Chamber members, friends, supporters, and community,

2022 was another challenging year for all of us once again.  Who could possibly imagine?  Yet for most of us we found a way to navigate through it and survive, or in some cases flourish in spite of all the barriers.

The Chamber continued its steady membership growth in 2022.  The year for the Chamber was one of a number of successes in spite of numerous challenges including: COVID and other respiratory epidemics,  politics, the economy, the war in Ukraine, inflation, supply chain issues, gas prices and the computer chip shortage.  In fact the Chamber led the way with getting back to business by once again hosting its monthly luncheons as well as the Chesterfield Cruise & 5K and the Warren Center Line Cruise & 5K.
 

MONTHLY LUNCHEONS GUEST SPEAKERS

We had a number of outstanding community leaders speak at our monthly luncheons including:

         Congresswoman Lisa McClain
         Macomb County Board of Commissioners Chairman Don Brown
        State Senator Mike MacDonald
        Warren Mayor Jim Fouts
        Chesterfield Supervisor Brad Kersten
        Gubernatorial Candidate Tudor Dixon
         Gubernatorial Candidate Roger Rinke
         Chesterfield Clerk Cindy Berry
         Center Line Mayor Bob Binson
         Macomb Township Supervisor Frank Viviano
         Saint Clair County Board Chair Jeff Bohm

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CHAMBER PAC SUPPORT 2022 ELECTIONS

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The  Chamber PAC (political action coalition)* supported a number of successful candidates for public office in 2022.  Support came in the form of endorsements, financial, consulting services, campaign management services or a combination of the aforementioned.

    State Representative Douglas Wozniak
     State Senator Paul Wojno
    Chesterfield Township Supervisor Brad Kersten
    U.S. Congresswoman Lisa McClain
    Macomb County Commissioner Michelle Nard
    Macomb County Commissioner Harold Haugh
 

PLEASE NOTE: The Southeast Michigan Chamber of Commerce Political Action Coalition is not an official body of the chamber.

Chamber members that have an interest in the local political apparatus meet informally to initiate support for highly qualified candidates for public office. 

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CHAMBER FUNDRAISING EVENTS AND FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

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TOTAL FUNDRAISING 2022

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$68,3250

 

​Warren Community Foundation

 

From an events perspective the Warren Center Line Chamber of Commerce once again assisted the Warren Community Foundation with its annual major fundraising events, Cruisin 53 (Center Line Warren Cruise) and the Run Warren & Center Line 5K.  Both of which were very successful as community events and as fundraisers.  I was especially pleased with the growth of the Cruise geographically up and down the corridor. Finally the WCF & CHAMBER LEADERSHIP GIVING raised and distributed more than $39,000 for numerous local charities and non profits. Please take note of the specific contributions made report attached.

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North Gratiot Cruise Foundation

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The Gratiot Avenue Chamber of Commerce assisted the North Gratiot Cruise Foundation with its annual Cruise.  Again both events were relatively successful considering the weather the day of the event.  It poured rain in the morning at almost exactly the time of the start of the 5K and then proceeded to rain pretty much the balance of the morning.  Noon came, it cleared up, and the cruisers came out.  Finally the NGCF & CHAMBER LEADERSHIP GIVING raised and distributed more than $29,350 for numerous local charities and non profits. Please take note of the specific contributions made report attached.

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MACOMB HOMELESS LEADERSHIP

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Once again the Chamber lead the way in terms of supporting the Homeless Community in Macomb County.  Primarily through the Chambers leadership role with MCREST (Macomb County Rotating Emergency Shelter Team) and the Macomb County Warming Center.  This past year the Chamber played an integral role in providing safe harbor to as many as 250 individuals in a given night.  The Chamber continued to play a critical leadership role in the development of the new MCREST WOMEN AND CHILDREN'S SHELTER in Mount Clemens.  The Women and Childrens Shelter opened its doors to full capacity on Palm Sunday with 50 Women and Children being housed.  Additionally the Chamber played a leadership role with the MCREST acquisition of the building that will ultimately become the MCREST MEN'S SHELTER. We have begun fundraising for the build out of that facility.  Finally, the Chamber along with MCREST played a significant role in the reestablishment of the MACOMB COUNTY WARMING CENTER.  We worked with community partners and Macomb County government to both find and establish a permanent location and secure funding to operate.  We would like to take this opportunity to thank both County Executive Mark Hackel and Macomb County Board of Commissioners Board Chair Don Brown for their assistance and leadership in regard to this important matter.

    Again this year the Chamber assisted with hosting the MCREST Homeless Childrens Christmas Party at Andiamos in Warren.  We would like to say a special thank you to Joe Vicari and the Andiamo Team for their commitment and support.  We would also like to recognize the Ascension Health team for providing the gifts for all of the children.  Thank you Ascension!!!!!

    I would like to say a special thanks to Chamber members that are also board members for MCREST: Robert Boccomino, Hank Luks, Macomb County Treasure Larry Rocca, Clinton Township Trustee Tammy Patton, Sue Latour Ostosh  and Scott Zemens for their dual leadership roles.  Great job!

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LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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If you are interested in getting more involved with the Chamber and would like to take a leadership role you might want to participate with one of the following committees. Please give me a call if you have interest in any of the following:

Membership
Speakers Bureau
Events
   Boat Outing
   Golf Outing
   Cruises
   Running Events
   Ambassadors

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INFORMATIONAL WORKSHOP OPPORTUNITY

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This year we will be revisiting our former Chamber model of hosting informational workshops prior to the regularly scheduled luncheon meetings. If you would like to present to the Chamber membership, please contact me to discuss further.

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LUNCHEON SPONSOR WITH SPEAKING OPPORTUNITY

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If you would like the opportunity to address the Chamber attendees at one of the monthly luncheons, you may do so as a result of your sponsorship of that particular location. You will have the opportunity to distribute your information to the attendees as well as having 5-10 minutes to tell your story prior to the introduction of that month's guest speaker. If you have interest, please contact me to discuss further.

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CHAMBER WELCOME PROGRAM

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 We have begun a WELCOME PROGRAM for new businesses in both the City of Warren and the City of Center Line.  If you would like to participate with this program please let me know.
 

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEW MEMBERS & CORPORATE SPONSORS 2022

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 THE ORCHARDS OF MICHIGAN
    CONSTRUCTEAM
    HOUSE OF LENDING
    SAWYER SERVICES
    HOME PRIDE REALTY
    JDOG JUNK REMOVAL
    DRIVE CREATIVE
    GARDENER WHITE
    BEAUMONT
    BEAUTIFUL MACK
    GREAT LAKES FUNDING
    NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS
    SUBURBAN FORD
    MACOMB PHARMACY
    AMERIPRISE
     ISI INSURANCE
     NEWAY
     SUCCULENT SENSATIONS
     OUT DOOR EQUIPMENT
     RON BOMMARITO
     MCCLAIN FIANCIAL
     STAFF WORKS
     MAC LAW
     VARGO GOLF
     PRESERVE INDEPENDANCE
     APEX ADVISORS