BUSINESS Luggage Headquarters for ( [2ffildd GM the ulltrnale source tor all your travel accessories , 6253 ORCHARD LAKE RD. NORTH OF MAPLE RD. In Sugar Dee • West Bloomfield DAILY 10 to 6:30 • THURS. 10 to 8 • CALL: 855-3180 COUPON 000d MAIL 0 0 0 0 0 New Networking Group Debuts With ABC's Barbara Walters WORKS ° 0 0 0 0 0 PLUS KIMBERLY LIFTON Staff Writer Everything At One Stop! THIS AD $1 OFF PACKAGING Union packaging Western Private Mail Boxes Air Express UPS tiOrley 0 i 4,c7 'tiers PLUS: Pdpt:12e, Full Services Tailored To Your Needs: • Packaging Supplies • Answering Services • Rubber Stamps • Photo Copies • Passport Photos • Notary Public • Gift Wrapping • Fax • Keys MON-SAT 9.6 PM 7 3 '7 — E3 9 0 JN SIMSEILJRY PLAZA. 33290 W. 14 Mile • at Farmington. Rd. • West Bloomfield te= FRANKLIN GOLD FUND A fundamental element for today's portfolio. In any market, and especially now, diversifica- tion of your investments is very wise. Putting a portion of your investments into the Franklin Gold Fund offers: • Historical purchasing power protection • Potential capital appreciation • International diversification • Professional management Call us today I— Alan G. Yelensky Registered Representative f or a free 3000 Town Center Suite 2400 prospectus ! Southfield, MI 48075 353-5600 Yes! I would like a free prospectus containing more complete information on the Franklin Gold Fund, including charges and expenses. I will read it care- fully before I invest or send money. Name Address City/State/Zip Franklin Distributors, In Phone F Ft A N1 K II NJ Member 32.3 Billion Franklin Group of Funds 42 FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1988 F or businessman Bob Ziegelman, The Forum is a new way to say hello in a suave, sophisticated style. "It's a way of networking without having to go to a fund-raiser," says Ziegelman, an architect from Birm- ingham. "And it's a creative way of doing business." The Forum, designed to en- courage business networking through elegant parties that star celebrity headliners, was developed by insurance ex- ecutive Harry Colburn and Dian Pastor, a former vice president of a real estate in- vestment company. "Since I'm in the insurance business, I know all about the need to develop contacts," Col- burn says. "Too many people get so bogged down with business affairs that they don't get out enough. We are very candid about what we are doing. We want people who attend to know why they are there. It's a way to say hi and a way to meet new peo- ple." First on the list of affairs is a black-tie dinner on May 22 at the Westin Hotel with ABC broadcast journalist Barbara Walters. For the past few months, a small staff has been soliciting businesses for the group's debut — a $100-a- person extravaganza. Next is ABC Nightline host Ted Koppel, who will speak to the group in October. A third, still unnamed celebrity din- ner, is in the works. Colburn says The Forum aims to target both large and small businesses. Progressive companies, he says, have become more aware of the im- pact business entertaining can have on business strategies. Colburn says cold calling is hard, and that The Forum is a simpler way to break the ice. He is optimistic the first dinner will prove popular, but says he cannot make any deci- sions about the group's future until he evaluates the success of the first event. Neither Col- burn nor Pastor would disclose business costs. They would only say that they in- vested a substantial amount of money because of its long- term potential. An evening with The Forum includes cocktails, din- ner buffet and entertainment. A smaller group will be Pastor and Colburn: Sophisticated networking chiefs Barbara Walters selected to mingle and join the evening's celebrity for dessert. Response has been phenomenal, Pastor says, ad- ding that about 650 people have reserved spots for the first dinner. lb attract business, The Forum sent out 5,000 invita- tions — each containing two tickets. Company executives were asked to buy tickets for both business acquaintances and people they wanted to meet. The Forum handled the rest of the planning. Special couriers delivered invitations wrapped in elegant gift boxes. The sender is responsible for the tab. "Someone like Barbara Walters certainly is an attrac- tion, anyway," says Ziegelman, who plans to bring some business associates to the first dinner. "But The Forum itself is an interesting concept. I get a lot of invitations, but this one sounded a little unique. I'm really curious!' Financial planner Beverly Tobocman also is curious. She invited her husband, Alfred, an architect, and a business associate with his wife. "I go to a moderate amount of fund-raising events and charitable functions," Toboc- man says. "This is a way for me to entertain and reward people who gave me referrals. It's an unusual event, much better than giving someone a calendar or a pen!' Colburn and Pastor developed the concept over a business lunch last summer. They were looking for an in- novative way to meet the right people. "People are used to charities and similar dinner functions," Colburn says. "Nobody is doing anything like this?' ❑