Written by guest author Jay McMillan, President of Royal Services
I believe that Ferndale, perhaps more than other communities that I have lived, played, and been a part of, is one of the most giving communities. This is just one of the unique ways Ferndale adds to our lives.
As the Chair for the Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce, and a business owner and president of Royal Services, I know this to be true: Giving to the community creates a sense of belonging, a sense of pride, and a sense of caring.
Giving to the community, whether it be through contributions, offering a helping hand to our neighbors, or through taking part in community activities, gives back to me that feeling of “WOW, I am proud to be a part of Ferndale!” Sharing the joy of successes of ourselves and others makes me stick my chest out a little further, adding to the pride of being part of Ferndale.
If I ask myself, where do I belong and where does Royal Services belong, there is only one logical choice – we belong in Ferndale. Through 
my activities with organizations, volunteer efforts, or just by sitting and speaking with new business owners, I realize that I do these things because I really want to! Never an expectation of getting anything in return, but from the pure joy of giving. The payback, if you will, is that the community has reached back and offered a strong sense of belonging. I am PROUD to say I am from Ferndale Michigan – look at what we have become and where we are going!
The last component is that Ferndale is a caring community. Plain and simple, we care about each other and for many of us, we are there to offer that helping hand when we are needed most. Those business neighbors who are most successful give to the community without a second thought. Not because it’s good business, but because they care.
With the floods of 2014, those that cared most stepped up and took the lead in offering support to those that were devastated. I look at Jack Aronson, owner of Garden Fresh Salsa, and his efforts through flood relief and the Ferndale location for The Boys and Girls Club. I watch Jim Pool, Pastor of Renaissance Vineyard Church, and know that he genuinely cares about our city, offering a helping hand to those in need of help. I look at Kyle Van Buren, owner of Biggby Coffee – Ferndale. He is one of the newer members of our community, and has already embraced Ferndale and the Ferndale Public Schools, taking part wherever he can. I can look at any number of individuals in our community who have similar stories.
It’s what we’re all about – helping one another succeed. Thank you Ferndale for letting myself and Royal Services make this our community home.
#SupportLocal
Ferndale Michigan Works 