Kadima Shines Strictly Business Annual Meeting highlights agency’s successes and its new website. JVS honors the best of Detroit. A mid the rustic charm of Ferndale’s Rust Belt Market, Kadima wel- comed 100 enthusiastic guests — including new volunteers, public officials and community partners — to its first com- munity annual meeting on June 30. Kadima leadership shared program enhancements, recent successes and opportunities for involvement in the year ahead. Kadima Board President Evan Leibhan illustrated Kadima’s growth in the past year, and Kadima Executive Director Eric Adelman detailed how the organization’s mission is being delivered by discussing the tremendous strides already made toward achieving Kadima’s strategic plan. Adelman also unveiled Kadima’s new website, designed to better support those who need assistance while engaging the community. New officers were inducted to Kadima’s board of directors, including Jessica Katz, Michael Langnas, Emil Raab and Barb Schwartz and returning board member Robin Tobin-Murav. Kadima also honored Employee of the Year Molisia Young and Volunteers of the Year Alex Scharg and Mark Cieslak. To learn more about Kadima, visit www. kadimacenter.org. * M ore than 700 business and community leaders attended JVS’ 19th annual Strictly Business networking and awards lun- cheon at the MGM Grand Detroit on June 23. John Rakolta Jr., chairman and CEO of Walbridge, headlined the event and served as honorary chair. Based in Detroit and celebrating its 100th anni- versary, Walbridge is one of America’s largest privately owned construction companies. In his keynote address, Rakolta spoke about the importance of transforming Detroit Public Schools in order to sustain the growth and resur- gence of Detroit. JVS also honored three individu- als with the JVS 2016 Employee of the Year Award. Antonio Anderson, Lacey Jacobson and Chris Stonehouse were honored for using JVS job resources and programming to become exemplary employees. Detroit Labs, a Detroit- based app development company, was recognized with the 2016 JVS Business Leadership Award for its innovative employment practices. Zack Sklar, chef/ owner of Peas & Carrots Hospitality and Cutting Edge Cuisine, received the 2016 JVS Rising Entrepreneur Award for building a $25 million catering and res- taurant business. Strictly Business is an annual fund- raiser for JVS programs that help Metro Detroiters build their lives and careers. Antonio Anderson of New Baltimore, Lacey Jacobson of Birmingham and Chris Stonehouse of Clinton Township receive 2016 JVS Employee of the Year Awards. 2015 Business Leadership honorees Craig and Randy Rubin of the Crypton Companies present the 2016 award to Paul Glomski, co-founder and CEO of Detroit Labs. 2015 honoree Chris McCuiston, co-found- er and CEO of Goldfish Swim School, presents the 2016 Rising Entrepreneur Award to Zack Sklar, chef/owner of Peas & Carrots Hospitality and Cutting Edge Cuisine. Aaron Chernow, chair of the JVS Board of Trustees, and Leah Rosenbaum, p resi- dent and CEO of JVS, welcome Strictly Business Honorary Chair and Keynote Speaker John Rakolta Jr., chairman and CEO of Walbridge. State Sen. Jim Marleau and Lynda Zeller, deputy director for behavioral health and developmental disabilities at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Co-chairing Strictly Business, which drew more than 700 attendees, are Jeffrey Tischler and Joshua Eichenhorn. Lita Zemmol of Beverly Hills, Gail Katz of West Bloomfield, Kadima Clinical Director Jean Nemenzik and Lena Epstein of Bloomfield Hills Paige Lustig of Birmingham, Karen Adelman of Farmington Hills and Kadima Outreach and Events Coordinator Anne Perry Whitney and Chad Techner of Royal Oak Vounteers of the Year Alex Scharg, left, and Mark Cieslak, and Employee of the Year Molisia Young, all with Kadima Executive Director Eric Adelman * July 21 • 2016 21