A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM JOHN AKOURI

Dear Friends,

What a year it has been! Lebanese Monthly Magazine has completed its successful first year in business. Within these past twelve months, and while based in Michigan, the Lebanese American News Agency (parent company to the Magazine) is proud to report that in addition to southeast Michigan, the Magazine distribution also includes: Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Toledo, Washington, DC, Phoenix, and more cities on the way.

And speaking of success, this year's signature event of The Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce is still being talked about - seven months after the event! The 2006 Golden Cedar Awards 'Night of a Hundred Stars' Gala featured appearances by David Letterman, Bobby Rahal, Octavia Nasr, Chuck Gaidica, Karen Newman, Lomas Brown, Grace George Corrigan, Henry Saad, Thad McCotter and so many more - all in Tribute to Lebanese Leadership in America. Those who supported the establishment and creation of the Chamber are committed to its success and are to be highly commended for their dedication.

Once again, the USA was graced with the presence of Cardinal Boutros Sfeir, Patriarch of the worldwide Maronite community. What a blessing it was to have been a Member of the Cathedral of St. Maron Maronite Church Parish Council under the leadership of Father Ghattas Khoury during the planning stages of his visit. So special to me was the task of formally welcoming His eminence at the Pastor's Residence prior to the Mass of the faithful which drew nearly one thousand persons this past summer.

More recently, I cannot but be proud of our accomplishment in the November Statewide election here in Michigan. Though the election did not turn out the way we had hoped, I am thankful to the 1.3 Million citizens of the Great State of Michigan who cast their ballot for me to lead Wayne State university for the next eight years. I look forward to crossing paths again with so many of our supporters as we continue to work for the very best in our educational system throughout the state.

2007 promises to be filled with new challenges and exciting opportunities! As we wind down 2006, I have so much to be thankful for and I wish to express my sincerest appreciation to all of you for your longtime continued friendship, love and support. Without you, we could not advance our mission. May you and yours experience peace, joy and the love of family during the upcoming Christmas season. Let us rejoice in remembering the birth of the Saviour of the world & share in the hope and inspiration He brings us all.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

John Akouri