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2012 Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade Now Accepting Nominations for Grand Marshal Rochester, MI- Do you know someone who deserves recognition for their contributions to the greater Rochester area community? Why not nominate that person to be Grand Marshal of the 61st annual Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade? The Grand Marshal will lead the historic parade down Main Street in downtown Rochester, and be honored at the annual Grand Marshal reception, held at Great Oaks Country Club. The 2012 parade will be held on Sunday, December 2nd, at 1:45 PM, and includes dignitaries, bands, non-profit groups, children’s groups and local businesses. The parade is also broadcast live on WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Those interested in nominating the parade Grand Marshal should complete the nomination form and send a one-page letter highlighting the characteristics and community involvement of the nominee to the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce at 71 Walnut, Suite 110, Rochester, MI 48307. Nominations can be faxed to 248-651-5270 or emailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Please send all nominations by March 30, 2012.
The Mission
of the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership by
advancing business development in partnership with civic, cultural and
educational interests for the benefit of it’s members and the community. Founded in 1955, the RRCC is the principal
voice of the Rochester
business community, focused on fostering a favorable climate and promoting
orderly and progressive development for this region.
July 21, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Tim Crawford 248-402-5005 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it The Rochester Hometown Christmas Parades Celebrates Six Decades of Christmas Joy Rochester – In recognition of the Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade’s diamond jubilee, the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced that the theme for the 2011 parade will be Six Decades of Christmas Joy. Since 1951, the Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade has been delighting residents of all ages as dignitaries, bands, non-profit groups, children’s groups and local businesses join in bringing the holiday spirit to downtown Rochester. Starting as a small community event, the parade is now one of the largest in the state of Michigan and has the greatest number of viewers watching along the parade route and on WXYZ-TV Channel 7’s live broadcast. Held on Sunday, December 4, 2011, the parade begins at 1:45 p.m. at the corner of Tienken and Rochester Roads and continues south along Main Street to Third Street in Downtown Rochester. Parade applications are available at the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce. Call 248-651-6700 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information. The Mission of the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership by advancing business development in partnership with civic, cultural and educational interests for the benefit of its members and the community. Founded in 1955, the RRCC is the principal voice of the Rochester business community, focused on fostering a favorable climate and promoting orderly and progressive development for this region. ### June 27, 2011 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Tim Crawford 248-402-5005 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Russ and Kathy Shelton named Grand Marshals of 2011 Diamond Jubilee Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade
Rochester, MI The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced that Russ and Kathy Shelton will serve as the Grand Marshals of the 60th annual Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade. Chosen by the parade committee from community members’ nominations, Russ Shelton was surprised by the designation. Shelton said it was a great honor to be recognized by the community. “This is as good as it gets,” he said when informed of his designation. Russell M. Shelton is president and CEO of Shelton Buick GMC, which has been serving the greater Rochester community since 1958, and is the oldest dealership in Northern Oakland County. Like many dealerships, the Shelton operation is a family business, which was founded by Russ’ late father, Bud. Shelton worked closely with his dad, learning all aspects of dealership operations and began working full time following his graduation from Northwood University. Over the years, Shelton worked in many departments including sales and then Management as the General Manager, Vice President and to his current position as owner of the landmark GM dealership on Rochester Road. Shelton modestly directs inquiries about his philanthropic efforts to his company’s website and its page of organizations helped by the Shelton family. But this list of nonprofit logos does not tell the full story of his commitment to making the Greater Rochester Community a better place. Not only is he the benefactor to numerous area causes, but he has served with distinction in leadership roles in many of the nonprofits and won many awards for his hard work and dedication. Russ and Kathy are most proud of the Shelton Heart Center at Rochester’s Crittenton Hospital. The state of the art facility provides a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient cardiology services, right in the community. Kathy Shelton said she was so surprised to be included in the Grand Marshall honor. “I am excited and honored.” Kathy said. Brought up in a large Italian family with a strong Catholic education, Kathy Shelton learned at a very young age the importance of helping others. She recalls her high school class trips to the inner city of Detroit to help students with their homework and one particular young boy’s appreciation for her help. “I never forgot how incredible it felt to see him progress in his studies. His heartfelt appreciation truly inspired me to continue giving throughout the years.” Now Kathy Shelton’s passion is in helping women and children who have fallen on difficult times. She is a founding member of the Rochester Women’s Fund, active in the Crittenton Circle of Caring, Rainbow Connection and Christmas Time Adopt a Family. She serves lunch to the homeless once a month at Grace Centers of Hope and is especially fond of her involvement in the Women Helping Women Luncheon Fashion Show benefiting homeless and abused women and children. Russ and Kathy Shelton, who have been married for 20 years, work as a team, brainstorming as to where their philanthropy could have the most impact and ensuring that their efforts produce a lasting legacy for the area they are proud to call home. The establishment of the Shelton Endowment Fund with the Community Foundation of Greater Rochester has met that need, offering small grants to local families to help meet living expenses and will remain as a reflection of the Shelton’s values and efforts. The Sheltons look forward to sharing the parade day excitement with granddaughters Alexandria, 7, and Ashley, 4. The Grand Marshals will lead the historic parade down Main Street in downtown Rochester and be honored at the annual Grand Marshall reception, held at the Great Oaks County Club on December 1st, 2011. The 2011 parade will be held on Sunday, December 4th, at 1:45 PM, and includes dignitaries, bands, children’s group, community organizations and local businesses. The parade is also broadcast live on WXYZ-TV Channel 7. The Mission of the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership by advancing business development in partnership with civic, cultural and educational interests for the benefit of Rochester, Rochester Hills and Oakland Township. Founded in 1955, the RRCC is the principal voice of the Rochester business community, focused on fostering a favorable climate and promoting orderly and progressive development for this region. # # #
February 25, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Tim Crawford 248-402-5005 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce Seeking Nominations for Grand Marshal of Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade
Planning has begun for the 60th annual Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade, which is scheduled for Sunday, December 4th. The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for outstanding members of the community to serve as Grand Marshal of 2011’s Diamond Jubilee parade. Nominees should be community minded residents and individuals who work in the greater Rochester area, who have had a positive impact on the region. Since 1951, the Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade has been thrilling local residents with its family friendly display of bands, non-profit groups, dignitaries, local businesses and children’s groups. While the route has changed over the years, the spirit of community the parade embodies lives on. The Grand Marshal will lead the historic parade down Main Street in downtown Rochester, and be honored at the annual Grand Marshall reception, held at Great Oaks Country Club. The 2011 parade will be held on Sunday, December 4th, at 1:45 PM. The parade is also broadcast live on WXYZ-TV Channel 7. Those interested in nominating an individual as parade Grand Marshal should use the application (click here to download) , highlighting the characteristics and community involvement of the nominee. Please send the completed form to the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce at 71 Walnut, Suite 110, Rochester, MI 48307. Nominations can be faxed to 248-651-5270 or emailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Online applications may be submitted using the form available on the Chamber’s website: www.rrc-mi.com. The deadline for nominations is March 15, 2011. The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce thanks their partners Oakland University, Crittenton Hospital Medical Center, Shelton Buick GMC, Fox Automotive Group, Bill Fox Chevrolet, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Detroit Regional Chamber. The Mission of the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership by advancing business development in partnership with civic, cultural and educational interests for the benefit of its members and the community.
“Candy Lane on Main”
Business & Industry Floats 1st – The Goddard School 2nd – Tim Crawford Insurance Agency 3rd – Du-All Contracting, Inc.
Youth Floats 1st Place – Living Word Lutheran School 2nd Place – Premier Academy 3rd Place – Girl Scout Troop 43633
High School Floats 1st Place – Notre Dame Prep Robotics Team
Adult Floats 1st Place – Rochester Area Neighborhood House 2nd Place – First Baptist Church 3rd Place – Rochester Lions Club
Clowns 1st Place – Rochester Fire Department
Novelty 1st Place – Rock-N-Roll K-9’s Performance Team 2nd Place – Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve 3rd Place – Andrea K., Realtor
Drill Teams 1st Place – TRUE 2nd Place – Bravo Dance Center 3rd Place – Rhythm Pointe Dance Academy
Marchers 1st Place – Rochester Redskins Youth Football & Cheer 2nd Place – Gymnastic Training Center 3rd Place – Meadow Brook Theatre
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 17, 2010 Media Contact: Tim Crawford 248-651-6700 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Rochester, MI – Managing Director of The PrivateBank in Rochester and longtime Rochester resident and community supporter, Pat Botkin will be honored at the 59th annual Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade Grand Marshal’s Reception to be held Thursday, December 2nd at the Great Oaks Country Club in Rochester from 6 – 9 p.m. Open to the public with hors d’oeuvres and live entertainment, tickets for the event are available through the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce and can be obtained by calling 248-651-6700. Tickets are only $20.00.
The 2010 parade “Candy Lane on Main” will be held on Sunday, December 5th, beginning at 1:45 p.m. and the presenting sponsor is Genisys Credit Union. The holiday spectacle includes dignitaries, bands, children’s group, community organizations and local businesses. The Grand Marshal will lead the historic parade down Main Street in downtown Rochester. The parade is also broadcast live on WXYZ-TV Channel 7 and will be filmed by Community Media Network for cable presentation and the official parade DVD. For additional parade information visit www.rrc-mi.com.
The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is Oakland County’s largest chamber and was awarded the 2009 Automation Alley Non-Profit Organization of the Year Award. In 2008 it won the Outstanding Chamber Award in Michigan. The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce thanks their partners Oakland University, Crittenton Hospital Medical Center, Shelton Buick GMC, Fox Automotive Group, Bill Fox Chevrolet and Blue Cross Blue Shield for their support.
The Mission of the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership and resources in order to advance business development in partnership with civic, cultural, and educational interests for the benefit of its members and the community.
For more information on the Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade, contact the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce at 248-651-6700 or visit online at www.rrc-mi.com. The Rochester Regional Chamber is located at 71 Walnut, Suite 110 in downtown Rochester.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 23, 2010 Media Contact: Tim Crawford 248-402-5005 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
2010 Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade Theme Announced!
Rochester, MI -The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced the theme for the 2010 Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade. This year’s theme is Candy Lane on Main. This sweet inspiration will lend itself to fun and original floats. The Presenting Sponsor for the 2010 parade is Genisys Credit Union. Held on Sunday, December 5, 2010, the parade begins at 1:45 p.m. at the corner of Tienken and Rochester Roads and continues south along Main Street to Third Street in Downtown Rochester. Parade committee chairman, Tim Crawford said, “I am positive the kids in our community will be thrilled to incorporate ‘candy’ into their floats and costumes!” Parade applications are available at the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce. Call 248-651-6700 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information. The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce thanks their partners Oakland University, Crittenton Hospital Medical Center, Shelton Pontiac Buick GMC and Walmart for their support. The Mission of the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership and resources in order to advance business development in partnership with civic, cultural, and educational interests for the benefit of its members and the community. ### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 23, 2010 Media Contact: Tim Crawford 248-402-5005 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Pat Botkin Named Grand Marshal of 2010 Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade
Rochester, MI - A woman who represents the spirit of Rochester, Pat Botkin, managing director of The PrivateBank has been named Grand Marshal of the 59th annual Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade. The 2010 parade is presented by Genisys Credit Union. Pat has been a long time resident of Rochester and has served in the community for over 25 years generously giving her time to local philanthropic organizations. She has been a member and offered her leadership skills to many organizations including the following: • Art & Apples Festival • Boy Scouts of America • Crittenton Hospital Medical Center • GeneRochCity • Prayer Breakfast • Rochester Community Schools • Rochester Area Neighborhood House • Rochester Rotary Club • Greater Rochester Community Foundation • The Legacy Project • Women’s Fund Pat Botkin is known throughout the community for her “zest for life, enthusiasm and humor.” When she was notified of the Grand Marshal position, Pat stated “I am so surprised and overwhelmed to be the Grand Marshal of this year’s Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade! It is truly an honor and I am blessed to both live and work in a wonderful community filled with caring people.” The Grand Marshal will lead the historic parade down Main Street in downtown Rochester and be honored at the annual Grand Marshal’s reception, held at Great Oaks County Club on Thursday, December 2, 2010. The Presenting sponsors of the Grand Marshal Celebration are Walmart and Genisys Credit Union. The 2010 parade will be held on Sunday, December 5th, starting at 1:45 p.m., and includes dignitaries, bands, children’s group, community organizations and local businesses. The parade is broadcast live on WXYZ-TV Channel 7 and recorded by Community Media Network for cable telecast and DVD recordings. The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce thanks their partners Oakland University, Crittenton Hospital Medical Center, Shelton Pontiac Buick GMC and Walmart for their support. The Mission of the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership and resources in order to advance business development in partnership with civic, cultural, and educational interests for the benefit of its members and the community.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 25, 2010 Media Contact: Anne Burns (248) 651-6700 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Rochester Christmas Parade Names Genisys Credit Union Presenting Sponsor
Rochester, MI – The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce (RRCC) is very pleased to announce that Genisys Credit Union will be the presenting sponsor for the 2010 Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade and the co-presenting sponsor for the related Grand Marshal Celebration. Walmart is the other presenting sponsor for the Grand Marshal Celebration. “Genisys Credit Union is in the top five largest credit unions in Michigan and serves 125,000 members through 25 branch locations. Our community involvement spans over 200 events and 5,000 community hours each year. We have a 96% member satisfaction rating for our excellent service and we truly believe that Genisys is ‘where you come first.’ ” stated Linda Zabik, Manager, Public Relations/Community Involvement for Genisys Credit Union. Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade Chairman Tim Crawford said “Genisys Credit Union’s presenting sponsorship of this community-wide endeavor cannot be underestimated. We are very grateful that they chose to support the greater Rochester area, and the tens of thousands of parade attendees, volunteers and participants.” The parade will be held on Sunday, December 5, 2010 in downtown Rochester. The parade excitement begins with the Grand Marshal reception on Thursday, December 2, 2010. The Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade was founded in 1951 and in 2010 will be its 59th year of celebration. The parade was begun by a service organization, the Rochester Lions Club to emphasize the “happy Christmas Season.” In 1962 the Rochester (Regional) Chamber of Commerce was asked to assume event and financial responsibility for the parade and to maintain this holiday tradition for generations of families. The parade’s popularity and growth have been tremendous. Now, as the largest Christmas Parade in Michigan, its estimated 3,000 parade participants represent a collaborative effort among families, businesses, non-profit and civic organizations, schools, colleges, universities and special interest groups. The chosen Grand Marshal will lead the historic parade down Main Street in downtown Rochester, and is honored at the annual Grand Marshal reception, held at Great Oaks Country Club. Nominations are currently being accepted for Grand Marshal. The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is Oakland County’s largest chamber and was awarded the 2009 Automation Alley Non-Profit Organization of the Year Award. In 2008 it won the Outstanding Chamber Award in Michigan. The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce thanks their partners Oakland University, Crittenton Hospital Medical Center, Shelton Pontiac Buick GMC and Walmart for their support. The Mission of the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership and resources in order to advance business development in partnership with civic, cultural, and educational interests for the benefit of its members and the community. ### Bright Sunshine Lit the Way for the 58th Annual Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade A glorious winter sun shone brightly on the 58th annual Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade. Held on Sunday December 6th, and presented by the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce and local sponsors, the parade is the highlight of a day filled with family fun and community spirit. Lifetime Rochester resident and Director of the Rochester Community House, Mary Lee Kowalczyk, served as Parade Marshall and led the bands, marchers, clowns and floats through downtown Rochester. The 2009 parade's theme was the popular holiday song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and the day's entries reflected the song’s lyrics unusual list of gifts and their creators’ abundant imagination. A panel of judges spent the bright, cold morning before the parade determining which entries deserved special recognition. Adult Float 1st Place –Rochester Area Neighborhood House 2nd Place – Rochester Lions Club and Leader Dogs for the Blind 3rd Place – Oakland Township Historical Society Business/Industry Float 1st Place – Royal Park Hotel 2nd Place – Bloomingdale Construction 3rd Place – Art Van Furniture Youth Float 1st Place – Baldwin Cub Scout Pack #106 2nd Place – Macomb County 4-H Midnight Riders Club 3rd Place – Cub Scout Pack 356 St. John Lutheran School Clowns 1st Place – Rochester Fire Department Marchers 1st Place – Michigan Ballet Theatre 2nd Place – Canine Academy 3rd Place – Rochester Area Jaycees Drill Team 1st Place – Crittenton Hospital Medical Center 2nd Place – Rochester Hills Public Library 3rd Place – Rochester Adams Cheer Teams Novelty 1st Place – Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve 2nd Place – One Wheel Elves 3rd Place – Famous Dave’s BBQ Grand Marshal Award Rochester Area Neighborhood House WXYZ-TV, Channel 7 Detroit shared the event’s excitement with the approximately 115,000 metro Detroiters tuned in to the broadcast. Local cable broadcast station Community Media Network also filmed the parade. This recording can be seen on viewers’ local cable stations and DVDs of this recording can be purchased for $15 at the Chamber office. “We couldn’t put on this parade without the support of our sponsors, volunteers, participants and spectators,” explains Sheri Heiney, the chamber’s executive director, “We would like to especially thank all the city, police, sheriff and fire officials that give the parade their assistance and time. We just couldn’t do this without all of them!” The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is Oakland County’s largest chamber and was awarded the 2008 Michigan’s Outstanding Chamber award and winner of the 2009 Automation Alley Non-profit of the Year Award. The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce thanks their partners Oakland University, Crittenton Hospital, Bill Fox Chevrolet, Shelton Pontiac Buick GMC, Walmart, and Blue Cross Blue Shield for their support. The Mission of the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership and resources in order to advance business development in partnership with civic, cultural, and educational interests for the benefit of its members and the community.
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Community House Director Mary Lee Kowalczyk Named Grand Marshal of 2009 Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade  Rochester, MI - Mary Lee Kowalczyk can’t believe that after viewing the Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade from the sidewalks of Main Street since its inception, she will now have the honor of leading the parade as the 2009 Grand Marshal. “I am just blown away,” Mary Lee said. The Director of the Rochester Community House and Rochester native has long family ties to the area. “My Grandfather DeBeane owned property on Main Street, he raised cattle and Belgium horses where Rochester High School is now located and my father was a tax and business consultant with an office on Main Street.” But it was Mary Lee’s community dedication that inspired many residents to respond to nomination her. Mary Lee is best known for her involvement in the creation and stewardship of the Rochester Community House. “It started with a 1968 letter to the editor of the Rochester Clarion from a teenager who wrote that there was no place for young people to go,” Mary Lee remembered. “The Rochester Junior Woman’s Club began looking for a permanent facility where not only local teens, but service groups could meet.” As president of the club, Mary Lee was instrumental in approaching the City of Rochester for use of the 1940 Avon Pavilion. After a successful fund raising campaign and building renovation, the Rochester Community House opened its doors in 1975. Now home to civic groups, school reunions, fundraisers, weddings, receptions, adult and children’s classes and other community events, the Community House has undergone two further transformations under Mary Lee’s leadership. She was also influential in the creation of C.O.R.E., a community resource group. Her latest community effort is another partnership, working with Neighborhood House and the Lions Club to offer a community kitchen to residents impacted by the current economic downturn. The mother of three, and grandmother of five, is looking forward to sharing the parade day excitement with her husband, Walter and their sons and families. “My sons are thrilled and two will be traveling from California to share in the fun.” The Grand Marshal will lead the historic parade down Main Street in downtown Rochester and be honored at the annual Grand Marshal reception, held at the Great Oaks County Club on Thursday, December 3, 2009. The 2009 parade will be held on Sunday, December 6th, starting at 1:45 p.m., and includes dignitaries, bands, children’s group, community organizations and local businesses. The parade is also broadcast live on WXYZ-TV Channel 7. The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce thanks their partners Oakland University, Crittenton Hospital, Bill Fox Chevrolet, Shelton Pontiac Buick GMC and Walmart for their support. The Mission of the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership and resources in order to advance business development in partnership with civic, cultural, and educational interests for the benefit of its members and the community.
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Rochester, MI -The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced the theme for the 2009 Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade. Selecting the title of the popular holiday song, The Twelve Days of Christmas as inspiration, the committee is asking children’s groups, community organizations and local businesses to use the song’s lyrics to create their parade entry. The repetitious melody with pretty phrases, and a strange list of gifts, lends itself to almost endless possibilities in creativity and originality. Held on Sunday, December 6, 2009, the parade begins at 1:45 p.m. at the corner of Tienken and Rochester Roads and continues south along Main Street to Third Street in Downtown Rochester. Parade committee chairman, Tim Crawford said, “We will have Santa in the parade like every year.” Parade applications are available at the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce. Call 248-651-6700 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information. The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce thanks their partners Oakland University, Crittenton Hospital, Bill Fox Chevrolet, Shelton Pontiac Buick GMC and Walmart for their support. The Mission of the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership and resources in order to advance business development in partnership with civic, cultural, and educational interests for the benefit of its members and the community.
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TOM WERTH NAMED GRAND MARSHAL OF 2008 ROCHESTER HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS PARADE 
Rochester, MI The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced that former City of Rochester mayor and longtime councilman, Tom Werth will serve as the Grand Marshal of the 57th annual Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade. Chosen by the parade committee from community members’ nominations, Werth was surprised by the designation. “It is an honor and a privilege,” Werth said. The lifelong Rochester resident is well known for his dedication to his community. Werth’s career in local government spanned 34 years. “I started as a councilman and eventually officiated at my son’s wedding as mayor,” Werth explained,” it was a moving and memorable experience.” Werth has long roots in the Greater Rochester Area. “My grandfather arrived in Rochester in 1899 and my father was born in a house at 2nd Street and Main in 1909. Both of my grandparents worked for the Western Knitting Mill, which is now the Rochester Mills Beer Company.” Werth received all of his education in the area, graduating from Rochester High School in 1958 and entering Oakland University, then known as Michigan State University – Oakland, as a member of its charter class of 570 students. He still wears the diamond class ring presented to each charter class member by the school’s founder, Matilda Dodge Wilson. Werth learned valuable life lessons during summers spent working on the McGregor Stock Farm, now the site of the Great Oaks Country Club. “One of the farm workers told me there are three things in life that are no good unless they are spread around.’ Werth said, “They are money, manure and knowledge. What else are we here for if not to share with others and work for the good of our community?” Werth carried this theme into his working career serving as a probation officer before becoming a juvenile court referee, and magistrate in Macomb County. Werth has continued his community involvement with service on the boards of the Paint Creek Center for the Arts, the Downtown Development Authority, Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve, Meadowbrook Learning Center, and National League of Cities. He is also active in the Selfridge Air National Guard Base Community Council, the nation’s largest service organization dedicated to providing support and assistance to service members and their families. Werth shares his community spirit with his wife of 42 years, Joan. The couple has two children. Daughter Tracey and husband Jeff Moore live in Armada and son Christopher lives in Oxford with his wife Jackie and their children Skylar and Jade. “I am really honored to be asked to be the Grand Marshal but I want this to be about the Greater Rochester Area, not about Tom Werth,” Werth stressed, “I have been so blessed to serve this community.” The Grand Marshal will lead the historic parade down Main Street in downtown Rochester and be honored at the annual Grand Marshal reception, held at Great Oaks County Club on December 4, 2008. The 2008 parade will be held on Sunday, December 7th, at 1:45 PM, and includes dignitaries, bands, children’s group, community organizations and local businesses. The parade is also broadcast live on WXYZ-TV Channel 7. The Mission of the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership by advancing business development in partnership with civic, cultural and educational interests for the benefit of Rochester, Rochester Hills and Oakland Township. Founded in 1955, the RRCC is the principal voice of the Rochester business community, focused on fostering a favorable climate and promoting orderly and progressive development for this region.
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 56th Annual Hometown Christmas Parade a Success!
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Pixley named Grand Marshal of 2007 Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade
 Rochester, MI The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced that Don Pixley will serve as the Grand Marshal of the 56th annual Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade. Chosen by the parade committee from community members’ nominations, Pixley was surprised by the designation. “It is a humbling experience,” Pixley said. The former director of the Pixley Funeral Home, and lifelong area resident, Pixley has contributed significantly of his time and resources in support of numerous community organizations. Pixley has played an active role in Rotary International, the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Optimist Club, Rochester Community Schools, Greater Rochester Community Foundation, Rainbow Connection, Older Persons Commission, and the Rochester Area Prayer Breakfast. He currently serves as treasurer for the Michigan Polio Survivor Support Group. Stricken with the disease in 1931, Pixley stresses that the disability has never stopped him from doing anything that was important to him. “The post polio effect kicked in six years ago. I am now confined to an electric wheelchair but I still go to my office at the funeral home everyday.”
The 2007 Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade logo was created by Trent Design .
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