JVS will host its 10^th annual Strictly Business Networking and Awards Luncheon on Monday, May 7, 2007 at the Hyatt Regency Dearborn.  During the event, four individuals who received JVS employment services will be honored with the Employee of the Year Award.  Charter One Bank will receive the Business Leadership Award in honor of its progressive employment practices.  Congressman Joe Knollenberg will deliver the keynote address to more than 700 business and community leaders.  For sponsorship opportunities, click here.
     “Elected to Congress in 1992, Knollenberg is the ranking member on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development. In this role, Knollenberg utilizes his stature in Congress to fight for Oakland County's fair share of federal money for local road projects and other priorities such as environmental clean ups of the Rouge River. Knollenberg is also a senior member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations.
     A recipient of the National Federation of Independent Business' top award, Knollenberg is a strong supporter of health care reforms that will reduce costs for small businesses and make it easier for them to offer insurance to their employees. Knollenberg has also championed legislation to provide tax credits to small businesses that create new jobs. And he has worked to reduce the cost of regulations and litigation on small businesses.
     Knollenberg is one of the auto industry's most effective advocates in Congress. He has fought to rescind costly steel tariffs that drive up the cost of auto manufacturing for the Big Three and their suppliers. In 2006, Knollenberg authored legislation to crack down on counterfeiters who make fraudulent auto parts that cost Michigan thousands of auto jobs. The Knollenberg counterfeit law was a top priority of The National Association of Manufacturers, The United States Chamber of Commerce, and scores of automotive suppliers located in Oakland County. In the 110^th Congress, Knollenberg is working to promote alternative fuels as a means to reduce America's dependence on Middle East oil and to prevent job killing increases in federal fuel economy regulations.
     Knollenberg has worked together closely with Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson on initiatives to diversify Southeast Michigan's economy and attract good paying, high-tech jobs to our communities. Knollenberg was instrumental in securing federal funding to build Automation Alley's new headquarters. He also secured start-up funding to bring Employee Home Ownership programs to the metropolitan Detroit area.
     A graduate of Eastern Illinois University, Knollenberg served in the Army before launching his business career. He and his wife, Sandie, have lived in Oakland County for more than 35 years. They have two sons, Marty and Steve, who also reside in Oakland County. Marty Knollenberg represents Troy and Clawson in the Michigan Legislature.