DIA-OFA Golf Outing Flyer

DIA-OFA updates & upcoming events

The DIA-OFA team has had a busy start to 2009. The website has been updated and we have added a new email broadcast list. Feel free to subscribe at DIA-OFA.org Most of this year's events have been scheduled. In fact, the DIA-OFA calendar is full through the Fall. Following is the latest news.

Website sponsors and membership list updates: We have updated all sponsor links going back to our last golf outing. If you are interested in becoming a featured sponsor please contact one of our officers. The member database has also been cleaned up. Only current members are listed. See the DIA-OFA website for a membership application if you are interested in joining or renewing your membership.

Event topics survey: We had a great turnout for January's US Customs event. The DIA-OFA is interested in learning what other topics are of interest to our guests and members. Look for a online survey coming soon.

Scholarship and Internship meeting: The DIA-OFA will re-introduce its annual scholarship meeting on May 7th. This meeting will also feature valuable information regarding new and easy ways for small and mid-sized businesses to access interns from local universities. Stay tuned for copies of this year's scholarship nomination forms.

Golf Outing: The annual DIA-OFA golf outing will return the the Golden Fox in Plymouth on June 18th.

Tigers Outing: The DIA-OFA returns to the "Dew Deck" for a Friday game at Comerica Park. Come out and cheer on the Tigers as they face the Chicago White Sox.

Don't miss the US Customs & Border Protection Meeting on January 22nd

The DIA-OFA is proud to welcome US Customs & Border Protection Operations Specialist Ben Anderson on Thursday, 1/22/09 at the Lakes of Taylor. Anyone interested in Customs rules, regulations, enforcement, and/or penalties is encouraged to attend. Click here to download the event flyer/registration form.

As you see from his bio, Specialist Anderson is uniquely qualified to answer virtually any question related to this important agency.

Ben Anderson began his career with U.S. Customs as entry level Inspector in Detroit in 1971. He was promoted to Senior Inspector in 1974, First Level Supervisor in 1977 and Chief Inspector in 1986. He served in several capacities as a Chief Inspector:

- Bridge Station Chief
- Enforcement Chief
- Administrative Chief
- Fort Street Cargo Station Chief (during 9/11)

Ben was featured representing U.S. Customs in the TIME Magazine one-year 9/11 Anniversary Issue (September 9, 2002).

Ben transferred to an Operations Specialist Position in the Detroit Field Office in 2004.

He began his 39th year with Customs on January 18, 2009.

DIA-OFA Christmas Party - 2007

The DIA-OFA celebrated Christmas at the International Banquet Center in Greek Town. As usual the generous attendees delivered plenty of toys and gifts for Toys for Tots. A great time was had by all!

Thanks for welcoming me to DIA-OFA!

Hi DIA-OFA members!

Thanks for a very warm welcome into your organization. If the events are half as fun as the pictures appear - that's an achievement in itself. Hopefully I can bring some value from my everyday job in government advocacy at the Detroit Regional Chamber. Right now we're fighting the service tax - which really hit a number of industries - but especially logistics. Courier service, warehousing and travel arrangements are just a few of the categories targeted in the new beast. Here is a link to all of the SIC codes that will be taxed December 1st.

I'm very excited to meet everyone - see you at the next event or the Christmas Party on December 13th!

The DIA-OFA Welcome's Melissa Roy as a New Officer

The DIA-OFA is proud to welcome Melissa Roy as our newest officer. She is sure to bring a new perspective and energy to our group. Thank you, Jeanne Heilman for recruiting Melissa as our new Secretary.

In her day job - Senior Director, Government Relations Detroit Regional Chamber - Melissa manages transportation policy and government relations. Her responsibilities at the Chamber include managing the transportation policy committee, advocacy and monitoring emerging issues that may impact trade and infrastructure within Southeast Michigan.

Within government relations, she is responsible for federal, state and local government relationship management. Transportation issues within the chamber include media positioning of important projects and forging partnerships along Detroit’s regional trade routes. Melissa is an eight year Detroit Regional Chamber veteran. Before government relations, she worked in economic development.

She welcomes the opportunity to learn more about the intermodal industry and join the party as a new DIA-OFA officer.

Melissa graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in economics and German.

DIA-OFA Annual Detroit Tigers Outing

Over 100 DIA-OFA members and guests were at Comerica Park last Friday evening to witness pitchers Justin Verlander and the Detroit Tigers hitters dominate the Seattle Mariners 6-1.

Golf Outing Photos

The annual DIA-OFA Golf Outing on June 28th sold out and filled Fox Hills in Plymouth, MI. A great time was had by all!