The Assyrian Democratic Organization
Neal Haldane
Detroit – The Detroit News — Martin Manna expects the November release of an economic report to measure the economic contributions Chaldean Americans make in the Detroit area. “We’ve been trying to have more of a voice,” said Manna, executive director of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce. “We have an active business community that has a tremendous impact in Southeast Michigan.”
The chamber commissioned the United Way and Walsh College to conduct the survey, which will provide an accurate examination of the Chaldean community, its characteristics and economic impact, Manna said. Since its founding in 2003, the chamber has grown to more than 800 members — with about 15 percent who are not Chaldean — and expects its roster to reach 1,000 by next year.
The group estimates the state supports 6,000 to 8,000 Chaldean-owned businesses and not just grocery stores, Manna said. “Many people do not understand the community has evolved,” he said. “One of our biggest growth areas is real estate development. It’s not only business owners. Chaldeans own strip centers and office buildings.” Members also are active in the cell phone industry, own hotels, operate dollar stores and other businesses, and serve as lawyers, teachers, doctors and in other professions, Manna said.
With about 120,000 residents, this area is home to the largest Chaldean community outside of Iraq. Mark Kassa represents both the grocery tradition and the next generation of entrepreneurship within the Chaldean community. The co-owner of Heartland Marketplace in Farmington Hills, Kassa, 39, joined the chamber earlier this year. “It seemed like a great organization with a group of people who work hard to make a difference in our community and promote our culture,” he said.
The Chaldean American Chamber has been working to dispel negative views of Chaldean grocery stores in Detroit, providing more economic opportunities for Chaldeans living in northern Iraq, and has created a Political Action Committee to lobby in support of chamber initiatives, Manna said.
That high level of political activity represents a major attribute of the Chaldean American Chamber, according to Richard E. Blouse, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber. “They understand how to advocate for their community and the business community,” Blouse said, citing current lobbying efforts both groups are taking on repealing Michigan¹s service tax and tackling immigration issues.
