ly opened new stores to supply the new
homeowners with decorating necessi-
ties, expanding into popular window
blinds and other window treatments in
the 1960s. The company had retail out-
lets, called Knoppow's Wallcovering and
Decorating Centers, in Madison
Heights, Berkley, Ann Arbor, Rochester
Hills, Sterling Heights, Macomb
Township, Farmington Hills, Novi,
Dearborn, Grand Rapids, Livonia,
Roseville and Southgate.
The family operation had started a
mail order business recently and an in-
house manufacturer of window treat-
ments called Michigan Fabricating in
Madison Heights.
The family blamed the closing in
part on changing times. Larger con-
glomerates like Home Depot, Meijer's
Thrifty Acres and Builders Square offer
wallpaper and window treatments at a
discount as well as other home
improvement items.
"The industry isn't what it used to
be," Jerry Knoppow said, "and unfortu-
nately, family businesses like ours are
becoming a thing of the past.
"I'll miss what Knoppow's represents
and the personal relationships with
employees that a family operation
allows," he said. ❑

Tunisia Sponsors
MENA Parley

/—'

Jerusalem (JPFS) — Tunisia is likely
to be the host of the next Middle East
and North Africa economic confer-
ence, which must take place this year
to demonstrate that the Middle East is
still in business, Federation of
Chambers of Commerce President
Dan Gillerman said.
Gillerman took part in talks on the
next MENA conference while at the
World Economic Forum annual gath-
ering in Davos last month. The parties
decided to consider the issue again in
two months.
Egyptian commercial counselor
Magdi Farahat said Egypt would not
participate in this year's conference "as
long as there is no progress in the
peace process."
Gillerman said the Israeli business
community must play a central role in
proving that peace pays and continue
its contacts with Arab countries.
He said the business community
should aim to create as many joint
ventures as possible, noting the success
of Dov Lautman's factory in Egypt,
which is now exporting $55 million a
year.

Why you should stop
by the bank
before heading for
the market.

Need some direction on your investments? A Comerica bank Customer Service

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www.comerica.com

WEST BLOOMFIELD PARKS & RECREATION AND ORCHARD MALL

PRESENT

pets in th e 4 , 7,

t,

tr

s

AZING ctAqii

4

Saturday, March 7th
11:00 a.m.
Center Court
Orchard Mall

Join us in welcoming
the puppets & magic
of "The Amazing
Clark" and laugh
throughout the show!

Bring the whole family!

For Additional Information: (248) 738-2500

Orchard Lake Road • North of Maple

R

WEST BLOOMFIELD • MICHIGAN

(248) 851-772 7

.

2/27
1998

143