Greater Romulus Chamber of Commerce

romuluschamber.org Phone: 734-893-0694

Officers & Directors
President Rev. William Kren The Evangelical Church Vice President Chuck Zuerner EQ-The Environmental Quality Co. Secretary Julie Allison US Park/Qwik Park Treasurer Susan Wyputa Public Service Credit Union Directors Terry Bridges The Spiratex Company William Crane Crane Funeral Home David B. Goodwin Goodwin, Lademan & Associates Ron Hopson Hopson Financial Kevin Johnston Johnston, Lithograph, Inc. Roger Kadau City of Romulus Tim Keyes City of Romulus Mark J. Lewkowicz Landis Machine Shop Patrick Murphy Midwest Health Center Jakleen Ochalek Wayne County Executive office Oscar JR Rhoton Metro Realty Group Larry Williams LWA Properties Executive Director Karen La Belle

info@romuluschamber.com Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

June 2012 Fax: 734-893-0696

Member of the Month June 2012 Blue Sky Ice Cream & Hamburger
Congratulations to Blue Sky Ice Cream & Hamburger, 15155 South Huron River Dr., Romulus, who was selected as the Greater Romulus Chamber of Commerces Member of the Month, for June, 2012. Blue Sky Ice Cream & Hamburger was selected for their continuous contributions to the success of the Romulus Chamber of Commerce and to the community. Pat and Lynn Ostrowski, owners of Blue Sky Ice Cream & Hamburger were presented a certificate by Bill Kren, President and Karen La Belle, Executive Director of the Romulus Chamber of Commerce. Chamber Director Roger Kadau was also present. A history on Blue Sky Ice Cream & Hamburger can be found on Page 2. This information is also available on the Chamber website at www.romuluschamber.org, as well as on our Facebook.

Monthly Business Luncheon Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Guest Speaker: Mary Zellner, Wayne County Fair Location: Best Western Gateway Intl Hotel 9191 Wickham, Romulus Time: 11:30 am registration/ 12 noon, lunch Cost: $15 for Members/ $18 Non Members Topic: Wayne County Fair
Guest Speaker Mary Zellner, Wayne County Fair About Guest Speaker Page 4

The mission of the Greater Romulus Chamber of Commerce is to promote and meet business needs. The Chamber is dedicated to creating an environment wherein the Romulus businesses, non-profit institutions, government, and citizens can work together for the purpose of enhancing the quality of life within the community.

Page 2

Continued from Page 1 Member of the Month June, 2012 Blue Sky Ice Cream & Hamburger Blue Sky Ice Cream & Hamburger
Horse riding, dog walking, maybe your lost, or just out for a country drive and then you see it, on the southeast corner of Eureka and Huron River Drive, a small blue and white building with a little park, lots of green grass and maybe even a chicken sitting on one of the tables. It is Blue Sky Ice Cream & Hamburger. Owned by Lynn and Pat Ostrowski, since 2001 and their 4 legged children, Beethoven (Bay), Osho, Kaii and the newest Ryle. The business has been around since 1957, original owners were Mr. & Mrs. Bader from New Boston, Michigan, who ran a similar business. Since then, there have been several owners over the years. In 1999, it became Blue Sky Ice Cream & Hamburger. The business was put up for sale in 2000, that is when Lynn came in with; Just here to Clean and decided she had to own it. After several attempts to get Pat convinced of that, and pushing the fact there was a bit of property, Lynn convinced Pat to take a look at the place. Its been an adventure ever since In 2001, when Lynn was serving a customer in the window he asked her when the car show started for the season, confused she replied; What? He proceeded to say how he had seen cars here in the past on a Tuesday or Wednesday having a show. Lynn was confused, but said; Well, I dont know, Ill have to check with Pat on that. Needless to say, the first car show date came, it brought in 16 or 17 cars the first week. After 11 seasons of car shows, which now are on Thursdays every week from May through the end of September; it brings in approximately 80 - 130 Classic Cars each week. The highest count to date in one week was 290.

Blue Sky is known for its 6 pack of Old Fashioned Cheeseburgers, with grilled onions, pickles, mustard and ketchup. It has been a customer pleaser since the time they bought the place. Customers love to order a 6 pack to go. They usually end up topping it off with a delicious malt, shake, tornado, slush or an ice cream dessert. The outdoor picnic/park dining gives the place a clean, country feel. The land not only offers parking for vehicles but for horses, golf carts, monster trucks, classic cars, semis, bicycles, motor cycles, as well whatever else you can think to park there. It is a friendly atmosphere, relaxing and inviting. They want you to even bring your dog, cat, bird, or snake, whatever your pet is to visit. If you dont bring your family friend, no worries, their kids will be more than happy to come, sit and have lunch with you. The community is very important to them and they want to make sure they can provide things that everyone can afford and would like to participate in. We are very blessed with the customers and neighbors; you could honestly not ask for better people. Continued on Page 5

Page 3

Presidents Ponderings

Social Networking
I currently work in an industry where change is slow to accept and difficult to implement. This is not meant to be a disparaging remark but it is what it is and Im dealing with it. Sound familiar? Maybe, your company or organization is facing change with feet dragging? Are you in the dark when it comes to electronics, the internet, websites and social networking? If so, read on! Today, social networking sites are extremely popular. Facebook, in particular, is surging in popularity and is now being used in marketing and promotions. When members of the Facebook community visit a friend on Facebook they not only interact with that friend, they are offered links to websites offering products for sale. They are invited to play games, join groups, support causes and expand their knowledge! Facebook incorporates an array of learning tools including videos, images, discussion boards, chat rooms and private messaging all being used by the business community. If you are not using Facebook to bring in leads, create sales opportunities and promote your services maybe the time for change is now. This is why the Romulus Chamber of Commerce is now offering a 2 hour seminar on social networking.

Weve invited Kathy Kane, Market Insights to help drag us into the 21st Century of networking on the internet. As Kathy states on her website: Back in the day (a couple years ago in digital time), people used to say that if you didnt have a website you werent serious about your business. Today, you need to be on Facebook to gain that same credibility. This exciting event will take place on Thursday, July 26th from 1 3:00 p.m. The location will be announced soon. You can reserve your spot by calling the Chamber Office, 734-893-0694 or 734-893-0695. See you then and happy Facebooking!

Bill Kren

Happy Fathers Day Sunday, June 17, 2012

Page 4

About Guest Speaker

Mary Zellner has lived downriver all of her life. Born and raised in Riverview, she grew up on the family farm that was settled in 1876 by her ancestors. Mary is from a large farm family of 5 brothers and 5 sisters. Her family, the Vreelands, are known downriver for their settling of Flat Rock and Riverview. Mary attended Riverview Community Schools, from which she graduated in 1966. At Eastern Michigan University she studied education, earning her B.A. in 1970 in Education with a major in Library Science and a minor in English Literature. Her MA in Education was also from Eastern, in 1976. She was hired by the Riverview Community School District in 1970 as an elementary school Librarian. During her career in Riverview she also taught 2nd grade and was the high school Librarian/Media Specialist for 35 years and senior class sponsor for 32 years. Mary retired in 2008, after working 38 years in public education. During her career, Mary was always an advocate for people. Her work with the students at Riverview High School was extremely rewarding. She worked tirelessly for the districts teachers while serving as their union president for over 30 years. In 1995 Mary was inducted into the Riverview Hall of Fame. She was nominated because of her outstanding contribution to the school and city and for being a role model for the youth of the community. In her retirement Mary continues to be involved as Chairperson of the Riverview Hall of Fame Committee whose mission is not only to recognize other school and community leaders, but to raise money for educational scholarships for graduating seniors in Riverview.

She became a 4-H Leader in 1995, when no one would take over the club and it was going to be disbanded. She served in that capacity until 2011. Her involvement with the Wayne County Fairgrounds is directly related to 4-H. When her son asked to raise sheep and join a 4-H Club she learned that there was a fair ground in Belleville. She helped her son with his sheep project, as a Mom. She then became Sheep Barn Superintendent and Fair Board member. She continued in these positions even after her son became too old to participate in 4-H. In 2006, she was elected Treasurer of the Wayne County Fair Association. She has helped lead the effort in getting the Fairground on sound financial footing and making more people aware that there is a Fairground in Belleville. Mary attends Faith United Methodist Church in Trenton, where she teaches Sunday school. She has been married 42 years to her husband, Edward and they have one son, Mark. Over the years of public service Mary has maintained that quality customer service and community networking are essential ingredients to promote successful organizations.

If you would like to learn more about Wayne County Fair you can visit their website at www.waynecountyfairgrounds.net.

Page 5

Continued from Page 2 Member of the Month, June, 2012 Blue Sky Ice Cream & Hamburger
Charities and giving back to the community have always been important to them. Once a year, Blue Sky hosts a charity baseball game at a local park. Proceeds go towards Kilo Charlie Alpha (K-C-A), an organization started to help out Green Berets veterans who are battling cancer. Local high school players participate in the game and each sells tickets with all funds raised going towards the K-C-A. Charity Palooza is a euchre tournament where the top 3 winners pick a charity of their choice, to receive the winnings. They have animal adoptions, as well, as having Dr. Hermann, veterinarian, provide his services on sight, on a regular basis. Located close to Metro Airport, I-275 and I-94, it is a very easy place to, swing in and grab a quick bite and relax before having to rush back to the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Wednesdays are Bike Nite, starting at 6 pm. Thursdays are Classic Car Shows, starting at 5 pm. Every other Friday (6/22, 7/6, 7/20, etc), Movie Night, provides free movie and free popcorn, starting at dusk.

Pat, Lynn & the Blue Crew are extremely honored to be recognized by the Greater Romulus Chamber of Commerce for the month of June, 12012. It is very nice to be recognized by the Chamber, we are just here for the customers and never really thought we were in the running for any award, we feel very blessed that they considered us and honored us with a certificate. For more information on Blue Sky visit www.941blue.com or find them on facebook at www.facebook.com/blueskyicecream.

Page 6

May Business Luncheon Highlights

Congratulations!! 30 year Chamber Members The following Chamber Members were honored with a plaque from the Chamber in appreciation for their 30 year memberships. Dadson Electric, Romulus, Gil White Jack Demmer, Wayne, Jim Demmer Landis Machine Shop, Romulus, Mark Lewkowicz

Page 7

Welcome New Members

Romulus Tower 36500 Bibbins Romulus, MI 48174 734-942-1230 www.ncr.org Key Awards & Engraving 6635 Allen Rd. Allen Park, MI 48101 313-388-3840 www.keyawards.com The Caldwell Group, LLC P. O. Box 1022 Garden City, MI 48187 313-363-1456

Thank You Renewing Members

The Spiratex Company 6333 Cogswell Romulus, MI 48174 734-722-0100 www.spiratex.com Linda Choate 37776 Walnut Romulus, MI 48174 William Wadsworth 37710 Barth Romulus, MI 48174 Header Products, Inc. 11850 Wayne Rd. Romulus, MI 48174 734-941-2220 www.headerproducts.com Burger, Easton & Company 24701 Halsted Farmington Hills, MI 48335 248-615-6000 www.burgereaston.com PNC 9950 Wayne Rd. S. Romulus, MI 48174 734-941-4110 PC Guru Computers 18412 Telegraph Brownstown, MI 48174 313-550-4140 www.pcgurucomputers.com Jakleen Ochalek 500 Griswold Ave. Detroit, MI 48226 313-224-0755 Continued on Page 8

Member Update
Young and Sons Construction has a new phone number. Please update your records to reflect the following: Young & Sons Construction 24657 Halsted Farmington Hills, MI 48335 734-794-0001 If you are a Chamber Member and have made any updates to your information that is currently reflected in the Chamber Directory or on our website, please contact the Chamber office, so that we may update our records. If you have any updated business cards, brochures or flyers, feel free to drop it by the Chamber office so that it may be displayed in the Chamber lobby!! Let Your Membership Work for You!!

Page 8

E Thank You Renewing Membersm er Continued from Page 7

Total Community Credit Union 25155 Goddard Romulus, MI 48174 313-291-3300 www.tccu.us Frederick Hay Engineering/Construction 14170 Huron River Dr. Romulus, MI 48174 734-941-0728 R. L. Coolsaet Construction Company 28800 Goddard Romulus, MI 48174 734-946-9300 www.rlcoolsaet.com Goodwin, Lademan & Associates 20352 Eureka Taylor, MI 48180 734-287-2400 www.glainsurance.com Waste Management 5980 Inkster Romulus, MI 48174 313-299-4335 www.wm.com Public Service Credit Union 7665 Merriman Romulus, MI 48174 734-641-8400 www.pscunow.com Dadson Electric, Inc. 10015 Romaine Romulus, MI 48174 734-941-6499

Wade-Trim 25251 Northline Taylor, MI 48180 734-947-2610 www.wadetrim.com Seko Worldwide 6800 Cypress S Romulus, MI 48174 734-641-2100 www.sekoworldwide.com Ceva Logistics 10049 Harrison Suite 100 Romulus, MI 48174 734-229-1700 TDS MetroCom 33057 Schoolcraft Livonia,. MI 48150 734-421-5196 www.tdsmetro.com Yankee Air Museum 47884 D St. Belleville, MI 48111 734-483-4030 www.yankeeairmuseum.org M. W. Morss Roofing, Inc. 15423 Oakwood Romulus, MI 48174 734-942-0840 www.morssroofing.com Timothy Keyes City of Romulus 11111 Wayne Rd. Romulus, MI 48174 734-942-7545 Nippon Express U.S.A., Inc. 27501 Hildebrandt Suite 100 Romulus, MI 48174 734-941-3000 www.nipponexpressusa.com

Calendar of Events
June 4 - 24 June 16 June 19 Butterfly Field Trip, Southland Mall, Eureka, Taylor. For more information call 248-885-0447 or visit www.butterfliesinthesky.com. Romulus Farmers Market, Romulus Historical Park, 9 am - 1 pm. Romulus Chamber Business Luncheon, Guest Speaker, Mary Zellnor, Wayne County Fair, Best Western Gateway Intl Hotel, Romulus. Make your reservation now!!

June 20 - 21 Mastering Quickbooks, Intuit, Hilton Garden Inn, Southfield. For more information call 800-564-2688 or visit quickbookstraining.com. June 23 Romulus Historical Society Annual Flea Market, 8 am - 5 pm, Romulus Historical Park. For more information call Cathy Morse at 734-941-6361.

June 25 - 28 Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training, Radisson Kalamazoo, CPI. For more information call 800-558-8976 or visit www.crisisprevention.com.

Mark Your Calendar July 23 Aug. 16 Sept. 18 Oct. 16 Romulus Chamber Social Media Workshop, with Kathy Kane, Market Insights Romulus Chamber Annual Golf Outing, Gateway Golf Course. Contact the Chamber at 734-893-0694 or info@romuluschamber.com to reserve your spot!! Romulus Chamber Business Luncheon, Guest Speaker Randy Perteet, Business Development Specialist, USPS, location tbd. Romulus Chamber Business Luncheon, Guest Speaker, Chief Robert Dickerson, Romulus Police Department, location tbd.