Talking with Chamber President Howard Collens

Since Jan. 1, the nearly 600 members of Greater Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce have had a new leader.

Attorney Howard Collens, of , was. He replaces outgoing President Andrey Tomkiw in shepherding area businesses in their efforts to build relationships and enrich the community.

One of Collens’ goals as leader, is to open lines of communication and improve relationships between the chamber and the leaders at —both elected officials and paid city department heads. He also wants to broaden collaboration with local organizations such as 11 Mile Has It All, the Downtown Development Association, Woodward Avenue Action Association and .

“Good partners don’t surprise each other,” Collens said. “We have already begun the process of having invigorating discussions and exploring areas of common interests.”

Collens sees the city as dynamic, creative, and at the crossroads of the tri-county area. The Farmington Hills native started his business in Royal Oak on the east side of Woodward Avenue with law partner Scott Galloway almost a decade ago. After a few years, the pair moved across the street. Half of their current building is in Huntington Woods and the other half is in Royal Oak.

“When we started out we were two attorneys with two offices, three computers and zero clients,” Collens said. “One of the first things we did was join the chamber. Business is all about relationships and the chamber provides a forum to reach out to the community and let people know you exist.”

Another focus for the chamber this year is growing the ranks of retail members.

“Retailers are the most visible face of business to the community at large,” Collens said. “We want to support our retailers. We encourage our members to shop local.”

Beyond its membership and official partnerships, the chamber is also hoping to reach out to residents, too. To that end the group has revamped its website and is creating a presence on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.

Collens, who lives in Huntington Woods, said its important to note that the chamber has members outside of Royal Oak.

“For most people, it’s not as important where the business is, but what the business is,” said Collens. “And in this area there are lots of places for families to hangout and have a great time.”

As residents know, the chamber hosts many events in Royal Oak, including , the and the . The group also hosts the , which honors Royal Oak’s Business Person of the Year, the Citizen of the Year, and the Community Spirit award winner.

“The Community Awards are great,” said Collens. “It’s a way to celebrate what Royal Oak is all about.”

For more information on the Greater Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce visit royaloakchamber.com.