Ethnic Community Committee

City of Sterling Heights ETHNIC COMMUNITY COMMITTEE Official minutes of the Thursday, November 8, 2018 regular meeting. MEMBERS PRESENT: Talil Abrhiem Sharron Allen Abbott Basal Kozeta Elzhenni Abul Patwary Shawn Taylor MEMBERS ABSENT: Mohammed Alomari Willie Dechavez Susan Kattula Iqbal Singh Carmen Williams OFFICIALS PRESENT: Citizen Services Specialist Sue Giallombardo 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Agenda: MOTION by Allen, SECONDED by Patwary. Approved 6-0 4. Approval of Minutes: MOTION by Patwary to approve the minutes as amended to make minor corrections, SECONDED by Taylor. Approved 6-0 5. Communication from Citizens: None 6. Communications from the Sterling Heights Police Dept.-Sgt. Kevin Reese  None, Reese was absent from meeting. 7. Agenda A. Diversity Disctinction Award Dinner Wrap-up  Giallombardo said that the Diversity Award Dinner was a great success and thanked members for their sponsorships, participation and help with the event. The total revenue (including ticket purchases and sponorships) equalled $5,020. Expenses totaled $3,976.71, for a profit of approximately $1,043. Giallombardo added that she received positive feedback from several guests in attendance. The entertainment was a big success as well.  Patwary suggested that letters be mailed out to businesses asking for donations. Giallombardo stated that she sends participation forms to all past participants of  dinners and cultural exchange events. Patwary suggested the committee members also send out letters to their contacts to solicit sponsors and ticket sales. B. Cultural Exchange 2019  Giallombardo stated that the Cultural Exchange will be held on Friday, March 1, 2019 at the Senior Center. The new Recreation Center should be ready for the 2020 Cultural Exchange.  Allen asked if the participation forms could be ready for the December meeting.  Abrhiem stated that he will reach out to the Chaldean League of Michigan.  Giallombardo reminded members to be sure to reach out to friends and colleagues for food donations, sponsorships and entertainment groups. 8. Receipt of Correspondence:  Elzhenni stated that she received a thank you note from Bridget Kozlowski, thanking the Committee members for the flowers. Giallombardo stated that Kozlowski is returning from her maternity leave on December 4th.  Abrhiem stated that although he didn't win, he made a lot of good connections during his campaign for Macomb County Commissioner in District 5; he ran against Robert Mijac who has held the position since 1994. 9. Old Business:  Giallombardo is still working on ordering business cards with the city's new logo, as well as name badges for the new members.  Allen suggested that the group should look into different give-away items such as chip clips or magnets, to promote the committee at future events. Giallombardo received quotes for magnetic clips and pens, and will place the order once the quotes are reviewed. 10. New Business:  Allen suggested that the Committee members once again adopt a needy family for the holidays. Giallombardo stated that she coordinates the holiday assistance list and will send an email to all members of the committee, and if there is enough interest, she will assign a family and notify members via email. 11. Adjournment. Meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m.