Customers with AT&T services can click on the drop down box on channel 99 and can choose either of the Dearborn channels.

U-verse customers also are able to choose from a number of cities on the network. This also allows customers in other cities to view Dearborn programs as well.

CDTV is already available to Comcast and WOW cable customers. It is channel 12 on Comcast and channel 10 on WOW.

All CDTV programming can also be viewed any time at www.cityofdearborn.org.

CDTV provides local programming that highlights what is happening in Dearborn.

DPATV is also available on WOW, channel 18, and can be viewed any time at www.cityofdearborn.org.

The following is a listing of the programming created by CDTV.

City Council meetings are carried live and then seen in rebroadcasts.

• “This Week in Dearborn” is hosted by Mayor John B. O’Reilly, Jr. This weekly program highlights current and important events and issues that affect Dearborn residents.
• “Dearborn Journal” is a series that provides viewers with a look at the different programs and events that take place in the city.
• “Meet Your Council” is a monthly program that features a segment from each of the seven Dearborn City Council members. Each month the Council keeps residents informed about city services, local businesses and other current issues that affect Dearborn.
• “Senior Services” highlights the services and programs available through the Dearborn Senior Services Division.
• “Dearborn Libraries, Check ‘Em Out” is the outreach program for the libraries.

Quarterly produced programs include:

• “Sports N Rec,” which shows the numerous fitness and sporting activities available in Dearborn.
• “Paw Prints” is produced with the Friends for the Dearborn Animal Shelter. This program is an outreach that shares helpful tips on the safety and care of animals, and adoption opportunities.
• “City Commissions” provides an opportunity for the different Dearborn commissions to share their latest activities.

DPATV allows individuals and groups to produce programs that they believe are of interest to the public. CDTV staff administers DPATV. CDTV is part of the City of Dearborn’s Department of Public Information.

For more information on CDTV or DPATV call 313-943-2365.

If an individual comes to your door and asks for a contribution to support a political, religious or charitable cause, the individual must have displayed on his person an ID card issued by the Dearborn Police Department.

If an individual comes to your door to espouse his or her views regarding a political, religious or charitable cause but does not ask for a contribution, the individual does not have to have an ID or a permit issued by the City of Dearborn. Door-to-door proselytizing is protected speech under the First Amendment.

If an individual comes to your door to offer goods or services for sale (e.g., new windows, gutter cleaning), the individual must have a vendor’s license issued by the Dearborn City Clerk. This license must be produced upon request.

Door-to-door solicitation is permitted between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Individuals seeking contributions or attempting to sell goods or services are prohibited from approaching homes where a “no solicitation” sign appears on the door.

These signs are available at the Mayor’s Office at City Hall and online through the City website at www.cityofdearborn.org. Check the link for Online Services & Publications and follow it to Homeowners.

Violation of these regulations is a misdemeanor; violators should be reported to the Dearborn Police Department at 313.943.2201.

As always, if a resident observes suspicious activity, the Dearborn Police Department should be contacted immediately by calling 911.

“Using our Michigan Turnaround Plan as a checklist, we can see how much has been done to strengthen our state,” said James B. Nicholson, Chair, Board of Directors, Business Leaders for Michigan and President & CEO, PVS Chemicals, Inc. “Our state finances are managed better, our tax policy has improved and our regulatory environment is improving. We are beginning to see real, measurable evidence that Michigan is on its way to an economic recovery. Now that our foundation is more solid, it’s time to look toward the future.”

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The MTP is an aggressive agenda to make Michigan a Top Ten State for job, economic and personal income growth. The new 2012 MTP identifies the progress that has been made in Steps 1-5, and adds an important new step- Leveraging Assets to Grow the New Michigan. Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman William Clay Ford, Jr. will champion the “New Michigan” strategy for Business Leaders for Michigan.

“There are so many possibilities that lie ahead for Michigan’s future. What’s so exciting is that these opportunities are not something we have to dream about. They are all here, and starting to happen today,” said Bill Ford. “Michigan is a great example of American ingenuity. We created a way of life by inventing and making things that improve people’s lives. We’ve done it before, and we can do it again.”

“The 2012 Turnaround Plan builds on the foundation set by steps 1-5 and lays out a vision for the ‘New Michigan’ economy based on Michigan’s unique assets and strengths,” said Doug Rothwell, President and CEO, Business Leaders for Michigan. “We’ve identified growth opportunities that we are confident will have the highest-potential over the next ten years to accelerate growth and create thousands of good paying jobs. These are real objectives, grounded with research, and with prospects to dramatically reshape and strengthen Michigan’s economic future.”

Using data gathered from BLM’s work with respected global management firm McKinsey and Company, Step 6 of the 2012 Michigan Turnaround Plan:

• Identifies existing Michigan assets and competitive strengths;
• Identifies corresponding “growth opportunities” that build on those assets that have the highest potential to grow good paying jobs quickly and change Michigan’s economy in meaningful and lasting ways;
• Has potential to move Michigan to top 10 performance on output metrics like GDP growth, unemployment and GDP per capital;
• Provides a 10+ year vision for growing the “New Michigan” economy; and
• Has potential to grow up to a half million NEW jobs and increase personal income by $18,000 per person if fully realized.
• The sixth step of the MTP, Leveraging Assets to Grow the New Michigan, identifies distinct Michigan strengths and their inherent opportunities for long-term economic growth in Michigan:
• Grow and brand Michigan’s manufacturing, production and talent capacity to develop an unrivaled reputation as the world’s Global Engineering Village
• Capitalize on Michigan’s ideal strategic location and available resources to become the premier Gateway to the Midwest
• Invest in a Higher Education Marketplace that boosts Michigan’s talent base
• Invest in and leverage Michigan’s natural resources in sustainable ways to grow a Natural Resources Economy
• Renew our commitment to and build on Michigan’s automotive heritage to become the Global Center of Mobility
• Develop Michigan’s Life Sciences Hub based on our robust health, medical and bio-pharmaceutical capabilities

The announcement was made at Ford’s Research and Innovation Center in Dearborn, MI and included William Clay Ford, Jr., Executive Chairman, Ford Motor Company; James B. Nicholson, Chair, Board of Directors, Business Leaders for Michigan and President & CEO, PVS Chemicals; Sandra E. Pierce, President & CEO, Charter One-Michigan; Charles G. McClure, Chairman, President & CEO, Meritor, Inc. and Hans-Werner Kaas, McKinsey & Company.

About Business Leaders for Michigan

Business Leaders for Michigan, the state’s business roundtable, is dedicated to making Michigan a “Top Ten” state for job, economic and personal income growth. The organization is composed exclusively of the chairpersons, chief executives or most senior executives of Michigan’s largest companies and universities, which provide over 320,000 jobs in Michigan, generate over $1 Trillion in annual revenue and serve over 135,000 students. The organization’s work is defined by the Michigan Turnaround Plan, a holistic, fact-based strategy to get Michigan’s economy back on track. For more information, visit www.BusinessLeadersforMichigan.com .

The Walk-About concept was modeled after a similar event held by the South Placer Business community in September, 2010. South Placer is comprised of the Sacramento Metro Chamber, City of Lincoln, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, City of Rocklin, Rocklin Area Chamber of Commerce, City of Roseville, Roseville Chamber of Commerce, and Placer County in California.

What can be done to improve business? - Graphic from WalkAbout results.

The walk paired one Dearborn Chamber of Commerce member with one City staffer or official for 12 teams. Groups focused on several key business districts, including West Dearborn (from Mason to Telegraph on Michigan Ave.), East Dearborn (Greenfield, Warren and Schaeffer), Monroe, and Telegraph between Oxford and Ford Rd.. Each pair asked three basic questions: How is business?; What do you like about doing business in the area?; and What improvements are needed in the area?

When asked “How is business,” more than half of respondents indicated that business “was good, could be better.” An overwhelming majority (89%) said business was “okay or better.” While these responses represent a positive business climate, 11% admitted that business was suffering.

When asked “What do you like most about doing business in Dearborn?,” 31% indicated that they liked their locations most, followed closely by community atmosphere. Twenty-two percent appreciated their client base and demographics best. The findings for “What can be done to improve business,” showed that 23% answered “other.” When asked for details, responses included filling empty store fronts, lowering taxes, parking lot issues and city cooperation. Twenty percent hope for traffic flow improvements and 20% hope for improved economy.

“We can’t promise any kind of immediate results to issues that business owners identified, but this event gives us another opportunity to learn about the experiences of the business community, and help us to continue to respond in a relevant ways,” said Barry Murray, the director of the City’s Economic and Community Development Department.

The report findings will be distributed to each participating business, Chamber leadership and city officials for review. According to Jennifer Giering, President of the Dearborn Chamber of Commerce, two Walk Abouts are scheduled for 2012 to continue the momentum of this outreach effort. The Dearborn Chamber intends to present its findings at an upcoming City Council meeting. The Chamber provides more than 500 members with the opportunities and resources to engage and network with other businesses, enhancing financial growth, professional development, and the ability to contribute to a thriving community environment.

George T. Darany

“The original legislation that was passed in 2008 set the stage for millions of dollars to be invested by the film industry in Michigan,” said Darany. “However, at the start of 2011, we saw the industry come under attack with a proposal to phase-out the film credits. Eliminating these credits restricts Michigan’s ability to diversify our economy and attract projects that will help rebuild our state. While I am pleased that some incentives were made available, we should not be discouraging emerging industries that have made substantial investments in Michigan.”

The 2012 budget caps the total funds that are available for new film incentives to $25 million, which is a significant reduction from the original program. According to the Michigan Film Incentive 2010 Annual Report, an anticipated $39.8 million film incentive brought the major motion picture “Oz: The Great and Powerful” to Michigan. The report listed that the production, which just recently wrapped, planned to spend approximately $105 million in the state and hire more than 250 Michigan residents. The film was shot at the Raleigh Michigan Studios in Pontiac which invested $80 million to have the studio built in the state.

“The bill we passed in December will provide some financial assistance for a very limited amount of qualified productions in Michigan,” said Darany. “However, we need to do more if we want to make our state competitive in the film industry. The former incentives were very successful in making Michigan one of the top states for attracting film and TV projects, which brought us jobs and economic activity. At a time when many Michigan citizens are still struggling economically, we should not be leaving job opportunities on the cutting room floor.”

The first winner selected was Steve Summers, a resident of Lambertville, Michigan, who is an information technology manager with the University of Michigan Health System.

Steve Summers, at left, receives an iPad 2 from Peder Blohm, founder of MyNewMarketplace.com. Summers was winner of the website’s random drawing held in December.

“I started following MyNewMarketplace.com when it was launched in beta and then signed up for a membership when the site was re-launched in the fall as a member-based online community,” said Summers, who received the iPad in December.  “Winning the iPad was a bonus and came as a timely gift before the holidays.”

The second winner selected was Ruth Kade, a resident of St. Clair Shores, who became a member to help promote her business, “Ruth’s Gal Friday” services for light housekeeping, meal preparation, personal shopping and other errands.

Peder Blohm, the founder of MyNewMarketplace.com, emphasized that the website is designed to give its members a secure way to way to buy and sell products and services.

“We made a decision early on not to accept personal ads and escort services like many of the classified sites that have come under heavy media and police scrutiny following some terrible crimes,” said Blohm.   “We also have tools in place that help prevent members from receiving spam like Craigslist, which gets lots of complaints from users.”

The cost of membership on MyNewMarketplace.com is based on the number of ad listings.  Individual membership ranges from $5.95 per month for up to 15 ad listings, to $9.95 per month for up to 40 ad listings.  There is no cost of membership for buyers or people who visit the site.

Business memberships on MyNewMarketplace.com also differ from other sites.  Member businesses can include their entire inventory in one location under “Shops” or “Services.”  Individual items are also listed in the “Classifieds” section.  A member business that has an online shop can link visitors directly from MyNewMarketplace.com to its own shopping cart.

Business memberships range from $19.95 to a maximum of $59.95 per month, which includes up to one thousand ad listings.

Another advantage over other member-based sites is that MyNewMarketplace.com does not charge any fee or get involved in transactions between buyers and sellers.

To grow the website’s ad listings and number of members, free three-month trial memberships are currently available for individuals and businesses.

“Most of our members and website ads are currently from people and businesses in southeast Michigan,” added Blohm. “We are confident that we’ll experience steady growth, locally and then nationally, as people look for cost effective and secure ways to buy and sell products and services online.”

For more information and to place ads, visit www.MyNewMarketplace.com or email sales@mynewmarketplace.com.

DMC health experts will share important information about heart health, smart eating and exercise. The panel discussion will be followed by an opportunity for high powered networking and a cutting-edge runway-style fashion experience. The show will feature local celebrities modeling the hottest looks from New York’s Carlisle and Per Se Collections.

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“We felt it was important to create the opportunity to educate the community about health issues that impact us the most,” said Chamber President Jennifer Giering. “With women’s busy schedules, we wanted to offer a one-stop forum for healthy living, important networking opportunities and fashion.”

A reception featuring heart-healthy appetizers will be a part of this brand new event.

Other local businesses included are Sophia’s Giftique, a boutique that features funky bags, one-of-a-kind jewelry and custom-made cards/invitations. CID Design will provide custom-made jewelry.

The DMC panel discussion featuring experts in cardiology, endocrinology, smoking cessation, diet and fitness begins at 6 pm. After the cocktail reception at 7 pm, the fashion show will commence, with moderator Barb Biess, Carlisle and Per Se stylist. Cost is $25 per person and includes a complimentary glass of wine, appetizers with cash bar. Register online.

Other sponsors include Health Alliance Plan and Styleline Magazine.

The Dearborn Chamber of Commerce provides 500+ members with the opportunities and resources to engage and network with other businesses, enhancing financial growth, professional development, and the ability to contribute to a thriving community environment.

Michael Kirk of Neuman Smith Architecture

Board members who were re-elected for a second term include; Cecelia Fydroski, Henry Ford Center Fairlane / Ford Road; Rick Hillbom, Oakwood Hospital; Minnie LaGrande, PNC Bank, Rick Morrone, Blue Cross Blue Shield; Cathy O’Malley, Fairlane Towne Center and Michelle Plucinsky, The Glass Academy.

“On behalf of the leadership of the Dearborn Chamber of Commerce, I want to extend a warm welcome to the six newly elected Directors of the Dearborn Chamber of Commerce,” said outgoing chairman of the board Eddie Fakhoury, Executive Director of the Dearborn Education Foundation. “We are very pleased to have such a distinguished group of professionals join our organization.”

Rick Morrone of Blue Cross Blue Shield

The newly elected directors were formally introduced at the Holiday Auction, December 7 at Village Ford. Additionally, Mike Kirk, Neumann Smith Architecture, was introduced as the incoming Board Chair and Rick Morrone, Blue Cross Blue Shield as Chair-Elect. Patti Jones, U of M Dearborn, Marty Heger, Dearborn Federal Savings Bank, Bob Pierce, The Dearborn Inn, A Marriott Hotel and Jim Thorpe, Ameriprise Financial were acknowledged as outgoing board members having served at least 2 three-year terms.

The Chamber provides 500+ members with the opportunities and resources to engage and network with other businesses, enhancing financial growth, professional development and the ability to contribute to a thriving community environment.

EDDDA - East Dearborn Downtown Development Authority Building on Michigan Ave.

Join them and casually network with district merchants and residents, business partners, stakeholders and City of Dearborn officials.

It’s a great opportunity to connect with the EDDDA and learn what they do and what they can do to help support and promote their district businesses and the East Dearborn downtown area.  As always, guests will enjoy tasting “the world in a mile” with fabulous food from several of the diverse restaurants in the neighborhood. Beverages will also be served.

No reservations necessary, and all are welcome to attend.

Speaking of the holidays, the EDDDA also paid for holiday decorations of garland, lights and red bows that are merrily strung upon streetlight poles along Michigan Avenue and Schaefer Road.

For more on events and businesses in east Dearborn, visit the EDDDA website and sign up for their newsletter at www.EastDowntownDearborn.com.  Learn more about EDDDA on the East Dearborn Downtown Development Authority – Facebook page.

No, it’s not Blue Beanie Day - that was yesterday.  Saturday at Fairlane, Berry-Brown, who serves as vice president and National Arab and Chaldean Business Affairs Manager for Comerica, was joined by her husband Phil Brown, as well as their six-year-old son Amr and five-year-old daughter Maya. Volunteers like the Berry-Brown family are working to help The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit meet its goal of raising $8.2 million through its Red Kettle Campaign this year.

Left to right: Phil Brown, Amal Berry-Brown, and their son Amr Brown

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Amal Berry-Brown of Comerica rings the bell for the Salvation Army at Fairlane Mall in Dearborn

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Maya - Amal Berry-Brown's daughter rings the bell at Fairlane Mall in Dearborn.

Related Stories

• The Salvation Army Launches $8.2 Million Red Kettle Campaign - Dearborn Free Press
• Help the Needy With the Ring of a Bell - Dearborn Free Press
• Comerica VP Builds Banking Bridges Within Arab American Community – Dearborn Patch
• Co-op Services Credit Union Partners With Salvation Army – Dearborn Free Press