Greetings
Our Mission The Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce is a partnership of Chaldean businesses and professionals working together to strengthen members’ business, increase job opportunities, encourage expansion and promote Chaldean business and culture. The Chamber seeks to service and represent Aramaic-speaking people, including Assyrians, Chaldeans and Syriacs. SAAD HAJJAR
save the date! JANUARY 24 Quarterly Networking Meeting FEBRUARY 7 Industry Outlook APRIL 12 Tenth Annual Awards Dinner MAY 8 Quarterly Networking Meeting MAY 16 Fourth Annual Chaldean Day in Lansing JUNE 20 Tenth Annual Golf Outing JULY (TBD) Cultural Night AUGUST 7 Quarterly Networking Meeting SEPTEMBER 12 Industry Outlook OCTOBER 17 Annual Business Luncheon NOVEMBER 13 Annual Meeting & Board Election DECEMBER 5 Annual Member Christmas Party
MARTIN MANNA
from the chairman and president
T
he holiday season brings time for reflection and hope. As we wind down the final days of 2012, we see many reasons to be optimistic for a prosperous 2013, which happens to be the Chamber’s 10th anniversary. Our optimism is shaped by the many successes of 2012. The Chamber’s membership topped 900 for the first time in five years. Several of the Chamber’s events set attendance records and our charitable arm – the Chaldean Community Foundation – experienced one of its best fundraising years and received a significant increase in funding for the next fiscal year. This positive momentum should not slow down any time soon as the United States economy appears to have turned a corner. The unemployment rate is creeping down, consumer confidence is rising, the U.S. automotive industry continues to add jobs and the housing market appears to be on the upswing with increasing values and an uptick in housing starts – all of which are positive economic indicators. While we get ready to usher in the New Year, the Chamber has many exciting events planned for its first significant milestone. Our next Quarterly Networking Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 24 at Bank of Michigan. The Chamber’s event staff is hard at work planning the next Industry Outlook, happening on Thursday, February 7 and the 10th Annual Dinner taking place on Friday, April 12 at Shenandoah Country Club. We expect to have several local, national and international dignitaries join us in making the Annual Dinner one for the ages. We will continue to keep you up-to-date on all the upcoming events and news from the Chamber and Foundation through our e-newsletter. In the coming issues, we will provide updates on the many exciting ways we plan to celebrate the Chamber’s 10th anniversary. As always, thank you for your membership and continued support of the Chaldean Community. Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Please join us! Learn more at ChaldeanChamber.com. Saad Hajjar Martin Manna Chairman President 4
CHALDEAN COMMERCE FALL 2012