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 128 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." ❑ ri ; ':c.41181) 5427.- esel Finnia al u trsisndi ( on the i4orri;a\ tioh Business any esstolrialF:ori. ,i,FerolTa meh' Federation, (24 8) 64 2 42fO .