*This month the Dudes will meet at Red Robin Burgers Commerce! * | | February 5- Health Care Network Meeting at Bloomfield Wellness Clinic | | |
Our February Health Care Network Meeting at Bloomfield Wellness Clinic was a great opportunity for health industry and health-adjacent members to connect, collaborate, and learn together.
A huge thank you to Dr. David Budaj and his amazing staff for hosting, facilitating, and presenting an insightful educational segment for our attendees!
#HealthcareNetwork #BetterTogether #LACC #LovetheLakes
| | February 6- 1st Friday Coffee Connect at Freshway Market and Liquor | | |
Our 1st Friday Coffee Connect at Freshway Market and Liquor was a great way to kick off the week by networking with fellow chamber members!
A big thank you to President Joseph Sandiha II & team for hosting, providing a wonderful breakfast spread, and donating the raffle basket prize. We appreciate your hospitality and support!
#CoffeeConnect #BetterTogether #LACC #LovetheLakes
| | February 10- Ribbon Cutting: Versiti Blood Center | | |
We had the pleasure of celebrating Versiti Blood Center with an official ribbon cutting and welcoming them into the Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce community!
Thank you to everyone who joined us to help mark this exciting new chapter. It was wonderful to connect, learn more about Versiti’s mission, and hear from Dr. Jeff Bradley about the important work they do.
A special thank you to Oakland County, Michigan Commissioner Rob Smiley for joining us, and to Jennifer Stuart from the City of Walled Lake for sharing a few words and helping make the day so memorable!
| | February 11- YPG: Setting Your Intentions with Steve | | |
Our Young Professionals kicked off the year with clarity, purpose, and action at our Setting Your Intentions workshop. This interactive session helped attendees define meaningful goals, identify supportive habits, and create realistic action plans they can maintain throughout 2026.
Thank you to Steve Betel, LACC Board Member from Mortgage Family Man by Next Door Lending, for leading such an engaging and impactful workshop, and to Owner, Vena Boddy of The Foundry Workspaces for hosting in their inspiring, professional environment. We’re grateful to have such great members supporting our YPG community! 🚀
#YoungProfessionals #BetterTogether #LACC #LovetheLakes
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February 17- Spotlight Lunch: LongHorn Steakhouse
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We had a fantastic Spotlight Lunch at LongHorn Steakhouse - Wixom, where Michael, the Manager, truly went above and beyond. He treated us to complimentary appetizers and desserts, delivered amazing service, and took time to share his passion for the community and appreciation for LongHorn’s supportive, “family” work environment.
They offer a Member-2-Member Discount for chamber members to receive a FREE appetizer or FREE dessert, making it a great reason to stop in, connect, and enjoy a meal together. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make it such an enjoyable and well-supported event!
#BetterTogether #LovetheLakes #SupportLocal
| | February 18-Member Orientation | | |
What a great morning at our Spring Member Orientation!
The Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce was proud to welcome members for a meaningful session focused on one powerful idea: your membership works when you work it. From building relationships to increasing visibility and getting involved, attendees learned how to turn connection into opportunity and truly make the most of their investment.
A heartfelt thank you to our gracious host, Independence Village White Lake, for once again providing a beautiful space and wonderful breakfast while we shared all things LACC.
Events like this are possible because of the strength of our sponsors who help us live out our mission of #BetterTogether.
Presenting Sponsors
• Elton Black and Son Funeral Home
• Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union
• WOTA - Western Oakland Transportation Authority
Community Sponsors
• Doug Browne Agency
• Wonder Jump Inc.
Supporting Sponsors
• Bay Pointe Golf Club
• Ed Walter- WFP Michigan
We were also honored to hear from several LACC Board Members who shared real-world insight on how they make their membership work for them, from building strategic partnerships and gaining referrals to increasing community visibility and giving back through leadership. Their experiences brought the value of engagement to life and inspired members to lean in and get involved.
We loved introducing our dedicated Chamber team and sharing how we support members through connections, advocacy, marketing, and growth opportunities.
Thank you to everyone who attended and took intentional steps to strengthen their membership and our business community. We’re excited to grow together!
Thank you to Media Hero for doing a wonderful job capturing the event!
#LACC #BetterTogether #LovetheLakes
| | February 19-3rd Thursday Coffee at Biggby Coffee #739 | | |
We had an incredible turnout at our 3rd Thursday Coffee Connect at Biggby Coffee White Lake!
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us. We love seeing our business community come together to connect, collaborate, and support one another.
Special thanks to Philip & Teresa Raubinger for hosting us and generously treating all attendees to free coffee! And of course, the donut holes were a hit.
From great conversations to new connections, this is what being Better Together is all about. We can’t wait to see you at the next one!
#LoveTheLakes #BetterTogether #Networking #ShopLocal
| | February 24-Ribbon Cutting: Hite Photography | |
February 25- We Thank You Wednesday: Open Door Outreach Center & Thrift Store
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Our Ambassadors stopped by Open Door Outreach Center and Thrift Store, a proud member of the Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce since 1993, for our monthly We Thank You Wednesday visit. We had a wonderful time connecting, sharing smiles, and showing our appreciation for their decades of support and impact in our community. Thank you for being such a valued part of our Chamber family!
#WeThankYouWednesday #BetterTogether #LACC
| | February 26-YPG: Intergenerational Wisdom | | |
Our Young Professionals Group came together yesterday for a meaningful Inter-generational Wisdom event, connecting with residents of The Avalon of Commerce Township for powerful conversations and shared life lessons. A special thank you to Community Relations Director Bryan Neal for hosting, and to Marsha, Jim, Sandy, Shirley, and Corkie for sharing their wisdom and experiences.
Participants not only gained insight from seasoned professionals, but also reflected on their own “why” through a creative workshop. Thank you to our annual YPG sponsors, Ever Studio Creatives and LaFontaine Subaru, for supporting impactful experiences like this.
#BetterTogether #YoungProfessionalsGroup #Movers&Shakers #Wisdom
| | Our Newest Chamber Members | | |
Complete Driver Testing
Karen-248.810.8829
PO Box 586, Lake Orion, MI 48361-0586
Costco Wholesale
Greg Galperin-248.529.2300
costco.com
3000 Commerce Crossing, Commerce Township MI 48390
Encore at West Valley
Linda Graham-248.297.8520
www.encorewestvalley.com
1095 Union Lake Road, White Lake MI 48386
Fox Run Senior Living
Jacob Holmes-248-668-8600
https://www.ericksonseniorliving.com/fox-run
41215 Fox Run Road, Novi MI 48377
Grennan Construction
Kimira Deaton- 248.462.0224
Grennanconstruction.com
917 Orchard Lake Rd Suite 2, Pontiac MI 48341
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Heritage & Company MBE
Clinton Rasch- 248.803.5403
Teamheritage.com
6400 McClelland Road, Holly MI 48442
Oak Pointe Milford
Alli Thompson-248.685.3560
www.opcmilford.org
1250 South Hill Road, Milford MI 48381
TWO MEN AND A JUNK TRUCK
Charlene Bush-248.735.6683
https://twomenandajunktruck.com/locations/mi/junk-removal-farmington-hills
23399 Commerce Drive Suite B9 and B10, Farmington Hills MI 48335
Wonder Jump, Inc
Troy Powe-248.255.3601
www.wonderjump.com
50394 Dennis Ct, ste C, Wixom MI 48393
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Acromag
Kurt Lipsky-248.624.1541
Valued Member Since 1976
City of Walled Lake
Jennifer Stuart- 248.624.4847
Valued Member Since 1986
Community Choice Credit Union
Jeff McGowan-877.243.2528
Valued Member since 2023
Dance Dynamics Performing Arts Center
Dori Matkowski-248.624.0707
Valued Member since 1984
Discraft, Inc.
Erich Sitler-248.624.2250
Valued Member Since 2007
Foundation For Excellence – Walled Lake Schools
Jackie Gurwin – 248.956.2116
Valued Member Since 2008
It’s A Dog’s Life Resort & Spa
Lisa Vendittelli – 248.960.0800
Valued Member Since 2024
Katie Zakar Insurance Agency – State Farm
Katie Jones – 248.669.0701
Valued Member Since 2020
Keller Williams Showcase – J. Renee Drahman
Renee Drahman – 575.693.9201
Valued Member Since 2022
Kidd Company
Alex Wolfram – 810.547.1420
Valued Member Since 2024
Purple Poet Promotions & Talent Mgt.
Linda Bryant-Sams – 248.420.7108
Valued Member Since 2023
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Refine and Refresh
Lisa Brown – 810.210.2808
Valued Member Since 2025
Ross Mortgage Corporation
Timothy Merritt NMLS# 379139 – 248.505.8861
Valued Member Since 2021
Schoolcraft College
Matthew W. Wilson – 734.462.4400
Valued Member Since 2025
Springfield Urgent Care
Candace Seamon – 248.849.0365
Valued Member Since 2021
TDA Insurance & Financial LLC
Sherry Diederich – 248.347.3630
Valued Member Since 2018
The Inspired Acting Company
Jeff Thomakos – 248.863.9953
Valued Member Since 2023
The Senior Compass Group
Kari West – 248.931.4646
Valued Member Since 2023
Walled Lake Consolidated School District
Kelly Baier – 248.956.2000
Valued Member Since 1986
Walled Lake Masons
Kevin Hays – 248.956.0365
Valued Member Since 2019
White Lake Township Library
April Stevenson – 248.698.4942
Valued Member Since 2021
Wixom Walled Lake Lions Club
Dave Nauman – 248.684.9020
Valued Member Since 2019
| | **To be included in the April 2026 LACC E-News Blast,
log into your account and submit your post to the
LACC Membership Calendar by
March 26, 2026. Thank you! ** | |
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Employers:
You're Invited to Oakland Community College's FREE Career Fair
Come Meet with Students from ALL majors! This event is open to students, alumni and job seekers.
🗓When: Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Light lunch and set up from 1-2pm)
📍Where: OCC Auburn Hills Campus | G Building, 2900 Featherstone Road, Auburn Hills, MI (Park in Lot 14 – Google directions and wayfinding, parking below)
Registration: https://app.joinhandshake.com/emp/career_fairs/6404
Please feel free to bring your own tablecloth, banner(s) and swag!!!
There are NO costs/fees for Employers to attend this event!
For questions, please reach out to: careerservices@oaklandcc.edu
Auburn Hills Campus (Google Driving Directions) – Oakland Community College
Campus Map (Wayfinding)
Auburn Hills Campus Parking
| Give the gift of sight and sound! Donate used eyeglasses and hearing aids, and purchase 50¢ mints to support Wixom Walled Lake Lions community projects. | |
For Immediate Release
Contact: Abby Burgess
West Bloomfield Parks, 248.451.1913
Community Center Construction to Proceed Following Major Milestone Approval
Construction will begin in 2026 following the demolition of the existing Recreation Activities Center.
West Bloomfield Township, Michigan, February 18, 2026 – On February 9, West Bloomfield Township approved the proposed site plan for West Bloomfield Park’s Connect Community Center Project, including the demolition of the current Recreation Activities Center.
Maximizing the space currently occupied by the Recreation Activities Center, the new, multi-generational Connect community center will be built on the Civic Center Campus, beginning in 2026. Due to a number of factors including budget, design and site footprint, the decision was made to demolish the existing 8,400 sq. ft. Recreation Activities Center. The community center will serve as a gathering place for all ages and has been designed to be four times larger than the existing Recreation Activities Center to better meet the community’s growing demand for programs and services. In alignment with WB Parks’ commitment to sustainability, the contractor overseeing the demolition will be recycling as many materials as feasible.
This project is supported by a 20-year, $25 million bond passed by voters in 2024. Key features of Connect include a gymnasium, elevated walking track, rentable, multi-purpose rooms, and an expanded nature center. The new building will total just over 48,000 sq. ft. Adjacent to the building will be an expanded plaza featuring shaded picnic table seating for up to 40 people, an outdoor classroom and an enhanced Outdoor Natural Play Area. Together, these indoor and outdoor amenities will provide enhanced space for existing popular programs while also creating the capacity to expand recreational programs, classes and events.
“We can’t wait to begin building the new multi-generational Connect community center,” said Kelly Hyer, Executive Director for WB Parks. “Our residents have been asking for additional community gathering space and these amenities for a long time. It has taken us several years of research, planning and design to reach this point. We know this space will have a positive impact on our community for generations to come.”
Demolition of the Recreation Activities Center is set to begin in early spring, with an official groundbreaking to be scheduled once the site has been cleared and leveled. Construction of the Connect Community Center is estimated to conclude towards the end of 2027, with a grand opening slated for early 2028.
For more information and to view renderings of the new facility, visit wbparks.org/bond.
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