Business
Our thanks to Robert Schechter...
and his home town, too!
Robert Schechter, at right, with NeW York Life Chairman, Sy Sternberg
Detroit's Robert Schechter was New York
Life's leading agent in the United States in
1997... a tribute not only to him, but to this
city's overwhelming acceptance of
New York Life's products and services.
The honor of being New
York Life's leading agent for
1997 is one Robert Schechter
worked hard to earn and
richly deserves.
We extend not only
heartiest congratulations to
him, but sincere thanks to
the many, many Detroiters
whose acceptance of New
York Life insurance products
and services made his record
possible.
Since joining New York
,
- Life in 1971, M. Schechter
has achieved an enviable
reputation not only as one
of his Company's foremost
representatives but also as a
leading public-spirited citi-
zen. Today, for example, he
spends much of his free time
helping his community where
he volunteers with many
II
charities in the Detroit area.
Some of his charities
include the Jewish Welfare
Federation, Congregation
Shaarey Zeclek, Detroit
Institute of Art, and the
Jewish Federation
Apartments which provides
housing for the elderly.
We believe that Robert
Schechter's outstanding
record of service to the
families and businesses in
his community is typical
of the quality of service
rendered by New York
Life agents everywhere.
That is why, throughout
the U.S. we so confidently
say, the New York Life
Agent in your community
is what makes New York
Life "The Company You
Keep."
The Company You. Keep. ®
Robert V. Schechter & Associates
2000 Town Center • Suite 1820 • Southfield, Michigan 48075
(248)357-9500 • (800)357-6954 • Fax: (248)357-9513
LIFE PRODUCTS • ANNUITIES • INVESTMENT PRODUCTS
• GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE • NYLCare
2/6
1998
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in the Jewish community," said Eric
Baum of the Jewish Business
Exchange.
The people who attend meetings
for these organizations say that while
the Jewish angle is definitely a draw
they are more interested in practical
outcomes.
For some, it is simple networking,
meeting people who either manage or
own different or related businesses in
order to gain a broader clientele.
Mandell said that networking with
the Jewish Business Exchange's mem-
bership base has given her more busi-
ness than any other business organi-
zation she has joined in the past.
"People in the group have used me
for travel and I have referred some of
my clients to them for services," she
said.
Others value the informal part of
the meetings where they are able to
discuss common business hurdles and
strategies to overcome them.
Izzy Tal of Deco Grande
International, an organization that
represents some Israeli auto suppliers,
said JBE has helped him to address
some of the concerns of his business.
"I find myself interacting with people
who have similar businesses or are
facing the same pioblem," he said. "It
has been very helpful in that aspect."
Others say the interesting speakers
gives the Jewish business groups an
edge over non-sectarian counterparts.
For example, a dinner sponsored by
the Jewish Federation's Business and
Professional Women recently featured
Gloria Steinem and drew more than
900 people; Denise Ilitch Lites, presi-
dent of Olympia Development, spoke
at a large breakfast meeting in
December at the Jewish Business
Exchange.
"The speakers are very important,"
said Shari Shanbom, director of the
Federation's Business and Professional
Women's group. "We try to find
interesting speakers who address rele-
vant topics. That is what our mem-
bership wants."
The services are provided for a
minimal cost. The Jewish Business
Exchange offers a one-year member-
ship for $100 plus a $10-$20 addi-
tional meal fee per meeting while the
Federation groups charge a per meet-
ing fee to cover meals. Both are a
bargain compared to other area busi-
ness groups that charge $300 or more
for an annual membership.
And while groups like the Jewish
Business Exchange exist for the infor-
mational nature, social and business
.
interaction, others, like Federation's
groups and other Jewish business
forums use the format in part to raise
funds for the larger organization. For
example, one goal for both the
FederatiOn Forum and the Federation
Business and Professional Women's
groups is to disseminate information
about the activities of Federation in
order to promote either monetary
contributions or volunteerism.
"In part, it is a way for Jewish peo-
ple who maybe are not interested in
other Federation programs or projects
to find out what Federation is all
about," said Dale Rubin of the
Federation Forum.
While being solicited can be a
turn-off for some, it doesn't seem to
hamper involvement. Rubin said
many of the people repeatedly come
to the Forum events, several bringing
gentile co-workers in tow.
"We are primarily a Jewish organi-
zation, but it is open to anyone who
wants to come," she said.
On the other hand, the Jewish
Business Exchange opens most meet-
ings with a Judaic message from
Rabbi Herschel Finman, the founder
of the organization. The Jewish con-
tent generally focuses on business
ethics in Jewish law.
The unique feature of these groups
— that they are Jewish — has forged
a sense of loyalty among members,
many of whom seek the company of
fellow Jews.
Martin Baum, an attorney and
member of the Jewish Business
Exchange, said it is just as feasible to
join a non-sectarian group but he
likes the spiritual insight Rabbi
Finman provides before each meeting
and the camaraderie among fellow
Jews.
"This is an organization in lieu of
. the Optimists or the Kiwanis or other
clubs that I don't personally relate
to," Baum said.
"These are people with whom I
have a similar socio-economic back-
ground and we have mutual concerns
in the larger Jewish community in
being able to get our marketing mes-
sage across." ❑
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