Ara Topouzian -
A New Ara in Economic Development for Novi
 

It stands to reason that a person with great entrepreneurial skills would be appointed as Novi’s Economic Development Manager. That person would be Ara Topouzian.

Like many successful people, his path was not necessarily linear, but his story has an interesting symmetry.

A Michigan native, after graduating from Birmingham Groves High School, he attended Wayne State University, earning Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Journalism and Marketing. Unfortunately opportunities in journalism were few are far between, so Ara opened his own business and it featured a unique concept. The business was called “Sound of Books” and it was essentially an audio bookstore, where orders were fulfilled through the mail.

That venture transitioned into ‘American Recording Productions.’ An accomplished musician, Topouzian had been performing at Weddings, nightclubs, festivals and his specialty was playing an instrument called a ‘Kanun.” A Kanun is a Middle Eastern musical instrument that is essentially a laptop harp that contains 76 strings.

People enjoyed his music so much, he began getting requests for recordings of his performances, so he ventured into that business full time.

After 3-4 years he was looking to grow his business further so he joined the Farmington Hills Chamber of Commerce. His desire to be active in the community landed him on the Board of Directors and soon he was being groomed for the position of ‘Director of Programs and events” He produced all events including golf outings, trade shows, expos, and networking events. My job was to “invent ways for people to network,” he added.

After three years he became Vice-President of the Chamber in 2003 and was on the fast track to become President. Active in community outreach, he became President in 2004 and as part of his charter, he worked hard with the City Council and City Manager as an advocate for businesses to come to Farmington Hills.

Last April, Topouzian took his talents to the City of Novi in this newly created position that reports directly to Clay Pearson.

“My job involves bringing business to Novi, specifically companies with 20 or more employees.” “But we also focus on the type of business as well, and is it good for Novi?” Some types include medical related, technical, light industrial and of course retail.

In addition to attract first rate businesses to Novi, his job is to focus on retention as well. “We focus on a partner/supplier relationship, and I like to visit businesses personally to learn how we can best achieve our goals.” To that end Ara Topouzian is an advocate and ombudsman, and his objective is to provide a high level of customer service, helping them to walk-through various processes, making their experience rewarding.

A new Ara has begun in the next chapter of Novi Business Development, and he seems to really have his finger on the pulse.

“I am extremely excited to bring my experience with the area business community to Novi,” Topouzian stated. “I am aware that the connection between a City and its business community is vital to its sustainability and economic growth.”

Ara Topouzian has arrived and a new era really has begun.