Join the Lakes Area and West Bloomfield Chambers as we help celebrate CarePatrol of Oakland County's 10 Year Anniversary!

Our 3rd Thursday Coffee Connect is CANCELED on Dec. 21st due to the holiday season.

The chamber office will be CLOSED on

Monday, December 25th and

Monday, January 1st for the holidays.

We hope you have a great holiday season & we look forward to working with you in 2024!

Don't forget, December 29th is the last day to submit your nominations for the 2024 Black & White Awards Ball and early-bird pricing ends December 31st - so register today!!!

Seize the spotlight and elevate your brand by securing our Platinum, Gold, or Silver Sponsorship today! Gain exclusive naming rights and the unique opportunity to present the award to the deserving winner at our prestigious 2024 event. Elevate your business, make a lasting impact, and be part of the celebration—reserve your sponsorship now!

Early Bird Pricing Ends Dec. 31, 2023. Secure your ticket today! 

November 1: Non-Profit Network Perk & Purpose

Thanks to Jackie Gurwin with the Foundation for Excellence - Walled Lake Schools for hosting our Perk & Purpose Non-Profit event this month. We had the great opportunity to learn more about some of our non-profit organizations and connect them with some of our chamber member businesses.

As always, we encourage you to support our chamber member businesses and organizations as we are #bettertogether.

November 2: Healthcare Network Meeting

Another great Healthcare Network Group meeting! Thanks to Andrea Hengy and The Neighborhoods of White Lake Team for hosting!

November 3: 1st Friday Coffee Connect

Our 1st Friday Coffee Connect at AFC Urgent Care Commerce was the perfect start to our Friday! Huge thanks to Director of Operations, Amy Bazzy, and Director of Marketing, Natalie Smith, for their warm hospitality, delicious breakfast spread, and the exciting business card raffle prize. To all who joined, you made the morning shine.



#CoffeeConnect #Networking #BetterTogether

November 8: Member Orientation Breakfast

Thanks to everyone who joined our Member Orientation Breakfast at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital. These breakfasts are the perfect time for us to welcome our newest members, review LACC benefits and services and create community connections.

Our appreciation to our sponsors - Creative Eldercare Consultants LLC and Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union for your support and to so many of our board members for helping to review some of the chamber's services.

November 10: Co-Hosted Coffee

Fabulous multi-chamber coffee today at LaFontaine Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Walled Lake with our friends from the Novi Chamber of Commerce.



Great networking, fabulous food and amazing community connections .... #bettertogether #lovethelakes

November 14: YPG Trivia Night

Lakes Area Young Professionals Group hosted our Annual Over 40 vs. Under 40 Challenge this year at Casey's of Walled Lake with a trivia night competition. The competition was fierce but the Under 40s pulled out the victory by a narrow margin. You know what that means ... bragging rights for the year!!! WooooHoooo!!!



Congratulations to our top 3 teams - 1st Place - Second Guessers; 2nd Place - Table 6; and 3rd Place - The Ninjas.

Our thanks to Casey, Nicole and Ali for hosting along with some fun prizes and a huge shout out to Dave - the Trivia Master.

Casey's hosts weekly trivia nights and has a great menu so please be sure to keep this in mind for your winter activities.

November 15: Spotlight Lunch

We had a great time at the Spotlight Lunch at Ghost Handcrafted Tacos and Cocktails in Commerce. Thanks to owner, Sally Gravat, and the team for the delicious food and great service - thanks for the special "chamber discount".

Stop by and invite your friends and family to join you at this new local eatery. #dinelocal #bettertogether #lovethelakes

November 16: 3rd Thursday Coffee Connect

What a great way to start this lovely day with our friends at Jewish Senior Life of Metropolitan Detroit. The entire team is warm and welcoming and the residents truly feel at home there. Thanks so much for a delicious breakfast, terrific networking and for the way you make folks feel when they walk through the door!



Side note - we were greeted by a couple of "turkeys" when we pulled in ... but they were REAL LIFE turkeys out for a stroll.

Thanks to our members for making this morning mixers so much fun - we appreciate each of you!!!

November 28: TechWave Meetin

What an interesting month the AI industry has had in November! During this month’s TechWave meeting, Brandon & Scott filled us in on the recent CEO shakeup at ChatGPT, giving us an inside scoop on the AI world's twists and turns.

We discussed AI's power to slash project input time and serve as the ultimate

idea-bouncing source! We integrated real world applications of how AI can be

used for more than just generating text content. One gem from the discussion?

The ChatGPT Cheat Sheet! Whether you're a learner or a pro, this guide is your

golden ticket to crafting stellar entries and ensuring top-notch AI responses.

Check out the cheat sheets below. And if you are able to join us for the next

TechWave meeting, mark your calendars for January 23^rd at the

chamber office. Hope to see you there!

November 29: Ambassador Meeting

Chamber Ambassadors met recently for our last meeting of 2023. This group is truly an extension of the chamber team - welcoming new members, sharing their chamber experience, welcoming guests at events and furthering membership connections. We are so thankful for all that you do to make the LACC such an inviting place to do business.

A Courageous Voice

Amy Ever - 734.394.6799

Valued Member Since 2021

Beacon Hill Golf Club & Banquet Facility

Jerry Domeneck - 248.684.2200

Valued Member Since 2002

G.E.B. Collision, Inc.

Geoff Bennett - 248.926.9373

Valued Member Since 2016

Keller Williams - Deborah Falzon

Deborah Falzon - 248.563.9217

Valued Member Since 2018

Lifemark Securities

Anthony Barnett - 248.505.0976

Valued Member Since 2006

Lynch & Sons Funeral Home

Timothy Lynch - 248.624.2251

Valued Member Since 1974

Melaleuca

Jill Wagenberg - 248.736.2919

Valued Member Since 2019

Real Estate One

Carol Wagner - 248.363.8300

Valued Member Since 2012

Shelby & Thorpe, PLC

Jill Shelby - 248.714.8882

Valued Member Since 1980

Townehall Place of West Bloomfield

Jordan Houston - 248.683.1010

Valued Member Since 2017

United Restoration Disaster Services, LLC

Patrick Stemmler - 844.772.8737

Valued Member Since 2022

Wonderland Lanes

Dave Hochstein - 248.363.7131

Valued Member Since 1997

The Spirit of Giving: Genisys Credit Union donates turkeys for Lighthouse’s Thanks & Giving campaign

Auburn Hills, MI. - Nov. 21, 2023 - Genisys Credit Union hosted a campaign with their employees to raise donations for Lighthouse’s annual Thanks & Giving campaign. The initiative provided funding for Lighthouse to purchase over 2,000 turkeys, ensuring a Thanksgiving dinner for all the families they serve.

“As we enter the holiday season, I am grateful for the generosity of the Genisys team,” said Jackie Buchanan, President and CEO of Genisys Credit Union. “Lighthouse stands as a beacon of hope for our neighbors by providing essential resources. We are thankful to provide our support as they further their mission of alleviating poverty and ending homelessness.”

The team at Genisys raised funds through an employee match campaign. Funds raised are doubled by Meijer as part of their Simply Give program, which allowed for over 2,000 turkeys to be purchased. Meijer started their Simply Give program in 2008 to help food pantries fulfill their mission of feeding those struggling with food insecurity. 

"Our Thanksgiving program has been a cornerstone at Lighthouse for many years, and we are proud to provide so many holiday meals to those in need. Our partnership with Genisys Credit Union has been invaluable, and we deeply appreciate their dedication to volunteering and fundraising, which has been instrumental in supplying 2,300 turkeys for this year's food boxes," said Ryan Hertz, Lighthouse President & CEO.

In addition to their financial contribution, the credit union staff volunteered their time over two days to help pack Thanksgiving food boxes. This included unloading, sorting, and organizing donations and packing boxes, which will provide a full Thanksgiving meal to local families this year. The credit union extends its thank you to all who have donated to Lighthouse to make their Thanks & Giving program possible.

About Genisys Credit Union: 

Genisys Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial institution that has been committed to helping its members financially since 1936. Based out of Auburn Hills, MI, the credit union is the fourth largest in Michigan with over 255,000 members and 33 branch locations. With a highly competitive suite of products such as High Yield Genius Checking and Youth Savings Account as well as loans for small to mid-sized businesses, Genisys specializes in providing consumer and business financial solutions through its branches, a multi-channel contact center, and a variety of mobile and online banking services. Genisys has consistently received the highest 5-star Bauer Financial Rating for safety and soundness along with receiving recognition from S&P Global Market Intelligence as a nationwide Top 10 Performing Credit Union. They are also proud to be committed to their communities by annually volunteering over 4,400 hours and partnering on over 1,000 community events. Connect with Genisys on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok by following @genisyscu. For more information visit www.genisyscu.org

Join the Huron Valley Council for the Arts

Throughout December It's time to spread some holiday cheer!

We've created Holiday Photo Spots around town to bring your families, sweethearts or friends to snap some selfies or photos to celebrate the season. Tag your photo with #highlandholidayphotospot and you might be featured.

PHOTO SPOT LOCATIONS: Veterans Park - Gateway Park - Maher Feed and Pet Supply - Colasanti's Market

Join the Huron Valley Council for the Arts

TREE LIGHTING & KRIS KRINGLE MARKET

Monday, December 4th, 2023

Join us at Veteran's Park and the old Highland Fire Station No. 1 (corner of West Livingston and John Street) for a fun evening with caroling and pictures with Santa, plus shopping at our indoor Kris Kringle Market. FREE Hot Cocoa and Popcorn from Howdy's Old Tyme Popcorn and horse drawn wagon rides.

 Santa will arrive to greet all in our community.

 Music will fill the air.

 Horse Drawn Wagon Rides

 Free Popcorn and Hot Cocoa for all attendees.

 Do some holiday shopping.

 Photo Opportunities

Market Open 5:00-9:00

Tree Lighting 7:00

MSGCU Awards $45,000 in Classroom Cash Grants to Local Teachers

Credit union has provided over $670,000 since program’s inception

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Nov. 3, 2023 – Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union (MSGCU) is proud to announce its 2023 Classroom Cash Grants recipients. MSGCU is awarding more than $45,000 to 64 educators from 54 schools across the Metro Detroit area.

Each teacher is receiving a grant worth up to $750 to help implement innovative learning experiences that foster students’ exploration, independent thinking, and problem solving in the classroom. Teachers submitted creative project ideas that will enhance their curriculum in various subjects, including math, science, literacy, social and emotional learning, and physical education. As one of the many programs MSGCU delivers to support community members, the Classroom Cash Grants initiative has funded nearly 1,200 unique projects since it launched 18 years ago.

“While anyone in Michigan can bank with us, our heritage is rooted in education. MSGCU values the important work teachers do every day and we’re proud to help them bring enriching learning opportunities to their students,” said Steve Brewer, MSGCU President/CEO. “Providing grants to local teachers allows us to contribute to classrooms in the communities we serve and ensure educators have the resources they need to conduct innovative academic projects.”

Classroom Cash Grants winners are determined based on total votes cast by students, parents, colleagues, family members, and friends. More than 108,000 votes were cast during the 11-day public online voting period this year. The program is open annually to all teachers in the communities MSGCU serves and applications are accepted starting in early September.

Teachers use the MSGCU grant funds to bring fun and interesting lessons to their students. For example, this year, an educator at Power Middle School in Farmington Hills will purchase 3D printers to use in an eighth-grade science class. Students will create 3D models that will help them visualize complex ideas like the physics of roller coasters. A teacher at Peace Lutheran School in Utica will integrate technology into the music classroom by purchasing various tools for teaching students how to write code and program a robot to move and play a composition.

2023 MSGCU Classroom Cash Grants Program Recipients

Kristin Anderson, Anchor Bay High School (Macomb)

Erica Ballard, Power Middle School (Oakland)

Shelly Bartolotta, Romeo High School (Macomb)

Allison Boska, L'Anse Creuse Middle School North (Macomb)

Nikka Bowers, Harper Woods Middle School (Wayne)

Julie Bowyer, Wiley Elementary School (Macomb)

Adam Burns, Troy Athens High School (Oakland)

Allison Buscemi, Jack Harvey Elementary School (Macomb)

Julie Busch, DeKeyser Elementary School (Macomb)

Alison Bushaw, Kennedy Middle School (Macomb)

Adam Carr, Dowagiac Middle School (Cass)

Jennifer Casbar, Huron Academy (Macomb)

April Clos, Kaiser Elementary School (Macomb)

Rae Cloyd, West Utica Elementary School (Macomb)

Donna Cotton, Harper Woods High School (Wayne)

Jan Cranston, Discovery Middle School (Wayne)

Tracy Dex, Beacon Tree Elementary School (Macomb)

Brandy Eichinger, Hemmeter Elementary School (Saginaw)

Lisa Eiland, Mary Helen Guest Elementary School (Oakland)

Jodi Gates, Faith Christian School (Macomb)

Nicholas Gensheimer, Power Middle School (Oakland)

Candace Ivy, Plumbrook Elementary School (Macomb)

Abigail Johnson, Lincoln High School (Macomb)

Laura Laban, Ebeling Elementary School (Macomb)

Kristen Leinart, Jefferson Middle School (Macomb)

David Licari, Algonquin Elementary School (St. Clair)

Shelby Liebler-Kukuk, Lanse Creuse Middle School South (Macomb)

Nicole Lutomski, Greenwood Elementary School (Macomb)

Jill Majewski, New Haven Elementary School (Macomb)

Karyn McConachie, Eppler Junior High School (Macomb)

Susan Meadows, Jack Harvey Elementary School (Macomb)

Alisa Meier, Liberty Middle School (Wayne)

Sarah Miesch, Rochester High School (Oakland)

Kim Myers, Wheat Early Childhood Center (Macomb)

Amy Orlando, Beacon Tree Elementary School (Macomb)

Brett Orlowski, Henry Ford II High School (Macomb)

Cheryl Pietraszewski, Adlai Stevenson High School (Macomb)

Amber Pietraszewski, John A. Bozymowski Center for Education (Macomb)

Tamara Powell, Isaac Monfort Elementary School (Macomb)

Susan Riedel, Switzer Elementary School (Macomb)

Jennifer Roussin, Princeton Elementary School (Macomb)

Stephanie Roy, Crissman Elementary School (Macomb)

Alexandria Rugenstein, Tyrone Elementary School (Wayne)

Ilissa Saginaw, Botsford Elementary School (Oakland)

Michael Sauer, Seneca Middle School (Macomb)

Keith Silage, Roseville High School (Macomb)

Maryann Smith, Roseville Middle School (Macomb)

Linda Smith, Peace Lutheran School (Macomb)

Dawn Sommers, Einstein Elementary School (Oakland)

Gary Speshock II, Anchor Bay High School (St. Clair)

Jennifer Steele, Princeton Elementary School (Macomb)

Paige Strunk, Beacon Tree Elementary School (Macomb)

Stefanie Taylor, Ebeling Elementary School (Macomb)

Alexis Timm, Beacon Tree Elementary School (Macomb)

Melissa Tuccini, Lessenger & Edmonson Elementary School (Oakland)

Amanda Turpin, Richmond Middle School (Macomb)

Michelle Vanston, Doherty Elementary School (Oakland)

Sarah Vrabel, Edmonson Elementary School (Oakland)

Liliy Vuljevic, Little Turtle Early Childhood Center (Macomb)

Bridget Wallman, Discovery Middle School (Wayne)

Kimberly Wasmund, Croswell Early Childhood Center (Macomb)

Heather Weaver, Lakeview Early Childhood Center (Macomb)

Cindy Woodrow, Lessenger Elementary School (Oakland)

Ashley Zachwieja, Cromie Elementary School (Macomb)

The credit union also helps local teachers by providing free financial education through in-person and virtual classroom presentations, low-rate classroom loans, and the Milo Perreault Educator Advantage Scholarship for continuing education.

For more information about the Classroom Cash Grants program and to view the grant recipients’ projects, visit classroomcash.org.

About Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union

Founded by a small group of educators, MSGCU has been providing quality financial services to the communities they serve for 69 years and welcomes everyone in Michigan to bank with them. MSGCU offers a full range of loan, deposit, checking, credit card, mortgage, and insurance products for those that live in Michigan. With 19 branch offices in Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties, MSGCU has more than 145,000 members, $3.4 billion in assets, and has earned a 97% member satisfaction rating for 20 years. MSGCU has also earned five stars (the highest rating) from Bauer Financial for more than 30 years, and has been honored as a Top Workplace by The Detroit Free Press for the past 10 consecutive years. MSGCU is insured by NCUA and an equal housing lender. Visit msgcu.org for more information.

OCC and Oakland University Sign New Engineering Transfer Agreement

OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – Nov.8, 2023 – Oakland Community College (OCC) and Oakland University (OU) signed a new transfer articulation agreement that will provide OCC students who earn a Pre-Engineering associate degree an easier transfer to OU to earn a bachelor of science in Engineering.

OCC students who complete the associate degree in Pre-Engineering can earn a bachelor of science degree at OU in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.

OU President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz said this articulation agreement for Engineering is designed to help OCC students have a smooth transition to OU while minimizing credit loss and be able to continue their pursuit of a bachelor’s degree close to home. 

"Today’s engineering agreement builds on our dynamic relationship with OCC, a partnership that facilitates students' transition toward the completion of a bachelor degree," said Hirsch Pescovitz. "We are extremely proud of our work with OCC, and believe we are creating a model of cooperation that further develops the regional talent pipeline, and leads to building the Michigan economy."

In addition to the new Engineering agreement, OCC and OU also have transfer agreements covering a number of OCC academic degree programs that allows transfer students a smoother pathway to earn an OU bachelor’s degree in Applied Health Science - Radiology Technology Leadership, Interdisciplinary Studies, Graphic Design and Human Resource Development.

“Oakland University is one of the top transfer destinations for our students, and we have a number of articulation agreements with OU to make it easier for our students to earn a bachelor’s degree in a cost-effective and timely manner,” said OCC Chancellor Peter Provenzano. “We look forward to our continued partnership to add even more transfer agreements in the future to help our students reach their academic goals.” 

The OCC-OU Engineering transfer agreement runs through Oct. 31, 2028.

About Oakland University

Oakland University is a doctoral, Carnegie Classification R2 “High Research Activity” university located in Oakland and Macomb counties, Michigan. The main campus is located on 1,443 acres of scenic land in the Southeast Michigan cities of Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills. The university also maintains program space at the University Center in Clinton Township. Oakland University offers bachelor's degrees, graduate degrees and certificate programs and is organized into the College of Arts and Sciences with a School of Music, Theatre and Dance, the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine and the Schools of Business Administration, Education and Human Services, Engineering and Computer Science, Health Sciences, Nursing, and Honors College. The rich campus atmosphere is complete with residence halls, Greek life, Division I athletics and more than 300 student groups that lend to the total college experience. Learn more at www.oakland.edu.

About OCC  

Oakland Community College offers nearly 100 degrees and certificates programs with the resources students need to be successful and advance our community. As a top transfer institution, OCC offers one of the state’s most affordable tuition rates and flexibility in scheduling with face-to-face and online options. The College is nationally recognized for its high-demand career training with expert faculty in their fields. More than 1 million students have enrolled in the College since it opened in 1965. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.

OCC Names New Chief of Public Safety

Rick Leonard brings 35 years of experience, distinguished service honors to top post

OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – Nov. 15,2023- Oakland Community College has named Rick Leonard chief of its Public Safety Department. As chief, Leonard will oversee the College’s team of highly-trained, state-certified sworn Police Officers across its five campuses in Oakland County. Leonard replaces Paul Matynka, who retired from the College on November 3, 2023 after six years at OCC and 35 years in law enforcement.  

Chief Leonard has extensive experience in public and private security and operational leadership. He joined OCC in 2021 and quickly rose up the ranks from officer to lieutenant, one year later. He joined the College from the City of Auburn Hills Police Department where he served nearly 25 years with progressive leadership responsibilities, departing as Police Lieutenant.  

“Rick has been instrumental in expanding Oakland Community College’s public safety training efforts, particularly the ‘Avoid. Deny. Defend.’ training for College employees and student groups,” said Robert (“Bob”) Kelly, executive director of facilities operations who oversees Public Safety, Facilities and Operations. “We are extremely confident Rick will continue to enhance Public Safety’s reputation for effectiveness, professionalism and service.”    

An active member of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, Leonard has earned several certificates of merit and commendations throughout his career from the City of Auburn Hills as well as an Award for Excellent Service in the Public Service from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Distinguished Service Award from the Oakland University Police. 

“We are certain Rick will continue to be a valuable asset to the College and look forward to the future with him as the head of the department,” noted vice chancellor for administrative services Christina (“Tina”) Kostiuk. 

Leonard is a graduate of Berkley High School and OCC’s Oakland Police Academy. He completed Michigan State University’s School of Police Staff and Command training and earned a bachelor of arts in sociology from Oakland University. He is a long-time Oakland County resident and currently resides in Huntington Woods. 

Leonard said he is excited for the opportunity to serve as OCC’s next public safety chief.

“OCC has a professional, dedicated public safety team who are committed to making sure our students, employees and visitors have a safe environment to succeed in. I have been overwhelmed by the support and trust our community has in our department and will do everything I can to keep and grow that trust.” 

About Public Safety at OCC 

The Oakland Community College Department of Public Safety provides a full range of law enforcement services to the students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the College properties.  The Department is committed to protecting life property and maintaining order while assuring fair and equal treatment to everyone while respecting the cultural and ethnic diversity of the College community.  All of the department's uniformed officers are fully sworn, have full arrest powers and meet the standards as defined by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES). For further information visit OCC Public Safety. 

About OCC      

Oakland Community College offers nearly 100 degrees and certificates programs with the resources students need to be successful and advance our community. As a top transfer institution, OCC offers one of the state’s most affordable tuition rates and flexibility in scheduling with face-to-face and online options. The College is nationally recognized for its high-demand career training with expert faculty in their fields. More than 1 million students have enrolled in the College since it opened in 1965. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.       

Huron Valley State Bank Donates Over 200 Toiletry Items to Hospitality House Milford, MI, November 2023 – In October, employees at Huron Valley State Bank organized a toiletry drive to provide donations to Hospitality House, a local organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families facing difficult times. In a remarkable display of community spirit, employees and the community donated over 200 essential items ranging from toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, feminine products, shampoo, conditioner, toiletry paper, soap and more. The initiative aimed to address the critical need for personal care items, providing support to those in challenging circumstances. The monetary donations gathered during the drive totaled almost $150 and used exclusively to buy feminine products. "At Huron Valley State Bank, we are deeply committed to the well-being of our community members. The success of this Hospitality Drive reflects the compassion and generosity of our community. By coming together, we can make a difference in the lives of those facing challenges, and we are proud to contribute to the essential work of Hospitality House,” said Rebecca LeDuc, Treasury and Loan Operations Support Clerk. “The need for personal care items remains substantial, and we are grateful for Huron Valley State Bank coming together to fill our near empty shelves with these items.” Said Susan Espamer, Executive Director of Hospitality House. The mission of Hospitality House is to minimize deprivation in our community by providing food and assistance to those in need, while maintaining the utmost respect for the dignity of the individual. Hospitality House works to fulfill this mission by operating a client-choice food pantry, a Weekend Food Program for students in participating schools, and by providing referral services. In addition, Hospitality House provides advice and aid to other pantries as they work to fight hunger across southeastern Michigan. To learn more or make a donation visit hhfp.org.

Oakland County Michigan Works! Provides Funding Sources to Employers Pursuing Registered Apprenticeship Programs, New Apprentice Progress Tracking System

Join your fellow community planners for an in-person holiday gathering. While there are no elevators in the Sylvan Lake Community Center, you can give us your 60-second elevator pitch on recent great things happening in your community. We look forward to hearing from all of you!



Click Here for Print-Ready Flyer

SPEAKERS: YOU!

AGENDA

11:00 a.m. – Welcome 

11:15 a.m. – Lunch

Noon – Community Updates / Discussion

1:00 p.m. – Adjourn

Questions? Contact: Jim Schafer, Oakland County

[email protected] | (248) 858-2033