What's "hot" in this year's ski equipment? The bitter cold has made heated boots and hand warm- of-state bring the revenue back to Michigan." The Web sites are among the top 100 as selected by Internet ers even more popular," said Erni. But we also sell the new Tactic cam- Magazine. To give his sales staff firsthand era, mounted in the skier's helmet, experience, Kopitz takes 30 of them that allows them to take 'home mov- ies' of their family simply by aiming to northern Michigan each year for a "Test Fest" to test and preview the their head the right way, instead of upcoming season's latest innovations trying to balance a camera and ski poles in their hands." in winter sports equipment. More than 1,000 of their video testimonials have been posted on the Skis.com Staff Focus To oversee his skiing enterprises, Kopitz has an office in Bloomfield Web site for prospective customers to view. The "Test Fest" gives Kopitz Hills with a large staff, dominated by his wholesale division, which sells another opportunity to maintain his personal skiing prowess. He also mainly to other stores, and the Web practices while on business trips to site operation, both managed by Greg Glickfeld of West Bloomfield. "Our Internet business has got- western states with famous ski areas, and while on an annual men-only ski trip with a dozen pals. ten so big that it requires 40 people alone to design and keep the Web "And I've come full circle with the family ski trips. I'm the one who now sites up to date, send out the takes the family on ski vacations. merchandise, and so forth," said Kopitz. "In fact, the Web sites and "The trick to keeping my wife and kids interested in skiing is to make our wholesale group now comprise sure they're as warm and comfortable almost 75 percent of our total busi- ness. We still help the state's econo- as possible. A skier can spend any- where from $300 to $2,000 on attire." my in this respect because our sales "For me, there's nothing better than 18 inches of powder." to stores and other customers out- They're Both Earning at a Higher LEVEL They bank at LEVEL ONE! No one offers a personal bank relationship like the new LEVEL ONE. We treat your family like a business and your business like family. And we level the playing field with unparalleled personal service, individual attention and exclusive banking benefits. See for yourself. Take a look at our great rates on CDs...and take your earnings to a whole new LEVEL. 2.45% APY* on a 9 Month CD ACT NOW AND SAVE AT A NEW LEVEL! Level One Bank offers CDs for many terms. Call Maly today at 248-737-1120 LEVEL ONE Take Your Banking to . a Whole New LEVEL. 30201 Orchard Lake Rd, Ste 165, Farmington Hills, MI 48334 (248) 737-0300 • (888) 880-5663 vnivideveionebardring.cons , Imta aca.:Sa3.,:e6.1.;i9M57 htfeyGnic Aral: Pereroay 11•Al 1,4,f) 5 a.v...Eate as F CrP3411,))9. reckKe ,x,ftv til 32C# a kt Pak thr.. d-a-r4 roi 35ttred ip :(4:Ale 11111 MM. 1=91240 Now Open in Orchard Mali More Affordable Than Ever! k*'!- NCJW Resale Shop A Thrifty 75th I he Council Thrift Shop, with in foster care; funds Safe Place, a locations in Royal Oak and Berkley, is celebrating its shelter for battered women; prints and distributes Teen Yellow Pages, a resource for young people who 75th birthday this year. The two stores are run by vol- unteers from the National Council of Jewish Women, Greater Detroit need help; and funds and distributes kosher Meals on Wheels. The organization was instrumental Section and a few paid staff mem- bers. They process and sell new and gently used clothing for men, women in founding Southfield-based Orchard Children's Services, and recently built a barrier-free playground where all and children, along with accessories, household goods and small appli- ances. children — including those with men- tal and physical disabilities — can play safely. "We were the original recyclers," said Sandy Weitz of Huntington The thrift shop has been the major funding source for NCJW/GDS pro- grams. Woods, one of three Thrift Shop co- chairs. "Over the past 75 years, we've provided an enormous service to the community on several levels. People can donate quality clothing and housewares, and receive tax deduc- Spring previews are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, March 8, at the Berkley store, 3297 W. 12 Mile Road, (248) 548-6664; and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, March 15, in Royal Oak, 1221 E. Lincoln, (248) 542-2600. tions for them. Then others have the opportunity to purchase them for a very reasonable price." For more information, see www.ncjwgds.org . NCJW/GDS provides books, back- packs and school supplies to needy Thrift Shop events and online cou- pons, send your e-mail address to Weitzman@ncjwgds.org . children and blankets to children For notice of special Council • FREE Estimates • Financing Available • Family Owned and Operateri for Nearly 50 Years * Made in Michigan • New Location LaFata Kitchen and Bath Gafferia 5335 Orchard Lake Rd. (In Orchard Mall) West Bloomfield, MI 248-851-1140 LaFata Cabinets Showroom and Factory 50905 Hayes Rd. Shelby Township. Ml 586-247-1140 YAM lafata..com iN KITCHENS STARTING AT $3,500 March 12 g 2009 A29