Ferndale Business Association Growing, Plans for Spirited Event Dec. 16
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Dec. 10, 2023)
Ferndale, MI – Dozens of entrepreneurs and those representing small businesses mingled in the glow of ambiance at Pop’s for Italian for the recent Ferndale Business Association Holly Jolly Holiday Mixer. The event was an opportunity to network, to form and deepen friendships, to celebrate community, to enjoy the fine food of the venue, and to learn.
The Ferndale Business Association is a fairly new organization, having launched on May 18 to help meet the needs of the small business community. Regular networking events are the start of the organization which aims to add scholarships and community service into the mix as they grow in the coming year.
The Nov. 30 event also included the opportunity for headshots by Greg Aubry of Aubry Photography.
Aubry, who also specializes in real estate photography, launched his business five years ago. He’s excited to see how being part of the FBA can help him grow his business and help the community.
“I got a very strong and positive impression from everyone I met. At this point in my life I’ve lived in Ferndale longer than anywhere else and I want to see Ferndale businesses thrive and cooperate with one another and keep growing our community.”
Over 20 people took the time to smile for Aubry’s camera. “Headshots are fun to do for several reasons. You’re meeting someone, often for the first time, and getting a bit of their story while you get them to open up and let their guard down so you can capture their essence in photos. There’s something fundamentally human and rewarding about that process. It’s also fun when they see the final result and get excited.” He was also able to spread the word about his real estate and other business photography services.
Heather Coleman Voss of Career Savvy Coaching also sponsored the event and raffled off LinkedIn reviews. Downtown Development Authority Director Jennie Beeker was on hand to give updates.
Ferndale Councilperson Raylon Leaks May, who will be sworn in as Mayor in January, also attended the mixer. “The Ferndale Business Association provides a great opportunity for businesses and residents to network and for businesses to showcase what they have to offer. This is an event that I truly enjoy attending when I am able,” she said.
The next FBA event takes place Dec. 16 at the 215W event venue. The Spirit of Ferndale gathering will feature holiday craft cocktails named for a dozen Ferndale businesses and groups. There will be a raffle for five participants to win $100, with a drawing every hour.
A Ferndale Radio DJ is providing the music and work from local artists will adorn the space thanks to Ferndale Arts and Cultural Commission. There will be a photo booth sponsored by Jim Shaffer and Associates and there will also be vendors offering up holiday gifts, treats, and health focused services. There will be food samples from local restaurants, a food truck outside, and games to play like giant Jenga and cornhole.
“Let’s have some holiday fun!” said FBA Ambassador Oscar Renautt. The event takes place Dec. 16 from 1-5pm at 215W, located at 215 W. 9 Mile in Downtown Ferndale.
Learn more about the Ferndale Business Association at https://www.ferndaleba.com/about
