Michigan, USA - Frustrated Detroit Chaldean business owners breathe a sign of relief.  “Finally.  It took this long and cost so much for this city to see what kind of crook we had in office,” says Khalid Nalou, manager of Downtown Corner Market.  “He picked on small business from day one.  This man forced more business to leave a city than Katrina.  I moved my entire family from Detroit and was looking for another place to work.”

The infamous Democratic Mayor was not shy to share his dislike for small businesses in the city.  He often complained and organized attacks against convenient stores, gas stations, hardware stores, salons, and dollar retailers. 

“He upset and offended so many people.  He was arrogant and thought he was a lion.  Now he is a mouse.  When you are sel;fish and not humble, this is what happens,” says Nalou.   Kilpatrick will shamefully resign, serve 120 days in jail, and pay $1M restitution. 

Michigan, USA - Often food of the ethnic variety is a cultured taste where so much is tied to familial memories and good times.  A whiff of a favorite dish can transcend you back to a fond experience.  Add to the memories a combination of authentic spices and learned taste buds and you have a native’s perspective of their own cuisine. 

However, to someone less adjusted to the culture, culinary experience, or learned taste buds you might find a completely different perspectives.  Jane Slaughter, food critic of Detroit Metro Times recently shared her insight of New Sahara located in Farmington Hills, Michigan.  This is what she had to say…

California, USA - “Few would argue that the energetic entrepreneurs have transformed small business in metropolitan areas of Michigan, California, Illinois, Arizona, and Nevada,” says Rebecca Cohen of California’s Bank & Trust speaking of Chaldeans.  “They are hard-working, brilliant in business, and have a remarkable talent for negotiations.”

Although the accolades and praise rings true to many, Chaldean business owners still remind budding entrepreneurs to be mindful of banks when doing business. 

“Banks are like any other business.  Their inventory is currency.  They want to buy currency when it is inexpensive and sell or loan to you at a higher rate,” says Masood Bajou.  “Chaldeans in business or not, should always keep a close eye on their banks and the fees they charge.”

Increasingly, banks are finding ways to impose bigger and trickier fees on account holders.  Uncovering the creative ways banks assess fees and other hidden costs to their customers was no easy task.  Nonetheless, Chaldeans should be watchful over some of the sneakiest fees and quickly master ways you can avoid them...

California, USA  – The event is planned from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in the southwest parking lot of the El Cajon Wal-Mart, 605 Fletcher Parkway.

The event is free and open to all county residents. E-waste includes old computers, TVs, stereo equipment, phones and other items that can't be thrown in the trash.  Household appliances and batteries will not be accepted.

Also on Saturday at the El Cajon Wal-Mart, San Diego Gas & Electric is partnering with Electronic Disposal Group for a light bulb exchange.

Michgian, USA - Tough economic times in Michigan have made it difficult on many Chaldean families.  Without a doubt, a large majority of Chaldeans have their own business or employ other Chaldeans.  The combination of cultural flexibility and understanding, language, and the hard-work ethic desired has brought Chaldean employees and employers together. 

Recognizing the need, the Chaldean Education & Career Center (CE&CC) has partnered with Oakland County Workforce Development Corps to provide Chaldeans a convenient, one-stop access to job training programs and services for employers and job seekers.

We have convenient centers located in highly populated Chaldean residential areas to serve your needs. 

There are many things involved in establishing a new business. “One of the important steps is to protect yourself from hidden liabilities,” says tax clearance expert Debbie Kassa.   When buying or establishing a new business in Michigan, Taxpayers are required to meet certain obligations under Michigan law, including filing tax returns on time and with the correct payment when required.

Kassa is a decade long veteran of the Michigan Department of Treasury where she was in charge of reviewing Tax Returns from 1040's to the SBT & SUW returns. She also worked 7 years in the Tax Clearance Division reviewing Business accounts for Businesses & Corporations seeking a Tax Clearance.

Kassa advises every business owner on Successor Liability and how to best prepare or avoid such situations.  “When any Chaldean buys a business, even a portion of a business (including stock of goods or even the transfer of a liquor license), they may be held responsible for the previous owner's liabilities, regardless of any contractual language to the contrary.“

Michigan, USA – Detroit’s government tail spin has the entire nation talking about the once great city.  Residents and business owners are commenting that Detroit’s legacy of automobile and manufacturing innovation, entertainment, and education has crumpled to corruption, incompetence, and theft.  Detroit resident and and manager of Party City Beer and Wine in downtown Detroit, Martin Kouza says, “This City has challenges, but this can be a good chance for the city to change for the good.” 

The city’s mounting problems seem only to get worse.  Detroit’s embroiled Democratic Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has been sentenced to jail time.  Once again across the nation the city has come under scrutiny, costing city business owners and residents considerably. 

The state of Michigan remains a battle ground for the presidential campaign and the city’s issues is casting a very dark cloud.  Democratic Presidential candidate Barrak Obama’s campaign made it clear that the Detroit mayor was not to attend any of Obama’s events, fearing negative attention. 

 “What is wrong with the Democratic party,” says Julie Yono, a member of the Downriver Young Democrats.  “We had a president, a New York and New Jersey governor, and now the mayor of Detroit, all disgraced over their lack of respect for women and the law.  This entire party is falling apart because of sex.  This is getting way out of control; I think it is time to leave the city and the party.”

California, USA - For many Chaldeans, the cell phone is a life-line to the family.  “Long hours at work, family members pulled in hundreds of different directions, constantly on the run; that’s the life of a Chaldean,” says Joseph Jirjis, store manager of Shop Cellular in El Cajon California.  “We have to stay in touch with one another.  That is how we are able to help one another and make sure everyone is safe.  Even my grandmother has a cell phone.”

Chaldeans often complained about the additional fees cell phone companies would add to a plan.  “They nickel and dime a customer to death,” Jirjis adds.  “Based on the company, we have to follow their plan, and they have all sorts of fees.  Many of our customers get shocked to see all the fees.”

The termination fee in particular upset many customers.  Cellular phone companies would sell contracts to customers and if a customer terminated their contract early an additional fee was added.    However, a Superior Court judge in California has ruled that the practice of charging consumers a fee for ending their cell phone contract early is illegal and violates state law.

Michigan, USA - It goes without saying that the Chaldean community holds remarkable wedding events.  Rich in Catholic tradition and Chaldean heritage these incredible events require a competent and experienced professional.  The planning that goes into such affairs are overwhelming.  Hiring an expert who has the right connections with the best vendors, has learned to become an ace negotiator to get you the best value or 'deal' for your money, and knows where to find all those unique and dazzling touches to transform your wedding into an absolute fantasy.

It was not so long ago that wedding consultants were thought of as a luxury to be used mainly by the wealthy and elite. Times have changed.  According to Modern Bride Magazine, over 50% of all American couples who married in 1999 used the services of wedding consultants, also commonly referred to as wedding coordinators, bridal consultants, and wedding planners.  In the Chaldean community that percentage is even higher and continues to rise. 

In Michigan, one impressive Chaldean wedding expert continues to wow the community and critics alike.  Weddings by Dalia, continues to win awards and is now in the finals for Michigan’s best of 2008.  The firm placed 5th best in 2007 and now is poised to be the top rated. 

The Chaldean community is showing their support by visiting the online voting booth  and casting Weddings by Dalia as their best choice for Wedding and event consultation.  On the site supporters like Nuha Roumayah, Sarah Eskander, Melody Kouza, Vonica Abouna, Jennifer Shunyia, Merfit Yaldo, and Joe Bahri applaud her amazing work, creativity, organization, and insight. 

For many Chaldean entrepreneurs, the idea of consulting a lawyer conjures up frightening visions of skyrocketing legal bills. While there's no denying that lawyers are unnecessarily expensive Chaldeans can employ these cost saving tips to keep cost down. 

First and foremost find an attorney you are comfortable talking with and can comfortably share how you feel.  The lawyer works for you and if they are intimidating or unwilling to make you comfortable don’t even begin discussing the case with them.  Lawyers are a dime a dozen, but each is betting on the fact that you will not do your research or spend the time to clarify the working arrangement, especially when it comes to billing.