Ferndale Area Chamber Gives Awards, and Receives One As Well

(Crystal A. Proxmire, Nov. 10, 2013)

The Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce is giving and receiving this month as awards abound.  The business-driven organization held their annual awards ceremony on Nov. 7, recognizing outstanding members in several categories.

On top of that, the Chamber was recently given The Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals 2013 Outstanding Chamber of Commerce Award—Small Chamber Category.   “The Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce received this award based on its accomplishments in leadership and governance, financial stewardship, business advocacy and member programming,” said Bob Thomas, Director for the Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals. “Among the chamber’s noted achievements were its innovative programming, membership services and organizational financial performance.”

MACP also presented a 2013 Outstanding Chamber of Commerce award to the Macomb County Chamber of Commerce in the Mid-size Category.

The Ferndale Area Chamber offers many services to members, including networking opportunities, marketing tools, business education and advocacy, a focus on economic development through the greater Ferndale area, and discounts on goods and services. Events like “Coffee Connection” give regular networking opportunities, while special events like the Rainbow Run and participating in the DIY Street Fair connect the businesses with the broader community.

Over 300 businesses are part of the Chamber, which recently expanded to include Oak Park.

At the recent Awards Gala, members mingled and enjoyed a carnival-themed celebration.  Members played games and earned carnival dollars that could be applied to auction items.  They celebrated the MACP Award and recognized their outstanding members with awards of their own.

Chris Johnston, Krista Johnston and Brian Reedy were presented with the Philanthropy Award.  They are the owners of three local businesses: The Woodward Avenue Brewers, The Emory and The Loving Touch.  Among their many charitable endeavors is the DIY Street Festival, and hosting charity events for the schools at their establishments.

Councilperson and Real Estate Attorney Scott Galloway was given the Special Service Award for his twelve years of public service on City Council, his activities in the Chamber, and his service to the Boys and Girls Club.

The Volunteer of the Year, for a second time, is Carol Jackson.  Jackson owns Bits and Pieces Small Business Solutions and is often working on organizing Chamber events and volunteering at them.

Jeff King took home two awards – New Business of the Year for his restaurant Imperial, and Business Person of the Year.  King recently opened Imperial and Public House and has plans to open two more businesses shortly.

Best of Oak Park went to Sahara Restaurant, whose owners have been instrumental in getting the city to allow beer and wine sales in restaurants.

Best of Ferndale went to Chazzano Coffee Roasters, an E. 9 Mile business that has grown tremendously in the four years since it first opened.

Best Coffee Connection Host Award went to Tri-Pups, Inc, a locally-owned construction company that has been active at many Chamber events.

To learn more about the Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce visit their website at www.ferndalechamber.com.