station WLND re-main the place to go for the latest on news, services and events happening here! Also, be sure to sign up for ourE-Insider Newsletter on the city’s website to stay up to date on everything you need to know in our All AmericanCity.

In closing, I can assure you we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure Westland’s business community hasthe support and resources needed. Take care of yourselves and take care of each other.

Warm regards,

Mayor William R. Wild


Participants included:Hillary Stone Re/Max CornerstoneDon Nicholson Don Nicholson EnterprisesGayle Nicholson Don Nicholson EnterprisesSandra Godbout St. John's Episcopal ChurchMaria Mitter WWCSDKarissa Matson Boy Scouts of AmericaHenny Grossoehme St. John's Episcopal ChurchSharon Scott WCCCDJen Koralewski The Restoration RefereeCatrina Staats Homestead Kitchen LLCJohn Albrecht Westland RotaryDanielle Strachan Community Choice Credit UnionJill Lezotte-Kates AvonGalila Girgis Westwood Village ApartmentsChrista Henneberry Westwood Village ApartmentsSunila Shankar Sai Family DentistryJoanne Darga Comfort Keepers

"Thank you to all of our members who joined us for ourvirtual After Hours on Thursday, May 14. It was greatto see everyone and catch up on how your business isdoing and how you are doing." Gretchen & Mary - Westland Chamber of Commerce

Westland Chamber Holds First Virtual After Hours

The staff and Board of Directors of theWestland Chamber of Commerce wishthe class of 2020 graduates a happyand successful future!


New Member ProfileWestland Chamber Welcomes Schoolcraft College!Success is right around the corner. And so are we. During these challenging, confusing and frustrating times, Schoolcraft College canhelp you find your way forward. We offer learning opportunities for just abouteveryone: high school students looking to earn college credits, college studentsseeking credits to transfer, and professionals interested in new skills or training fora new career.

Dual Enrollment gets you ready for college The race for high school students to be fully prepared for college is long and gruel-ing. Beyond the core classes, knowing what other courses to take now to be bestprepared for the future can be a guessing game.

Becoming a Dual Enrollment student at Schoolcraft College can help. Students can earn college credit in small distancelearning and/or traditional class settings and enjoy one-on-one interactions with professors.

Generally, the tuition and fees associated with dual enrollment are covered by the school district. A meeting with the highschool counselor starts the process. Dual Enrollment offers several benefits. In some cases, students shaved a semester off theirfour-year college and graduated early, saving money on tuition, textbooks, housing and more. Others used the credits to pursuea second major. Go to https://www.schoolcraft.edu/admissions/high-school-dual-enrollment to learn more.

Being a Guest Student can save money, time If you know a college student home for the summer (or maybe longer), becoming a Guest Student offers a path to get ahead

or catch up. Guest Students can earn credits that can be transferred to a four-year institution, often with significant cost savings.It’s also a great way to catch up on core classes if there were challenges during previous semesters.

All traditional, lecture-type classes will be taught in distance learning formats this summer. Once the application is accepted,Guest Students can register for classes without taking placement tests or sending transcripts. They don’t have to meet with aSchoolcraft Academic Advisor, either, though that is recommended to help ensure the course transfers to the university. Go to https://www.schoolcraft.edu/admissions/guest-student to learn more.

Paths to new skills or new careers The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted careers everywhere. If you’re trying to figure out your next step, Continuing Edu-

cation and Professional Development can help you find the right solution. If you’re a professional looking to add skills or advance, you can take individual classes or earn a career-focused certificate.

You don’t have to apply to Schoolcraft College – just register and get started. Maybe it’s time to take your side business to the next level or even start a business. Our Small Business Development Center

has the people and tools to help you succeed. Skilled professional trades continue to be in demand. Education

options include short-term boot camps that provide training in a fewweeks, apprenticeships, and traditional programs leading to certifi-cates and degrees. Go to https://www.schoolcraft.edu/cepd to learn more.

So if you know a high school student on the path to college, a collegestudent at home or a professional seeking a better opportunity, turnto Schoolcraft College. We can help you get your great going.

Schoolcraft College 18600 Haggerty Road, Livonia, MI 48152-2696


TAX DEADLINE EXTENDED!Don’t forget, the income tax filing deadline has beenmoved from to July 15 due to the coronavirus(COVID-19) outbreak.

The Westland Chamber has added a COVID-19 re-source page to their website. Head over to www.west-landchamber.com for information and additionalresources that can help your business as it prepares tore-open.

Help For Restaurants & HotelsMichigan Restaurant & Lodging Association has pro-vided resources for the hospitality industry as theyprepare to re-open. Visit www.mrla.org/coronavirusfor more information and resources.


Share your good news or special events with yourfellow Chamber members. Just email your info bythe 15th of each month for the newsletter, and we’llhelp spread the word! Send your news to:[email protected]

Send Us Your News!

JUNE 2020JUNE 2020Calendar of EventsCalendar of Events

734-326-7222 • 734-326-7222 • [email protected]

Heather Ridge Apartments - Since 2018

Friends of the Library - Since 2014

Community Choice Credit Union - Since 2011

Nelson Floor Covering - Since 2010

Westland Car Care Automotive Group - Since 2004

Law Offices of Susan F. Widenbaum - Since 1997

American House II (Joy Road) - Since 1997

American House III (Hunter) - Since 1997

Membership Renewals - Thank You For Your Support!

WELCOME NEW MEMBER!

Chamber Events:June events rescheduled due to Governor’s Executive Order.

Chamber Meetings:June 2 Board of Directors 9 am (via Zoom)

June 19 Marketing Committee 9 am (via Zoom)Ambassadors 10 am (approx.) (via Zoom)

City Meetings: (in City Hall Chambers, 36300 Warren Rd.)June 1 Westland City Council, 7 pm (via Zoom)June 15 Westland City Council, 7 pm

Community Events:June 20 All American Wayne Road Cruise (no drive-

in movie this year.

June 4, 11, 18 & 25 Westland Farmers Market, 3 pm -7 pm 1901 N. Carlson (Central City Park). Food vendorsonly; social distancing required.

Twelve Trees CoachingEmily Bauman

6129 N. Harvey Street, Westland MI 48185248-509-4744

Coaching

Mr. Mike’s GrillHiyam Bajalieh

6047 N. Wayne Road, Westland MI 48185734-729-6453

Restaurant

JUENEMANN INSURANCE AGENCY

Discounts for Westland ChamberMembers and their Employees!

33652 Ford Rd.Westland, Michigan 48185

www.juenemanninsurance.com

Jeff Juenemann, winner of Westland’s2009 Business Person of the Year award

Home • AutoRV • Motorcycle • Boat

734-261-5010

Your One Insurance Agent

H 7 DAYS A WEEKH INDOOR STORAGEH SENIOR DISCOUNTH BOXES & SUPPLIES

H OUT OF STATE MOVINGH SHORT NOTICE WELCOMED(734) 744-9547

FREE Internet QuotesFREE Wardrobe Usage

MPSC # L25824

www.michiganmovers.com

ChamberDiscounts!

NO Minimums!

This years event will be a little different than past years. Due to Covid-19 we are all looking to get out and enjoy life,while social distancing.

Many communities are looking at what we do this year in order to decide what other events will happen or not. So thefuture of our summer, could depend a lot on how people act during this years All American Wayne Road Cruise.

We have sent out a letter to every restaurant along Wayne Road giving them ideas as to how they can benefit from thisevent, while social distancing. Since most restaurants are already doing curb side pick up. Why not go back in time andoffer car hop service and cruiser parking?

People can bring a lawn chair and line Wayne Rd, and enjoy the classic car parade, a moving car show. We are askingCruisers to keep with social distancing. Wearing masks when you are within 6 feet of others, and limiting parking lotsto 40 vehicles.

We are asking everyone to join us in celebrating a great custom, but enjoy the day social distancing and keeping healthy.Walk along Wayne road and check out what everyone is doing, while getting some exercise.

This years Drive-in Movie, Batman, has been rescheduled to August 19, 2020 and moved to the Westland S.T.E.P. lo-cation at 450 S. Venoy road. For any questions. Please feel free to contact Don Nicholson at 734-658-5296

Classic Car CruiseVendors • Craft Show 10 - 3 pm*

Ice Cream • Food Service 11 am - 2 pmKid’s Games • Raffles • Music

*Interested vendors/crafters please contact Timothy Church 734-427-2290 or Grange 389at 734-748-0569 ask for Sharon ASAP! Event held rain or shine. Sponsored by Grange 389 &

The 8th Annual All American Wayne Road Cruise is on for June 20, 2020!



Thursdays in June, 3-7 pm

Westland Farmers & Artisans Market is made possible by theWestland Downtown Development Authority & City of Westland.

Managed by the Westland Chamber of Commerce.

Westland Farmers & Artisans Marketplace1901 N. Carlson, Westland MI 48185

Come Shop atWestland’s

Farmers & Artisans Market!!

www.westlandfarmersmarket.com • Email: [email protected]

Sponsored by

POWER OF Produce CLUB*(*free fruits & veggies for kids starts 6/4/20)

Most FoodAssistance ProgramsAccepted IncludingDouble Up Food Bucks

WIC & Senior Fresh

FREEMarket Tote Bag

courtesy of

North Bros. Ford

while supplies

last!

KeepComfortableThis Summer

With a FREE Google Nest Thermostat E!*

The Smart Way to Save MoneyThis summer, you can be one of 100,000 Michiganders to get a Google Nest Thermostat E – on us!

With your free thermostat, you’ll save up to 15% on your energy bill.** And, when you sign up for our Peak Power Savers® Smart Thermostat Program, your savings will grow. Learn more at ConsumersEnergy.com/smartthermostat.

Take Control of Your Energy BillIn addition to the savings from simply installing a smart thermostat, if you rely on us for your electricity service, you must also enroll to take advantage of our Peak Power Savers Smart Thermostat Program. Your new Nest thermostat will sync with the program to learn your comfort preferences. On select summer days, we’ll pre-cool your home using your central air conditioner to help you use less energy when energy demand is highest. If you find you’re ineligible for the Smart Thermostat Program, you’ll receive a free Consumers Energy Care Package.*

*While supplies last. Exclusions apply. May require program enrollment. Offer valid through July 31, 2020.**Source: Google Nest. Individual savings may vary and are not guaranteed.

CLAIM YOUR FREEGOOGLE NEST THERMOSTAT EVisit ConsumersEnergy.com/nestflyer


Commerce Commentary...2020/06/05 · Commerce Commentary Westland Chamber of Commerce Newsletter...

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