A monthly publication highlighting economic development in Novi

June 28, 2016
Business Blender networking event a success 
Next networking opportunity scheduled for September 27 

The City of Novi and the Novi Public Library partnered to provide the ingredients for the first Business Blender networking event in Novi last month, but it was the business professionals in attendance who put it all together to make the event a success.
 
Nearly 60 people from small to medium-sized businesses stopped by the library on May 26 to learn about local resources available to them, meet other professionals from around the area and take advantage of a free, 30-second "pitch your business" video.
 
Many of those who stopped by throughout the morning said they appreciated the informal setting and networking with people outside of their usual group. 
 
The other partners in attendance - Oakland County, SCORE, SBDC, ReferenceUSA, Novi Chamber of Commerce, Novi High School, Feed the Need Novi and author Marilyn Suttle also appreciated the chance to educate business professionals and were impressed with the turnout. 
 
A second Business Blender has already been scheduled for September 27 at the Novi Public Library. Stay tuned for event details and new features that will be part of the Blender. We also welcome your feedback at [email protected].

The Container Store opens first Michigan location
Novi store features more than 10,000 storage, organization products

Fans of organization and storage now have their dream store right here in Novi. 

The Container Store, which is the leading specialty retailer of storage and organization products in the United States, celebrated its grand opening in West Oaks II earlier this month and donated 10 percent of all sales during opening weekend to Forgotten Harvest.

The Novi location is the company's first in the state and features more than 10,000 storage and organization products for a variety of spaces and needs inside the 22,000-square-foot store.
Google brings self-driving development center to Novi
Move will help company with collaboration, access to talent

The self-driving vehicle is the wave of the future, and Google will be developing and refining that technology right here in Novi.

Google has been working in the greater Detroit area for the past few years, including recently with FCA engineers on their 100 self-driving Pacifica hybrid minivans. At the new 53,000-square-foot development center, engineers, working with local partners, will further develop and refine self-driving technology.

According to the company, many of their current partners are based in the area so having a local facility will help them collaborate more easily and access Michigan's top talent in vehicle engineering and driving technology.

The company will begin moving in this year, but as you can see in the picture, still have quite a bit of work to do before calling it home.
Take advantage of free ReferenceUSA webinars
Learn how to access complete business and consumer data
ReferenceUSA
The Novi Public Library has a great opportunity for business owners looking to take their business to the next level.

Through free ReferenceUSA webinars, business owners can learn how to access accurate and complete business and consumer data that will help them grow their business. 

Some of the webinars include: "Uncovering the Hidden Job Market," "Start, Manage and Grow Your Business Using ReferenceUSA," "ReferenceUSA Consumer and Lifestyle Data," and "ReferenceUSA Big Data and Mapping" among others.

To learn more about all the business resources available at the library, visit novilibrary.org. The library has numerous business databases, books and programs available to users.

Oakland County hosts business seminar

Oakland County is offering a free seminar titled "Business Research: Feasibility to Expansion" from 9-11:30am on July 12 at the Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center in Waterford.

The seminar will help business owners learn about locating ideal and new customers, researching one's competitors and expanding into new markets. For more details or to sign up, click here.
Register your burglar and fire alarms with the City
Goal is to cut down on the number of false alarm calls

The City of Novi is hoping to cut down on the number of false alarm calls from its businesses by encouraging owners to register their alarm with the City.

An online form has been created that will allow police and fire personnel to make contact with someone at the business in the event of an emergency. The information in the form will ONLY be used by public safety personnel and is free of charge to all
Fire Alarm Registration Video
Novi businesses.

Each false alarm comes with a rather hefty price tag, as well as what could be considered a waste of resources should a true emergency exist elsewhere in the City and resources are tied up in the false alarm.

This registry encourages the listing of multiple internal contacts for the alarm companies prior to them contacting the police/fire departments. 

It also gives first responders an accurate point of contact - alarm company and business - at the ready when need be.

Look for the registry on InvestNovi.org. If you have any questions about the fire alarm initiative, contact Wenona Graham at [email protected]
Job opportunities in Novi
Martin Technologies, Twelve Oaks Mall, Container Store now hiring

Looking for work? Check out these Novi businesses that are hiring.

Jobs
Martin Technologies
Martin is a full-service engineering and manufacturing company supporting major automotive, aerospace and defense companies worldwide. They are expanding their Vehicle Engineering Services, and are seeking to hire Automotive Quality Technicians to join their field service team. For more information about the position, visit haroldmartin.com. 

Twelve Oaks Mall 
Several businesses inside Twelve Oaks Mall are hiring. They include LOFT, Michael Kors, Windsor, Yankee Candle Co., The Art of Shaving, 3D-Innovation, Gymboree, Sunglass Hut, Zales Jewelers, The Limited, Sur La Table, Bachrach, ALDO, Express, bareMinerals, lucy and Skechers. For more information on these jobs and to apply, visit ShopTwelveOaks.com.

The Container Store
One of Novi's newest businesses is looking for a full-time store leadership member and part-time sales and visual merchandising employees. The company focuses on an employee-first culture and has been on FORTUNE magazine's list of "Best Companies to Work for" year after year. For more information on these jobs, visit ContainerStore.com.
For more information about doing business in Novi, visit InvestNovi.org.

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