Longtime Birmingham custom clothier Bob Benkert has been named the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber’s 2015 Business Person of the Year.
Benkert has owned and operated The Claymore Shop since 1966. He was nominated for the award by The Principal Shopping District, of which he is a director, and the Michigan Humane Society. The Business Person of the Year award is given annually to a Chamber member who uses his company and personal resources to better the greater community.
In his nominating letter, PSD Chairman Jeff Hockman described Benkert as “a man of great integrity, and a true business leader.”
Benkert over the years has generously donated hundreds of items and gift cards from The Claymore Shop to support local charity fundraisers. But he, along with his wife, J.J., also give personally of their time and talent to several organizations including The Michigan Humane Society, The Beaumont Pediatric Cancer Survivor Scholarship Fund, South Oakland Shelter and Cranbrook’s Horizons Upward Bound program.
“Bob Benkert is a shining star among business owners who understand it is important to give back, and to support the community in return for them supporting his business,” said Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber President Joe Bauman. “Bob makes his impact quietly and never seeks the spotlight. He is a perfect recipient for this award and it is great he finally is getting his due credit for all he has done to improve the quality of life in the Birmingham Bloomfield Community.”
Benkert is a fixture in the Birmingham business community, and plays a vital role on the PSD’s marketing committee and represents the organization on the city’s Parking Advisory Committee. Known as much for his personal fashion style as the high quality of the men’s clothing he sells, Benkert is fond of saying “There is no such thing as bad weather, just inadequate clothing.”
Benkert with receive his award at the Chamber’s 68th Annual Meeting, scheduled for 8-9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2 at The Community House in downtown Birmingham. For ticket information, visit the Chamber’s Web site at www.bbcc.com, or call the Chamber offices at (248) 644-1700.