"The Chamber Door"

Happy New Year!

Dear Friends,

I want to begin by sending wishes of health, happiness, and prosperity to all in both your personal and professional lives.

2011 was a prosperous year for the Chamber and I would like to thank you for your contributions through your membership, sponsorship, donations, event hosting, and volunteerism. The Berkley Chamber cannot exist without the continued support of our members. 

I would like to extend a special Thank You to the board members that completed their terms at the end of 2011. Dan Cleary (Coffee Beanery) served on the board from 2006 - 2011, Lisa Baker (Beaumont Hospital and DCB Designs) served from 2006-2011, and Tom Byars (Eagle Rock Insurance), who completed the last year in a term for a fellow board member. Tom also served on the board from 2008 - 2010. These individuals play a significant  role in the success of the Chamber and should be recognized for their contributions and volunteer hours.

We also have two dedicated individuals that have been an integral part of our board for many years, Phil O'Dwyer, City Council liaison and David Sabbagh, Planning Commission liaison.  Both Phil and Dave have been very valuable to our board and they will be surely be missed (although we know we will see a lot of Phil in his new role as our Mayor).  We thank both for their many contributions and wish them well.

As we move into 2012 we will swear in 4 new board members at our January meeting and as you know a new Executive Director will soon take the reigns. The last 5 years as the Executive Director of the Berkley Chamber have been wonderful and I thank you for your support and friendship.  I feel fortunate that this postion has allowed me to both work and be home with my children.  I love working and living in this wonderful city of Berkley.  I have met so many kind, supportive people over the years that it truly will be hard to leave.  However, I am confident that I will continue to see you in my travels through Berkley.  I am looking forward to taking part in the Chamber events as a Berkley resident!

I encourage each of you to take an active role in the Chamber:  attend coffees and mixers, volunteer at events, offer your suggestions and ideas, sponsor an annual event, attend board meetings, serve on a committee, recruit new members, attend joint Chamber functions, etc.  Whether you have a lot of time or just a little, any contribution you can make will only help the Chamber become bigger and better.  Let's use the momentum we have gathered over the past several years to make 2012 a stellar year!

My best to you,

Julie Melrose, Executive Director

 

Get excited...it's a Chamber Chat!!

Whether you are new to the community, a long-time Chamber member or a prospective member, we would love for you to join us at our first coffee of 2012.

Friday, January 20th

 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.

Flagstar Bank

28653 Woodward

Berkley, MI 48072

We welcome all members and prospective members to this FREE event.

If you are thinking about joining the Berkley Chamber this is a great way to learn more information about the Chamber as well as meet some of our members.  This is an informal event and a great way to meet fellow business leaders in the community.  Bring your business cards and a friend and join us on the 20th!

Multi-Chamber Networking Events in 2012

This year we have partnered with the other South Oakland Chambers to bring our members joint networking events.  Each Chamber has selected a month during the year to host an event for the 5 local Chambers...Berkley, Clawson, Ferndale, Madison Heights/Hazel Park and Royal Oak.  Details of each event will be provided as the date get closer but mark your calendar and watch for details so you don't miss this awesome opportunity.

 February 29, 2012 -  Ferndale Chamber 

April 2012 - Berkley Chamber

June 2012 - Royal Oak Chamber

September 2012- Clawson Chamber

November 2012 - MHHP Chamber

2012 South Oakland Business Expo

When: Wed, Mar 7, 9:30am -4:30pm
Where: Club Venetian Banquet Center
29310 John R. Rd., Madison Heights

Description: Gain That Competitive Edge!
Come to learn, come to network

New format: Business to Business Networking from 9:30-11 am
Lunch Break 11-11:30 am
Business to Consumer Event 11:30 am- 4 pm

New Seminars: 30-minute sessions to provide consumers and exhibitors with information of interest (TBA)

The 2012 SOBE is brought to you by six of the area Chambers - Berkley, Birmingham, Clawson, Ferndale, Madison Heights/Hazel Park, and Royal Oak.

Attendees will be able to visit over 80 area businesses showcasing products and services that will appeal to both business customers and residents alike.

For more information on exhibiting or attending please call 248.547.4000.

Click here for registration form.

Click here for room layout.

OCN Business Card Mixer

Click HERE to print a copy of the flyer

Welcome New Members!

We warmly welcome 3 new members to the Berkley Chamber:

United Mobile Power Wash

Dry Ice Works

Nicolai Events & Communications, Inc.

Thank you for joining! We look forward to working with you!

We would also like to THANK our returning members. We greatly appreciate your membership and continued support. We look forward to a wonderful 2012!

Copilot Printing (member since 2008)

Raymond James Financial Services (member since 2009)

Coffee Beanery Cafe (member since 2003)

Annual Chili Cook-Off

The Parks and Recreation Department challenges your department/organization to see who has the best tasting chili in all of Berkley, so bring the heat and flavor to...
2nd Annual Chili Cook-Off
January 28, 2012

Click here for the event information and official rules

January Business Workshops

Business owners and entrepreneurs who need assistance are invited to attend seminars in January offered by the Oakland County Business Center. Business Basics workshops are now offered in the evenings on alternating months.

Workshops include:  Pre-business Research, Fundamentals of Writing a Business Plan, Legal & Financial Basics for Small Business, Fast Trac NewVenture, CEED Micro-loan Orientation, Fundamentals of Writing a Business Plan.

Click here for details

Walk for Warmth Fundraiser

Walk for Warmth is a walk-a-thon event. OLHSA (Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency), A Community Action Agency is proud to host the 22nd annual Walk for Warmth events! By our side is Genisys Credit Union, our premier event sponsor.

Become part of the movement! There are Walk for Warmth events all across the country as other Community Action Agencies raise awareness for this important cause. Walk for Warmth is held indoors in both counties OLHSA serves. The event is non-competitive and includes entertainment along the walk course, is family friendly, and includes perks like a t-shirt and refreshments.

People who benefit from Walk for Warmth are residents of Oakland and Livingston Counties. They access the Emergency Utility Assistance program, which is funded by contributions from Walk for Warmth, when faced with a utility shut-off notice. Funds are used throughout the year, but many people associate utility emergencies with the cold winter months.

People who participate in Walk for Warmth are volunteers, stakeholders, elected officials, individual donors, corporate funders, event sponsors, community partners and community members, past and current clients, and vendors. People are invited to participate as individuals or by forming teams.

More Information:

Walk for Warmth Oakland flyer

Sponsor Levels

Client characteristics