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A stronger community starts with one introduction: Erica Lewis

Meeting: Wednesday, October 15, 2025. Erica Lewis showed how a local chamber of commerce can turn familiar faces into useful connections—and why those relationships matter far beyond business.

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A stronger community starts with one introduction

Looking back · Community connections

Erica Lewis showed how a local chamber of commerce can turn familiar faces into useful connections—and why those relationships matter far beyond business.

Erica Lewis · Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce
Meeting:
By Xemplar Club · 5-minute read

Portrait of Erica Lewis

You can live in a community for decades and still be surprised by the people working a few streets away. Someone has the skill a nonprofit needs. Someone knows a business owner looking for help. Someone else would gladly volunteer, if only they knew where to begin.

When Erica Lewis visited Xemplar Club on October 15, 2025, she described a chamber of commerce as a place where those separate pieces can meet. As business development manager for the Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce, she encouraged members to think about participation, introductions, and follow-through. A name in a directory is a starting point. A relationship develops through what happens next.

Look beyond the business card

A networking event can feel like an exercise in exchanging names. Lewis offered a more useful purpose: learn enough about people to understand when you might be able to help them.

What does their organization actually do? Who do they serve? What problem are they trying to solve? Those questions make a conversation more memorable than a hurried sales pitch. They also give you something useful to remember when a neighbor asks for a recommendation a month later.

For an established professional, this might mean introducing a younger business owner to someone with relevant experience. For a retiree, it could mean connecting a volunteer organization with a person who knows accounting, maintenance, or event planning. Years of local knowledge can become a practical community resource.

Membership opens a door; participation builds trust

Lewis emphasized that paying dues alone does not produce the benefits people hope for. Relationships need time and repeated contact. Chamber gatherings, referral groups, ribbon cuttings, and individual conversations provide opportunities to become familiar with one another.

That does not require attending everything. A manageable routine is more useful than a burst of activity followed by months of silence. Choose a gathering you genuinely enjoy, return regularly, and remember something about the people you meet.

The same principle applies outside a chamber. At a service club, neighborhood organization, or community event, people learn who follows through. Reliability can begin with a small promise: send the information, make the introduction, or arrive when you said you would.

Ask what you can contribute

One of the strongest threads in Lewis’s talk was the connection between local businesses and community service. She described efforts to bring nonprofit organizations together and examples of businesses contributing practical help.

These partnerships work best when the need is specific. An organization looking for warehouse help needs a different connection from one seeking publicity or a meeting space. Being clear makes it easier for another person to recognize an opportunity to contribute.

If you are involved with a nonprofit, try describing one immediate need in a sentence. If you run a business, consider which skills, materials, or relationships you could reasonably share. A useful match often begins with a modest request that someone can actually fulfill.

Use the directory with a human purpose

A member directory can help you discover services and organizations nearby. Lewis encouraged people to explore the chamber’s resources and learn about its members. She also stressed the difference between making connections and treating the membership list as a collection of cold sales leads.

Start with a genuine reason to reach out. Perhaps you have used someone’s service, share an interest in a community project, or want to ask about an event. Explain that connection and respect the person’s time.

Supporting a local business can be equally straightforward. Visit, make a purchase when it fits your needs, or tell a friend about a good experience. Attendance at a ribbon cutting is encouraging; becoming a thoughtful customer helps the relationship continue after the photographs are taken.

Make room for people at different stages

Lewis’s presentation also highlighted the value of bringing experienced professionals and younger entrepreneurs into the same room. Each group has something useful to offer. One may know the community’s history and institutions; another may bring a new service, a fresh approach, or a different network.

A productive conversation does not require either person to have all the answers. Ask what the other person is working on. Share an experience when it is relevant. Offer an introduction only when both parties would benefit, and check before passing along personal contact information.

That kind of exchange helps a community carry knowledge forward. It gives newer participants a place to begin and longtime residents a meaningful way to stay involved.

Try one useful introduction this week

Think of two people or organizations whose interests overlap. Ask whether they would welcome an introduction, explain the reason, and then let them take the conversation forward.

Lewis’s message makes community building feel approachable. You do not need to organize a major event to make a difference. You can begin by noticing what someone needs and remembering who might help. Thank you, Erica, for reminding us how much possibility already exists among our neighbors.

Adapted by Xemplar Club from Erica Lewis’s Wednesday, October 15, 2025 presentation. Condensed and paraphrased for this retrospective; practical follow-up suggestions and linked resources have been added by the club.

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The trolley tracks beneath Farmington’s story: Brian Golden

Meeting: Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Brian Golden reveals the interurban railway that once connected Farmington to Detroit, Pontiac, and Northville.

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The trolley tracks beneath Farmington’s story

Speaker spotlight · Local history

Before the traffic lights and turn lanes, electric trolleys connected Farmington to a much bigger world. Their clues are still around us.

Brian Golden · Farmington Historical Society
Meeting:
By Xemplar Club · 5-minute read

Local historian Brian Golden holding a framed award

Drive through Grand River and Orchard Lake Road and you probably think about the light, the next turn, or how quickly you can get downtown. When historian Brian Golden looks at that intersection, he sees Farmington Junction: a place where electric rail lines met, passengers changed direction, and a powerhouse helped keep a region moving.

At the Xemplar Club’s October 1 meeting, Golden used historic photographs to reveal the transportation network beneath familiar places. His subject was the interurban, an electric railway connecting communities beyond a single city. Understanding it changes how we read Farmington’s landscape—and how we think about the systems a community depends on.

It began with a very ordinary problem: mud

Before paved roads, a trip could depend on the weather. Golden traced familiar routes, including Grand River and Orchard Lake, back to Native American trails that later became paths and roads. Add spring water to dirt, and dependable travel became difficult.

Communities tried improvements. Plank roads laid boards across the ground. Gravel roads offered another option. These better surfaces often came with tolls, making reliable movement something travelers paid for directly.

Rails offered a different solution. Horse-drawn cars could carry passengers along a fixed track, but the animals still needed food, stables, and care. Electric motors and overhead wires made a more extensive network possible. The trolley was a practical answer to a daily frustration: getting somewhere reliably.

The idea to remember

Transportation shapes more than a journey. It influences where people gather, where businesses grow, and which places become connected.

Farmington was a junction, not an isolated stop

Golden described a route that continued from Detroit through Redford to Farmington, with a connection north along Orchard Lake Road toward Pontiac. Another branch reached downtown Farmington, turned along Farmington Road, and continued toward Northville by way of Eight Mile.

He placed the arrival of Farmington’s trolley service in 1899. A network map from 1916 showed how far the interurban idea had spread across the region. For riders, these lines opened connections well beyond the next neighborhood.

Building the system took more than laying track. Operators needed permission to use public streets, often through municipal franchises. In rural areas, they could negotiate directly with property owners. Golden described farmers bargaining for a stop or platform alongside the land needed for a route. Even the location of a boarding point could be the result of a personal negotiation.

The winery building had an earlier job

One of the talk’s most memorable clues was the building associated with the LaSalle Winery near Farmington Junction. Before its winery chapter, Golden explained, it served as a powerhouse supplying electricity to the interurban.

That makes its tall smokestack easier to understand. Steam power helped generate the electricity that moved the cars. A feature that seems puzzling in one chapter of a building’s life makes sense when you uncover an earlier use.

The junction also needed places to maintain cars, shelter waiting passengers, and coordinate movement. Golden distinguished a waiting room from a staffed depot: a shelter did not necessarily come with a ticket agent. Small details in old photographs reveal how a place actually worked.

A phone call helped keep the line moving

The interurban was also a communications system. Golden described motormen stopping at a telephone booth to report their location and receive instructions. Before radio dispatch, those calls helped operators coordinate cars traveling through the network.

On single-track stretches, cars moving in opposite directions needed passing places, called sidings. A motorman could pull aside, let an approaching car pass, and return to the main track. The service depended on track, power, communication, and people working together.

That is a useful way to look at any public service. The visible vehicle is only one part of the system. Much of what makes a trip possible happens out of sight.

Why a successful idea eventually faded

Golden’s photographs captured a changing world: a trolley, a horse and buggy, and an early automobile sharing downtown Farmington. Several ways of traveling coexisted before one became dominant.

As roads improved, buses and automobiles became stronger competitors. Golden emphasized the costs rail operators carried, including maintaining their infrastructure, and the pressure to offer fares riders would choose. He described the local interurban’s disappearance in the late 1920s, while noting that Detroit’s city streetcars lasted longer.

The lesson is broader than a contest between old and new technology. A transportation system must remain useful and affordable as the world around it changes. The same rails that once solved a problem could become difficult to sustain under different conditions.

Take a second look at a familiar place

Try Golden’s approach on your next walk downtown. Look at a building’s shape, a street’s alignment, or an old photograph. Ask what purpose a detail originally served. A smokestack might lead to a powerhouse; a sign might identify a trolley stop rather than a street.

Then compare what you notice with a historical source. The aim is to become curious about the decisions that made the community we use today. Farmington’s trolley tracks may be gone, but the questions they raise can make an ordinary trip through town much more interesting.

Adapted by Xemplar Club from Brian Golden’s October 1, 2025 presentation. The talk has been condensed and paraphrased for this article.

Discover another topic in our speaker stories, or learn about Xemplar Club.

Speaker Spotlight – Betsy Ford Main

Speaker Spotlight – Betsy Ford Maine

The Xemplar Club was honored to welcome Betsy Ford Maine as our first speaker of the season. Betsy, a retired attorney from Grand Rapids, shared the remarkable story of her father, Dale V. Ford, one of the U.S. Army’s Monuments Men.

Her presentation highlighted the Monuments Men’s mission to recover art and cultural treasures looted by the Nazis during World War II. Betsy’s father served in Europe, helping to preserve and return priceless works, including stained glass, paintings, and even a Rembrandt self-portrait. She also described the continued legacy of this work, with thousands of pieces of art still missing today.

Betsy brought her father’s journey to life with photos, stories, and reflections on the honor of seeing his contributions recognized in books, the film The Monuments Men, and even at the World War II Museum. Her talk was both educational and deeply inspiring, reminding us of the importance of preserving history for future generations

Monica Ingles

Simon Mourani

Xemplar Club Speaker Spotlight

Wednesday, 28 May 2025

Spotlight on Local Business: Monica from The Cake Sisters

 

At a recent Xemplar Club luncheon, members were treated not just to warm camaraderie and delicious cookies, but to an inspiring and entertaining talk from Monica, co-owner of Kitchen Creations in downtown Farmington and Sorella’s Cake Studio in Livonia—together known as The Cake Sisters.

Monica, a Farmington native and proud mom of four boys, shared the heartfelt journey that led her and her sister to become small business owners. What began with her sons working part-time for Missy and Joe LaRussa at Kitchen Creations turned into a dream realized when Missy offered to sell the business. Monica and her sister jumped at the chance to own a storefront in their hometown—a place that, as she put it, “feels like walking through downtown like a queen.”

 

Two Businesses, One Passion

The Cake Sisters encompass two complementary ventures:

  • Sorella’s Cake Studio specializes in intricate, multi-tiered wedding cakes and extravagant custom confections.

  • Kitchen Creations caters to at-home bakers with everything from cake pops to edible images and even name tag engraving with their high-powered Thunder Laser cutter.

Each location reflects Monica’s passion for inclusivity, artistry, and customer-centered service. “We want people to feel welcome and seen,” Monica said. “If you don’t have passion, you don’t belong in business.”

 

Standing by Values

Monica emphasized that both businesses operate on a values-driven model. Their mission? To provide high-quality, custom cakes and client experiences that are unforgettable. Their vision focuses on community-building, creativity, and integrity. Their core values—kindness, inclusivity, authenticity, accountability, and artistry—guide every decision they make.

She also humorously addressed the reality of balancing customer expectations and budget constraints, especially in the wedding industry. “People say they want a cake like they saw on Ace of Cakes, and then they’re shocked when I tell them it costs $1,800,” she laughed. “I can make it, but are you willing to pay for it?”

 

A Business Rooted in Community

The Cake Sisters are proudly embedded in the local and regional wedding scene. As a preferred vendor with major venues like the Henry Ford Museum and multiple golf clubs, Monica’s team is known for reliability and excellence. Their reputation is built not just on skill, but on consistently great reviews on platforms like The Knot and WeddingWire.

Despite modern marketing trends, Monica still cherishes in-person interaction. “This new generation wants to do everything online,” she said. “But sometimes I just want to say—can we have a three-minute phone call? It would be so much easier!”

 

The Weirdest Cake Ever?

Monica didn’t shy away from sharing a few wild business stories—including one cake that featured a questionable photo from a client’s aunt and ended with signed legal waivers and a very awkward birthday party. “We do what we need to pay the rent,” she said, “but we have boundaries too!”

 

What’s Next?

Monica and her sister aim to eventually relocate the cake studio to downtown Farmington, bringing both halves of The Cake Sisters under one local roof. In the meantime, they continue to serve customers with humor, heart, and a whole lot of buttercream.

You can find Monica most often at the cake studio in Livonia, but both locations are open to the public. “Come in, buy all the cakes,” she joked. “And I’ll even put weird stuff on them—if you really want!”

Dave Kinchen and Stephanie Mead

Dave Kinchen and Stephanie Mead

Wednesday, 21 May 2025

From Tornadoes to Transformation: Fox 2’s Stephanie Mead and Dave Kinchen Visit the Xemplar Club

Farmington, MI – May 2025 — The Xemplar Club of Farmington & Farmington Hills welcomed two dynamic voices from Fox 2 News — meteorologist Stephanie Mead and reporter Dave Kinchen — for a lively and thoughtful conversation about weather, journalism, and the changing face of Detroit.

 

A Life Shaped by Weather

Stephanie Mead opened with a personal and passionate overview of her career in meteorology. Originally from the Chicago area, Mead developed a fascination with weather early on, especially the dramatic lake-effect systems and severe conditions common near Lake Michigan. She studied meteorology and journalism at Northern Illinois University, then began her career forecasting in the mountains of Idaho.

After stops in Green Bay and Indianapolis, where she covered major events like the Indy 500 and tracked numerous severe weather systems, Mead made her way to Detroit. “You’re not quite Tornado Alley,” she told the room, “but you’re close.” She noted that Southeast Michigan is seeing a shift in storm activity, with more tornadoes recorded already this year than usual for the entire season.

Asked if she ever chased storms, Mead smiled: “I love the science, but I’m not looking to get too close. I’d rather appreciate a tornado from a safe distance — preferably indoors.”

 

Covering Detroit’s Comeback

Dave Kinchen, a Detroit native and seasoned Fox 2 reporter, followed with his own homecoming story. His interest in journalism was sparked in middle school after meeting TV legend Frank Turner. That encounter launched a lifelong passion for storytelling, leading Kinchen through jobs in Flint and Philadelphia before returning to Detroit — just in time to witness the city’s remarkable revival.

“We’ve dreamed of this moment since the 1967 riots,” Kinchen said. “Now, the question is: how do we sustain it?”

He highlighted encouraging signs: population growth in the city, young professionals returning, booming redevelopment in areas like Corktown, and a renewed focus on mass transit and infrastructure. He’s especially interested in telling stories that capture the city’s momentum without ignoring its challenges — like housing debates in Royal Oak or crime prevention efforts through youth programs.

 

From Breaking News to Deep Roots

When asked about memorable stories, Kinchen mentioned both triumph and tragedy. The NFL Draft brought over 700,000 visitors downtown and ran smoothly — “that felt like winning a Super Bowl,” he said. But he also recalled difficult reporting, such as child neglect cases that shook the community.

As a journalist, Kinchen emphasized the importance of integrity: “Detroit is a ‘big small town.’ Everyone knows someone, so we walk a fine line — reporting honestly while staying grounded in the community.”

 

Questions, Weather Warnings, and the Detroit Spirit

Club members asked questions ranging from tornado trends and meteorological contracts to media ethics and the future of Detroit’s mayoral race. Mead and Kinchen offered thoughtful, informed answers — with humor and humility woven throughout.

Mead shared her professional love of forecasting winter storms (“so much detail, so much science”), but personally prefers fall for its mild beauty. Kinchen discussed the challenge of balancing shorter interviews with meaningful soundbites — and the joy of storytelling when a source says something truly powerful.

Jess Westendorf

Jess Westendorf

Xemplar Club Speaker Spotlight

Wednesday, 14 May 2025

Downtown Farmington’s Future: Jess Westendorf Shares Her Vision

Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Jess Westendorf, the new Executive Director of the Farmington Downtown Development Authority (DDA), spoke to the Xemplar Club with passion and vision for the future of downtown Farmington.

With six years of experience at the DDA, she now leads efforts to expand placemaking, strengthen local business, and enhance public spaces that bring people together.

Key Highlights

  • Mason’s Corner: A brand-new public space featuring the Unity Torch sculpture and a community-funded art swing.
  • Revitalized Alleys: Strategic investments have transformed underused alleys into hubs of activity, including new restaurants, shops, and gathering areas.
  • Public Art: Murals and installations — including projects in partnership with the DIA — add beauty and cultural appeal downtown.
  • Awards: Farmington was named a semifinalist for the Great American Main Street Award and honored as Michigan’s Downtown of the Year in 2024.

What’s Ahead

The next major project is the Art Park Promenade, which will improve pedestrian access from Riley Park to Shiawassee Park through a new public art corridor and neighborhood connections.

Jess also encouraged residents to share their input through the city’s master plan surveys, helping shape downtown’s growth over the next decade.

“There’s so much good happening here — and we’re just getting started.”

For more on downtown initiatives or to take the survey, visit the Farmington DDA website.

Simon Mourani

Simon Mourani

Xemplar Club Speaker Spotlight

Wednesday, 7 May 2025

Empowering Our Communities: DTE Energy’s Vision Shared with the Xemplar Club

During a recent Xemplar Club meeting, Simon Morani, Community Engagement Manager at DTE Energy, delivered a dynamic and informative presentation, giving members a behind-the-scenes look at the company’s major initiatives. From infrastructure investments and energy assistance to scam awareness and clean energy goals, Simon highlighted how DTE is working to create a more reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy future for all Michiganders.

A Commitment to Clean, Reliable, and Affordable Energy

 

Simon opened by introducing DTE’s dual role in providing both electric and gas service across Michigan, serving over 2.3 million electric and 1.3 million gas customers. He emphasized DTE’s threefold commitment: reliability, affordability, and clean energy. Central to that promise is a $9 billion investment over five years aimed at reducing outages by 30% and improving restoration times by 50% by 2029.

A significant piece of that strategy is DTE’s CleanVision Plan, which includes retiring coal-fired plants like those in Trenton and Monroe, aiming to exit coal entirely by 2032 and reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Strengthening the Grid: The Four-Point Reliability Plan

 

Simon outlined DTE’s comprehensive Four-Point Plan to improve energy reliability:

  1. Tree Trimming – Since 70% of power outages are caused by falling trees, DTE is actively trimming trees across neighborhoods.
  2. Grid Hardening – Replacing old wooden poles with stronger steel ones and modernizing cross arms to withstand extreme weather.
  3. Smart Grid Automation – Transitioning to a smart grid enables real-time rerouting of power to reduce widespread outages.
  4. Voltage Conversion – Upgrading from 4.8 to 13.2 kilovolts enhances both safety and service reliability.

Each element is carefully tracked and publicly accessible via DTE’s Process Improvement Maps, offering transparency on work being done across local communities.

Supporting Households: Assistance, Awareness, and Savings

 

Simon walked members through a robust suite of energy assistance programs for income-qualified residents, seniors, veterans, and active military. These programs include:

  • Winter Protection Plans
  • State Emergency Relief
  • Senior Credits (which require active enrollment)
  • Rebates for efficient appliances and smart thermostats

He also warned of increased energy scams, including impersonators spoofing DTE’s phone number. He stressed verifying caller identity and never sharing payment information over the phone.

Understanding Rates and Saving Smart

 

With the implementation of Time-of-Day Rates, customers can now take control of their bills by shifting energy usage away from peak hours (3–7 PM, weekdays). Tools like the DTE Insight App allow users to track and adjust usage in real time. For EV owners, Simon clarified that a separate meter can provide optimal charging rates during off-peak hours (typically 11 PM–7 AM).

 

Community Involvement at the Core

 

Simon also highlighted the community engagement efforts that define his role: from setting up resource tables at local festivals to visiting senior centers and Rotary clubs. DTE’s volunteerism program supports employees giving back with grants for nonprofit organizations, and the DTE Foundation offers grants up to $50,000 to eligible community-based initiatives.

A strong believer in building trust through presence, Simon attends city council meetings and has cultivated partnerships with local leaders like Todd Lipa of CARES in Farmington Hills. These connections help DTE amplify outreach and serve the broader community effectively.

 

Upcoming Local Event: DTE Open House in Farmington Hills

 

Simon enthusiastically invited Xemplar members to attend an upcoming DTE Open House at CARES of Farmington Hills. The event will offer direct access to DTE’s program leaders, from renewables to tree trimming, and feature free BBQ, giveaways, and onsite help desks to resolve individual concerns. The event is May 14th at CARES in Farmington Hills.


“You hear all the negatives,” Simon concluded, “but what you don’t always hear is how many opportunities exist—opportunities to save money, stay safe, and be part of the clean energy transition.”

The Xemplar Club thanks Simon Morani and DTE Energy for their dedication to educating and empowering the communities they serve.

Randy Bruce

Randy Bruce

Xemplar Club Speaker Spotlight

Wednesday, 30 April 2025

Mayoral Candidate Randy Bruce Visits Xemplar Club to Share Vision for Farmington Hills

The Xemplar Club of Farmington & Farmington Hills welcomed mayoral candidate Randy Bruce as its guest speaker last Wednesday, offering members an engaging look at his plans for the city’s future. A Farmington Hills resident of over 30 years and a retired General Motors executive, Bruce brought a compelling message grounded in his business acumen, community involvement, and a deep commitment to local values.


Bruce, who is seeking to become the next mayor of Farmington Hills, emphasized the importance of leadership that is both accountable and transparent. “I’m not a politician—I’m a community servant,” he said. “This is about making Farmington Hills the best it can be for families, for businesses, and for future generations.”


During his talk, Bruce laid out key areas of focus for his campaign:

  • Public Safety and Infrastructure: Bruce stressed the need for sustainable infrastructure improvements and ensuring police and fire services are well-equipped and supported. “Our first responders deserve the tools they need to keep us safe,” he said.

  • Fiscal Responsibility: With years of executive leadership under his belt, Bruce highlighted his commitment to responsible budgeting and avoiding wasteful spending. “We need to manage our city like a well-run business—efficient, accountable, and forward-thinking.”

  • Community Engagement: One of Bruce’s standout messages was the importance of listening to residents. “I want to bring City Hall closer to the people,” he explained, pledging to hold more public forums and ensure that every citizen has a voice.

Xemplar members responded positively to Bruce’s message, especially his focus on bridging generational and cultural divides within the city. “We need a leader who brings people together—and I want to be that leader,” he said.


As election season approaches, the Xemplar Club remains committed to hosting informative sessions with local candidates and civic leaders. Randy Bruce’s visit provided valuable insight into the choices Farmington Hills voters will face in the coming months.

Robert Jackson

Robert Jackson

Xemplar Club Speaker Spotlight

Wednesday, 23 April 2025

One Man’s Journey from Farmington to D.C. to the Xemplar Club

At a recent gathering of the Xemplar Club in Farmington, Michigan, the room fell into respectful silence as guest speaker Robert Jackson stepped forward. A native of Farmington and graduate of Farmington High School, Jackson brought with him not just decades of experience in military and public service—but a story of transformation, mentorship, and unshakable commitment to country.

 

Jackson served nine years in the U.S. Navy and went on to spend 25 years in Washington, D.C., including roles as Deputy Communications Director for the House Armed Services Committee, Legislative Director, and later Chief of Staff for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). His career placed him in rooms with presidents and before Congress, advocating for those who have worn the uniform.

 

But his message on this day wasn’t just about titles or policy. It was about people—those who shape us, believe in us, and push us beyond what we think we can become. Jackson spoke with heartfelt emotion about the late Paul Welday, a high school acquaintance turned mentor, who helped guide him into public service. “One person can make all the difference in somebody’s life,” Jackson said. “Paul Welday made that difference in mine.”

 

Addressing a crowd that included administrative professionals, Jackson emphasized the unsung role of support staff. “Nobody does it alone,” he told them. “They keep us from doing the stupid things we’d do without them—it’s a full-time job.”

 

His speech at the Xemplar Club wasn’t just a trip down memory lane; it was a passionate call to action. Jackson expressed concern over current efforts to privatize veterans’ healthcare and the growing political gridlock in Washington that he believes harms the very people he spent decades fighting for. “Both parties need to talk. If they don’t, 21 million veterans suffer,” he warned.

 

Despite the serious tone, Jackson ended with a message of hope and gratitude—for the mentors, for the comrades, and for the mission that still drives him. As he spoke the final words, the crowd stood not just to applaud, but to honor a man whose life story embodies the values the Xemplar Club holds dear: service, leadership, and community.

 

In that small gathering, Robert Jackson reminded everyone that patriotism isn’t passive—it’s lived, shared, and earned.

Mary and Derek O’Conner

Mary & Derek O'Connor

Xemplar Club Speaker Spotlight

Wednesday, 16 April 2025

From Scratch: The Journey of Chocolate Chipped Bakery

At a recent meeting of the Xemplar Club, members had the opportunity to hear from Mary and Derek O’Connor, the founders of Chocolate Chipped Bakery—a growing local business with deep roots in the Farmington community.

 

Established in 2017, Chocolate Chipped Bakery began as a passion project driven by Mary’s long-standing love for baking. Her goal was to create the ideal chocolate chip cookie: one large enough to be satisfying on its own, soft and dough-like on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and generously filled with chocolate chips in every bite.

 

The bakery’s early growth was closely tied to the Farmington Farmers Market, where Mary and Derek were consistent vendors. Their cookies sold out at every market appearance, quickly earning them a loyal following and validating the potential of their business concept. These early successes laid the foundation for their expansion into a commercial kitchen and, eventually, a brick-and-mortar storefront in downtown Farmington in 2024.

During their visit, the O’Connors shared their story with club members and brought along samples of their signature cookies, showcasing the product that helped launch their entrepreneurial journey.

 

Chocolate Chipped Bakery is a strong example of local business development grounded in quality, persistence, and community engagement—values that align closely with the mission of the Xemplar Club.

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