August 3, 2026 | August Edition | | August Chamber Update: Celebrating Community Connections & Business Growth | | |
As we turn the page to August, we're taking a moment to reflect on an exciting and productive July for the Canton Chamber of Commerce. Our members came together to celebrate new businesses, strengthen community connections, and engage in meaningful conversations that will help shape the future of our region.
July was filled with memorable milestones, including ribbon cuttings for The Pointe Apartments, Beyond Juicery + Eatery, Carter Lumber, Voodoo Brewing Company, and Gameday Social. We also enjoyed networking opportunities at our After Hours events, welcomed new faces through Membership to the Max, and hosted educational programs such as our Fraud Prevention Seminar, the Township Report, and the Moving Together: Western Wayne County Transit Strategy Transportation Town Hall.
We also want to congratulate our outstanding National Civics Bee champions, who will represent our community on the national stage in Washington, D.C. We wish them the very best as they showcase their knowledge and passion for civic engagement.
Thank you to our members, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners who continue to make the Canton Chamber a vibrant resource for local businesses. We look forward to building on this momentum as we head into another month of opportunities to connect, collaborate, and grow together.
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Visit cantonchamber.com to explore our upcoming events and programs.
Click the events above to learn more and/or register.
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We're excited to welcome many new businesses to the Canton Chamber family!
Please join us in extending a warm Chamber welcome to our newest members.
| | Thank you for being a valued member of our business community. We wish you continued growth and success! | | |
French Toast Bistro | 8/13 @ 8:00am
42335 Ford Rd., Canton, MI 48187
| | 2026 National Civics Bee® | | |
The Canton Chamber is incredibly proud of all the students who represented our community at the Michigan State National Civics Bee® Competition on July 8. We are especially excited to congratulate Carolyn T. on earning First Place and advancing to the National Civics Bee® Championship in Washington, D.C., later this year, where they will compete against top students from across the country.
The National Civics Bee® encourages middle school students to become informed and engaged citizens by strengthening their understanding of government, civic responsibility, and community involvement. Investing in civic education helps prepare the next generation of leaders, empowering young people to think critically, solve community challenges, and make a meaningful difference in the places they live.
Please join us in congratulating Carolyn and cheering her on as they represent Canton on the national stage. We wish them the very best as they take this exciting next step!
| | | | Help Shape Canton's Parks & Recreation Future! | | |
Canton Township is taking a fresh look at its parks, playgrounds, recreation facilities, and programs– and we want you to be a part of the process! Canton Parks, Recreation & Community Services is creating a 10-Year Park and Recreation System Master Plan to guide future investments in the places and programs that help us stay active and connected, with access to nature. All residents are encouraged to participate. Please share with neighbors, friends, social clubs, and other groups you may be a part of.
Please take a few minutes to complete our survey below, available now through August 13th, 2026!
| | August Upcoming Events- Register Now! | | Margarita Monday Women's Networking | August 3 | |
This month, we're headed to The Ebenezer in Downtown Plymouth- a cozy speakeasy-style spot, complete with a specialty margarita menu and complimentary appetizers, with drinks available for purchase.
Real connections, zero pressure, a great start to the week. Come as you are and stay as long as you like- no speeches, no sales pitches, just genuine conversation with women building careers, businesses, families, and full lives. Margaritas optional!
When: Monday, August 3 |
5:00-7:00 PM
Where: Ebenezer- 305 Fleet St | Plymouth, MI 48170
| |  | Connection Networking After Hours | August 4 | |
Join the Canton Connection Wednesday Group for a time of networking with local professionals. Meet new people, make valuable connections and learn about the Canton Chamber's FREE Networking Connection Group.
This is a great opportunity to connect with current members, hear testimonials about how the group has helped grow their businesses, and see if the Connection Wednesday Group is the right fit for you!
When: Tuesday, August 4 |
4:30-6:30PM
Where: Canton Brew Works- 8521 Lilley Rd, Canton, MI 48187
| | | French Toast Bistro Caffeinate & Connect + Ribbon Cutting | August 13 | |
Join the Canton Chamber and partake in a delicious networking event at French Toast Bistro followed by their official ribbon cutting.
When: Thursday, August 13 |
8:00- 9:00 AM Networking
9:00 AM Ribbon Cutting
Where: French Toast Bistro- 43225 Ford Rd, Canton Township, MI 48187
| | | Small Business B(AI)sics - AI Training Seminar | August 18 | |
We’re excited to share a new opportunity for small business owners and entrepreneurs in our community. We’re partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to bring Small Business B(AI)sics to our community! This national initiative, supported by Google, offers free AI training to small businesses to help them grow, stay competitive, and strengthen local economies.
When: Tuesday, August 18 | 10:00-12:00 AM
Where: Canton Chamber Admin Building, Board Room- 1150 Canton Ctr. Rd., Canton MI 48188
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Small Talks Networking | August 21
Join fellow Chamber members for a small-group networking event focused on building meaningful connections in a relaxed setting.
This event is limited to 15 Chamber members and will be held at the Canton Chamber Office. Each attendee will have 2 minutes to introduce their business. Feel free to bring your lunch, along with business cards, flyers, or other promotional materials to share.
Seating is limited to 15 participants—register early to reserve your spot!
When: Friday, August 21 | 11:30 AM-12:30 PM
Where: Canton Chamber Office- 1150 Canton Ctr. Rd., Canton MI 48188
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Membership to the MAX | August 25
A monthly opportunity for members to meet with the Chamber staff and learn firsthand about the new incentives, upcoming events, and ways to maximize their membership investment.
New members are strongly encouraged to attend in the first or second month of joining.
When: Tuesday, August 25 | 9:00-10:00 AM
Where: Canton Township Administration Building | 1150 Canton Ctr Rd., Canton, MI 48188
| | | Connections I Networking Group- Wednesday Mornings | |
Start your morning by making valuable business connections and growing your professional network through Connections I.
The primary goal of the Connections Group is to help members connect, build relationships, and provide referrals to one another. Through meaningful networking opportunities, members can strengthen their networks, expand their reach, and support each other's business growth.
These groups are business category exclusive, with one representative from each professional specialty. This structure helps create strong referral partnerships and encourages collaboration among members.
When: Every Wednesday | 7:00 – 8:00 AM
Where: Canton Brew Works- 8521 N. Lilley Rd., Canton, MI 48187
This Month's Meeting Dates:
August 5 | August 12 | August 19 | August 26
| | | Connections II Networking Group- Tuesday Mornings | |
Grow your network, build valuable business relationships, and exchange referrals with fellow Chamber members through Connections II.
This networking group is designed to help members develop strong professional connections and generate business opportunities through consistent relationship-building.
Connections II is business category exclusive, allowing one representative from each professional specialty to participate, creating a strong foundation for referrals and collaboration.
When: Second and fourth Tuesdays of each month | 10:30 – 11:30 AM
Where: 911 Restoration- 7757 Ronda Dr., Canton, MI 48187
This Month's Meeting Dates:
August 4 | August 11 | August 25
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Mark your calendars for these upcoming Chamber events: Bonfires & BBQ on October 9th, Western Wayne Business Leadership Banquet October 13th, and the annual 2026 Canton People's Choice Awards on November 13th.
Stay tuned for more details to come!
| | From the Expert: Paulette Abdullah | | |
Click on the image above to learn more | |
Protecting Your Health, Your Benefits & Your Wallet | |
Health insurance is one of the most important financial decisions we make each year—yet it's also one of the most misunderstood. My goal is to make it simple.
I'm Paulette Abdullah, owner of LifeLine Health Plans, an independent health insurance agency serving individuals, families, Medicare beneficiaries, and businesses throughout our community. After spending more than 25 years with the U.S. Department of Justice, I began a second career with a similar mission: educating, advocating, and helping people protect their health, finances, and future through informed insurance decisions.
As an independent advisor, I work for my clients—not for a single insurance company. I compare plans from multiple carriers to help people find coverage that fits their doctors, prescriptions, healthcare needs, and budget.
The Importance of an Annual Health Insurance Review
One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is, "I already have insurance, so I don't need to review it."
The truth is that health insurance changes every year. Premiums, deductibles, provider networks, prescription drug coverage, and benefits can all change. An Annual Health Insurance Review helps ensure your coverage still meets your needs, protects you from unexpected costs, and may even save you money.
Important Enrollment Dates
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Medicare Annual Enrollment: October 15 – December 7
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Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment: November 1 – January 15 (December 15 is generally the deadline for January 1 coverage.)
Reviewing your options early gives you time to make informed decisions instead of rushed ones.
Schedule Your No-Cost Annual Health Insurance Review
October is the perfect time to review your coverage before making any enrollment decisions. Whether you're enrolled in Medicare, purchasing coverage for your family, or reviewing employee benefits, I encourage you to schedule your complimentary review.
Together, we'll review your current coverage, discuss your healthcare needs, confirm your doctors and prescriptions, answer your questions, and compare available options. If your current plan is still the best fit, I'll tell you. If there's a better option, I'll explain why—without pressure or obligation.
Fraud Tip: MEDICARE FRAUD CAN START WITH A CALL
Did You Know? Medicare Insurance agents are not allowed to contact you without your permission. If someone unexpectedly calls to discuss your Medicare benefits and you didn't request the call, it's okay to hang up.
Your Medicare number is one of your most valuable pieces of personal information. Protect it as carefully as you would your Social Security number.
How to Protect Yourself from Medicare Fraud:
I offer complimentary educational presentations for senior centers, churches, libraries, civic organizations, businesses, and community groups on Medicare, health insurance, and Medicare fraud prevention.
To schedule a presentation or your complimentary Annual Health Insurance Review, visit www.LLPlans.com, call 734-209-6712, or email Paulette@LLPlans.com.
Protecting your health. Protecting your benefits. Protecting your future.
| | | Interested in contributing? Submit your column below. | | Welcome to the Career Center | | Hiring or job hunting? The Canton Chamber invites members to submit job postings! We'll feature them on our website and on our socials. | | |
Stay Connected & Never Miss a Beat!
From ribbon cuttings and networking events to member workshops and beyond, there's always something happening at the Canton Chamber!
Our events calendar is your go-to resource for staying up to date on everything we have planned for our members and the community.
Whether you're looking to grow your network, celebrate a fellow member's milestone, or maximize your membership, you'll find it all in one place.
Browse upcoming events and secure your spot with easy online registration at www.cantonchamber.com.
We look forward to seeing you at our next event!
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