Monday, January 30, 2012

Governor to address state’s future at Chamber Government Forecast


As I write, the weather continues to defy any rational explanation. It is raining – again – and forecasts continue to predict above-average temperatures for the foreseeable future. So much for The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Michigan’s weather is only one of many unpredictable things these days. These are truly uncertain, challenging yet exciting times as the mitten state celebrates its 175th birthday. To help our Members and guests navigate these unchartered waters, the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber each year presents our Forecast Series, which identifies trends in government, health care, the economy and other issues and industries critical to the business community.

And we are thrilled to have Gov. Rick Snyder joining us on Feb. 17 as the keynote speaker for our Government Forecast breakfast at the prestigious Townsend Hotel in downtown Birmingham. We look forward to the governor reflecting on his first year in office, speaking about challenges and opportunities for our state in 2012 and beyond, and fielding questions from those in attendance. It should be an exciting and very enlightening program.

Following the Government Forecast, the Chamber is presenting an equally exciting Healthcare Forecast March 15 at the revolutionary Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital. The breakfast meeting will include a discussion on how the West Bloomfield campus is transforming how health and wellness care is provided; as well as a panel discussion on how reform, wellness and employee benefit programs impact and help shape your business.

Our 2012 Forecast Series wraps up back at the Townsend Hotel on April 12 for our Economic Forecast luncheon featuring Business Economist Paul Traub of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Traub is expected to discuss how both the regional and local economies have fared in the first quarter of 2012, what he sees for the rest of the year and the impact the national elections can have on the economy.
We are very proud of our lineup for 2012, and are confident our guests
will walk away from these programs, informed, enlightened, and perhaps even entertained a little bit. Details and registration information for the entire series is available on the BBC Web site at www.bbcc.com, or call our offices at (248) 644-1700.

By: Joe Bauman Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber President

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

ATTORNEY SAYS CONNECTING OTHERS IS HOW SHE MAKES A DIFFERENCE


Lori T. Williams named Ambassador of the Year

Birmingham, MICH., January 18, 2012 – The Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber has named Lori T. Williams, Owner and Managing Attorney of Your Legal Resource, PLLC as Ambassador of the Year for 2011.

“Volunteers are the backbone of the Chamber,” said President Joe Bauman. “With a small but mighty staff of four, we could not execute our programs and serve the more than 650-member businesses of the Chamber without dedicated volunteers. Lori is very active and provides exemplary service to the Chamber and we’re pleased to recognize her as Ambassador of the Year.”

Williams founded Your Legal Resource in 2004, after practicing family law for 14 years prior. It started as a legal referral service connecting the right client with the right legal professional and then grew to include consulting for attorneys and other professionals to help them grow their practice. Williams describes her business as a personal, professional, and spiritual convergence.

“I was in a course at my church in January of 2004, studying the book Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, when the light bulb went on that my purpose was to connect others. I had to laugh initially, because I ended relationships as a divorce attorney, prior to building relationships for a living through Your Legal Resource. It gives me great joy to connect others, whether in my business, at the Chamber, or in the community. Others tell me they really appreciate my efforts and that it makes a big difference for them.”

Williams also serves as Membership Chair for the Women’s Bar Association, which is the Oakland Region of the Women Lawyer Association of Michigan. She is also an active member of The Collaborative Group, based in Birmingham, is a blogger for Birmingham Patch, is active at the Birmingham Campus of Kensington Community Church, and is the mother of two sons attending the Birmingham schools.

Your Legal Resource, PLLC is a member of the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber, a membership organization dedicated to promoting economic development, strengthening the business climate and improving the quality of life in Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township and Franklin. For more information, visit www.bbcc.com.

Governor to speak at chamber meeting


Gov. Rick Snyder will be the keynote speaker at the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber's Government Forecast breakfast scheduled for Friday, Feb. 17, at the Townsend Hotel.

Snyder is expected to speak on his first year as governor, and discuss his plans for the state in 2012 and beyond. A question and answer session with chamber members and guests will follow the governor's remarks.

“The Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber is pleased to welcome Governor Rick Snyder as our featured Forecast speaker,” said Alicia Green, 2012 Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber board chairwoman. “We are happy to continue to provide exceptional presenters and opportunities for our members.”

The Government Forecast program is scheduled 7:30-9:30 a.m. and includes networking and a plated breakfast. Tickets are $40 in advance for chamber members and $50 for non-members and guests. Corporate tables of eight are available for $290. Register online at www.bbcc.com or call (248) 644-1700.

Corporate sponsorships for the event are available. Call Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber Marketing and Event Manager Andrea Kaczmarek at (248) 644-1700, ext. 24, or e-mail at andreak@bbcc.com for details.

Joe Bauman is the president of the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

The Perfect Bite, The Perfect Price

The city's crowd-drawing Birmingham Restaurant Week event will be held from Jan. 30 - Feb. 3 and Feb. 6 - 10. The delicious dining event happens just once per year.

Take advantage of this opportunity to dine at the city's finest restaurants featuring specially created menus at extraordinary prices. Delve into three-course lunches for $15 and three-course dinners for $30. Brand new this year, Forgotten Harvest is the official charity partner for Restaurant Week. The campaign is called “5 Feeds 25”; a $5 dollar donation will provide 25 meals for those in need.

Participating restaurants have already set out collection canisters and hope to collectively raise $10,000 to provide meals for 50,000 meals to Metro Detroit families in need. Participating restaurants include 220 Restaurant, Barrio Tacos & Tequila, Big Rock Chop & Brew House, Cafe' Via, Cameron's Steakhouse, Chen Chow Brasserie, Elie's Mediterranean Cuisine, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Forest Grill, Luxe Bar & Grill, Mitchell's Fish Market, Phoenicia, Salvatore Scallopini, South Bar, Streetside Seafood, The Rugby Grille, Toast, Townhouse Bistro and Zazio's. Check out the event Web site, www.birminghamrestaurantweek.org

Written by Marianne Gamboa Observer & Eccentric Correspondent