Business Briefs: Chamber Celebrates New Openings With Ribbon-Cuttings

Here's a snapshot of what's going on in Birmingham's business community:

Car rental agency expands, photography studio officially opens

Several new Birmingham businesses officially opened their doors with ribbon-cuttings sponsored by the . Avis Budget Car & Truck Rental is now open at 1000 E. Maple Rd. after a May 9 ribbon-cutting.

"The merger of Avis and Budget allows us to better serve our customers with a full line-up of cars and trucks available to rent," said Ken Klussman, agency operator for the Birmingham location.

Klussman said the business is a family affair, and he relies on the help of his wife Ruth and daughter Judy. "We have been very happy operating in Birmingham as a Budget agency and look forward to many more years here."

Also celebrating their opening with a May 10 ribbon-cutting is , a boutique photography studio specializing in wedding, family, seniors, newborn and boudoir photography.

The studio, located by at 2129 Cole St. is owned by Melissa Tremblay. Sessions are by appointment only.

Family-owned New You Salon named Oakland County favorite

Birmingham's was recently voted the No. 1 salon in Birmingham, Woodward Avenue and Oakland County in a Best of the Best poll sponsored by WDIV Channel 4.

Open for 40 years, New Your Salon is owned and operated by a family featuring five generations of hair stylists. According to the owners (twin sisters), they have a combined 18 grandchildren and the salon currently employs 10 members of their family.

The Robot Garage turns 1 with birthday party Friday

is turning 1 year old this weekend, and they're celebrating with an all-day party Friday, June 1.

, families can stop by for free drop-in sessions to check out Lego, LaQ and Duplo building toys. There will also be robotics demonstrations, hands-on "Sumo" robot competitions, a community Lego mosaic and various displays built with Legos, Mekedo and LaQ.

Parents will also have the chance to preview the Robot Garage's week-long summer camps, which will run from June 25-Aug. 24 for those in grades 1-8.

Ferndale's Treat Dreams and Motor City Franks will be on site all day, selling hotdogs and ice cream, Faygo and Better Made potato chips.

“This first year has been incredible. The community at-large has supported The Robot Garage in so many ways. We have our economic challenges in Michigan but there could be no better place to start a new business like this," said owner Sarah Jacobs, who owns the Robot Garage with her husband Jonathan. "Our family of customers, teachers and students is truly our guiding voice as we continue to roll out new programs and grow."

Upcoming Events:

• ribbon-cutting: 4-5 p.m. May 30, 528 N. Old Woodward Ave.
• OCN Mixer: 5:30-7:30 p.m. May 23,
• Member coffee: 8-9 a.m. May 31, Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton, PC (114 Willits St.)
• Professional Edge workshop: 7:30-9:30 a.m. June 7, Huntington Bank Headquarters (801 W. Big Beaver in Troy)
• Summer Wined Up: 5-8 p.m. June 14, historic Franklin business district
• Member Golf Outing: July 16, Plum Hollow Country Club