By Michael Wayland

The Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce is taking a proactive approach to debunking the rumor that Detroit is a post-apocalyptic, “food desert.”

The chamber has teamed up with local grocers to create Detroit Independent Grocers, and launch its news website: MyDetroitGrocers.com.

“We made it a point to make sure that people are aware that there are independent grocers,” said Martin Manna, Chaldean American Chamber president. “They just don’t have the name ‘Kroger’ or anything else associated with them. But they’ve been serving the city for 40, 50, 60 years.”

The website – sponsored by the Southfield-based chamber, Country Fresh, Spartan Stores and U.S. Ice Corp. – includes an interactive map to find stores, as well as photos, videos and information for more than 75 grocery options available in Detroit.

According to the chamber, the average Detroit independent grocer has been serving the city for more than 30 years without government subsidies, such as other bigger chains have accepted in the past.

“The government is subsidizing these chain stores that are going out of business,” Manna told MLive.com, referring to numerous “big-box” stores that have since left the city.

“These are your own tax-paying dollars, and they’re doing this at the detriment of small business owners that haven’t taken subsidies.”

Manna said the chamber wanted to get involved because a large amount of its more than 800 members are independent grocers. However, the site caters to non-members as well.

To become a part of the group and website, the stores must follow a few simple, important rules: Provide a clean and safe shopping environment that adheres to the finest sanitation standards; supply a variety of high quality, fresh and healthy foods; offer fair and competitive pricing; and support and give back to the communities they serve.

“From produce to meat and dairy, our DIG stores take great pride in their stores and food offerings and in their longstanding tradition of serving the respective communities in which they each reside,” Manna said.

Joe Gappy, manager of Gigante Prince Valley Super Mercado, is one of the chamber members, as well as a new member to Detroit Independent Grocers.

Gappy’s father, Hani Gappy, 67, has owned the store at 5932 Michigan Ave. since 1975.

“There are a lot of super markets in the inner-city that have fresh products in their super markets,” said Joe Gappy, 43. “We sell everything from bananas, apples, orange to dresh cactus, jalapeno peppers and cilantro.”

Gappy, whose store has its own website, said he hopes MyDetroitGrocers.com helps raise awareness of the local grocers in the city because each has their own specialties.

His 25,000-square-foot super market specializes in Hispanic cuisine.

“Hispanics believe in eating fresh,” said Gappy, a Chaldean member of the chamber. “We have a huge selection of meats, produce and Hispanic bakery products.”

Manna said MyDetroitGrocers.com will have more videos and the ability for grocers to post their weekly specials soon.

Email Michael Wayland: MWayland@mlive.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/MikeWayland
© 2012 MLive.com. All rights reserved.

http://www.mlive.com/business/detroit/index.ssf/2012/02/chaldean_chamber_detroit_groce.html

The Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce has created MyDetroitGrocers.com, an online resource for Detroiters to find fresh, quality groceries in the city. The website represents more than 80 of Detroit’s Independent Grocers, storeowners who are dedicated to offering the best grocery options for Detroiters. Craig speaks with President of the Chaldean Chamber Martin Manna about procuring good produce in the city.

Listen to the interview

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MyDetroitGrocers.com, a new website aimed at providing a resource for Detroiters to find fresh affordable food in the city, has launched this week. The site was created by the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce to highlight the more than 80 significant grocery options available in the City of Detroit.

The website features an interactive map to show city residents how close they are to a high-quality, independently owned grocery store. MyDetroitGrocers.com also offers grocery store photos and video, grocer profiles and customer testimonials.

“All our grocer members are dedicated to providing quality, fresh food options for their customers as they have for decades,” said Martin Manna, President of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce. “From produce to meat and dairy, our DIG stores take great pride in their stores and food offerings and in their longstanding tradition of serving the respective communities in which they each reside.

To be considered for DIG membership, all stores must:
– Provide a clean and safe shopping environment that adheres to the finest sanitation standards
– Supply a variety of high quality, fresh and healthy foods
– Support and give back to the communities they serve
– Offer fair and competitive pricing
– Continue the legacy of serving Detroit for more than 70 years

“There is perception and then there is reality,” added Manna. “Over the years, our grocers have spent millions building or renovating existing properties in response to community feedback and need. These grocers know their customers, carry what their customers want and run successful stores, day in and day out, in Detroit.”

The vast majority of Detroit’s independent grocers operate their stores with little or no government incentives, while continuing to serve and meet the needs of their customers.

http://www.positivedetroit.net/2012/02/dig-launches-mydetroitgrocerscom.html

SOUTHFIELD – MyDetroitGrocers.com, a new website aimed at providing a resource for Detroiters to find fresh affordable food in the city, has launched this week. The site was created by the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce and highlights more than 80 grocery options available in Detroit.

The website features an interactive map to show city residents how close they are to an independently owned grocery store. MyDetroitGrocers.com also offers store photos and videos, grocer profiles and customer testimonials.

“All our grocer members are dedicated to providing quality, fresh food options for their customers as they have for decades,” said Martin Manna, President of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce. “From produce to meat and dairy, our DIG stores take great pride in their stores and food offerings and in their longstanding tradition of serving the respective communities in which they each reside.”

To be considered for DIG membership, all stores must:
– Provide a clean and safe shopping environment that adheres to the finest sanitation standards
– Supply a variety of high quality, fresh and healthy foods
– Support and give back to the communities they serve
– Offer fair and competitive pricing
– Continue the legacy of serving Detroit for more than 70 years

“There is perception and then there is reality,” added Manna. “Over the years, our grocers have spent millions building or renovating existing properties in response to community feedback and need. These grocers know their customers, carry what their customers want and run successful stores, day in and day out, in Detroit.”

The vast majority of Detroit’s independent grocers operate their stores with little or no government incentives, while continuing to serve and meet the needs of their customers.

http://www.dbusiness.com/DBusiness/January-February-2012/Detroit-Independent-Grocers-Launch-Mydetroitgrocerscom/

Some of the duties include: provide full representation and/or deliver legal advice to clients; file immigration
applications; provide consultations; prepare and file petitions; review federal, state and private grants;
communicate with USCIS and other immigration-related organizations.

View full job description

Please send resumes to info@chaldeanchamber.com.

The next orientation is scheduled for Thursday, March 1 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Please note
that space is limited. To reserve your spot or learn more about the orientation, contact the Chamber
at info@chaldeanchamber.com or (248) 996-8340.