Chaldean American Chamber Announces New Board

The Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce on Friday announced newly-elected and re-elected board members for 2012-13.

Each board member is elected to a two-year term, and may not serve more than three consecutive terms. Elections are held annually, with seven or eight spots on the 15-member board open at the end of each year.

Newly elected:

• Jeffrey Denha, Executive Vice Chairman, Troy
• Mark Sarafa, Secretary, Highland
• Sylvester Sandiha, Treasurer, West Bloomfield
• Saad Abbo, Executive Committee Member, West Bloomfield
• Salim Gasso, West Bloomfield

Re-elected:

• Saad Hajjar, Chairman, West Bloomfield
• Kevin Jappaya, Vice Chairman, West Bloomfield
• Sharona Shapiro, West Bloomfield
• Gerard Van Grinsven, Franklin

Newly appointed:

• Klint Kesto, Commerce Township
• Michael Romaya, West Bloomfield
• Eric Younan, Farmington Hills

The Chaldean American Chamber is comprised of more than 900 members in metro Detroit, with nearly 61 percent owning at least one business, and 39 percent owning two or more. An increasing number of community members are becoming professionals in the legal, medical and educational fields.

With a population of more than 121,000, metro Detroit is home to the largest Chaldean community outside of Iraq.

The Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce is a partnership of Chaldean businesses and professionals working together to strengthen members' business, increase job opportunities, encourage expansion and promote Chaldean business and culture. The Chamber seeks to service and represent Aramaic-speaking people, including Assyrians, Chaldeans and Syriacs. For
more information, visit chaldeanchamber.com.