Dedicated to the Establishment of the Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce

- The LACC recognizes and thanks its Founding Members -

Councilman John Akouri

Lebanese Monthly Magazine

Dr. Pierre Boutros

Bald Mountain Pharmacies

Dr. Sami Maassarani

Convenient Dental Care

MFBA/MBPA set to receive Business Association of the Year at the 2006 LACC Honors

Michigan Food and Beverage Association (MFBA) is a trade organization which represents 3,200 members who employ more than 40,000 persons throughout the State of Michigan. MFBA includes in its membership independent grocers, convenience store operators, local food chains, restaurants, fast food establishments, gas station operators, food manufacturers, processors, wholesalers, brokers, suppliers.

Michigan Business & Professional Association (MBPA) is an organization of mainly small to medium sized businesses that represents over 15,000 members who employ over 100,000 persons throughoutthe State of Michigan. MBPA includes in its membership various businesses including architects, accountants, attorneys, real estate agents, construction engineers, insurance agents, banks, and various types of retail operators, wholesalers, brokers, manufacturers, suppliers, etc.

Edward Deeb, president & CEO of MFBA/MBPA is considered "the Dean" of Michigan’s associations with over 42 years as an industry leader and is the chief spokesman, working with government, the news media and the public. As the chief trouble-shooter for the food industry, Mr. Deeb spearheads the crisis intervention program if any problems should develop between merchants and residents. In 1980, following altercations between African-American Detroit youth and Middle Eastern neighborhood merchants, Mr. Deeb co-founded Metro Detroit Youth Day in an effort to show young people that business people and the community cares about them. Each July, more than 29,000 Metro Detroit area young people from all walks of life join together for a day of sports, fun and constructive activities on Belle Isle. Mr. Deeb has donated his time for 20 years to chair the Eastern Market Merchants Association, and presently serves as president of Friends of Eastern Market. He has been a driving force to help revitalize the area to attract additional businesses and shoppers to the area. A graduate of MSU, Mr. Deeb is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force & Air Force Reserves. A resident of Bloomfield Hills (formerly of Grosse Pointe Shores), he and his wife have two grown children.

James LaHood-Sarkis Chosen as 2006 Lebanese Businessman of the Year

The Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce announced today that the recipient of its 2006 Lebanese Businessman of the Year Award will be James LaHood-Sarkis. Jimmy has been a strong member of the St. Clair Shores business community for many years. Jimmy has operated and managed the Barrister House Banquet Center, built by his Grandfather in the mid 1960’s for over twenty years. Twelve years ago, he opened the Barrister Gardens Banquet Center, also located in St. Clair Shores. Jim is very much involved in land development in Macomb, Oakland and surrounding communities and will be opening his third banquet center located in Shelby Township, in 2007.

He is an honest, hardworking family man who is a devoted husband to his wife Danielle, and loving Father to his three children, Jimmy Jordan Jr, Alexis Paige & Julian Richard. Jimmy enjoys spending as much time as possible with his wife and children. He is always present to encourage his children with academics & extra curricular activities. Jimmy has received several awards and was honored for helping the families of the tragedy on Sept 11, 2001. Jimmy donated his banquet facility and all food for the proceeds to directly benefit the families of Police Officers and Fire Fighters who lost their lives. Jim and his staff served over 4000 people within three hours and were able to help raise nearly $100,000.00 for the cause. As an involved business member of the St. Clair Shores community, Jim happily accepted the honor of Grand Marshall at the 2002 St Clair Shores Memorial Day Parade. Jimmy is a member of the Grosse Pointe Crisis Club, Lakeshore Optimist Club as well as many other charities which help children and families in need. Jimmy happily donates his time to these causes.

Celebrities & Notables to Appear at the LACC 2006 'Night of a Hundred Stars' Gala Ball

(DETROIT)...As the 2006 Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce Gala Ball draws nearer, many celebrities are confirming their presence and will be attending, performing or presenting awards to the Honorees at the 2006 Golden Cedar Awards scheduled to take place on the evening of Friday, May 19, 2006 in Detroit. Dignitaries & Notables include NFL Great Lomas Brown, Congressman Thad McCotter, Judge Henry Saad, Singer Karen Newman, Emmy Award-winning TV Personality Chuck Gaidica, Miss Lebanon Emigrant 2003 Miriam Habib, Houston Scientist Dr. Hamid Kantara, Alhurra TV Producer Yara Youssef, NFL Great Lem Barney, Oakland County Chairman Bill Bullard, US Dept of Justice Special Advisor George Selim, fmr. Detroit Red Wings Anthem Singer James Akouri, US Army Colonel George V. Noirot, Singer Amalia Kaddo, Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis. For additional Gala information or to register a request for tickets, please visit www.lebanesechamber.org.

US Department of Health & Human Services Deputy Secretary Alex M. Azar to Keynote Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce 2006 Golden Cedar Awards Gala

(DETROIT)...Hon. John Akouri, Chairman of the Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce (LACC) announced today that the US Deputy Secretary of Health & Human Services Alex M. Azar, II will keynote the 2006 LACC 'Night of a Hundred Stars' Golden Cedar Awards next month in Detroit. Deputy Secretary Azar, an American of Lebanese descent, is also an honoree and will receive the prestigious Golden Cedar Award for Distinguished Leadership at the Gala which celebrates Lebanese Leadership in America.

LACC Unveils its New Logo

Celebrating Lebanese Leadership in America

The Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce 'Night of a Hundred Stars' First Annual Gala Ball 2006 Golden Cedar Award Honorees

2006 Honorees

Legendary Racing Champion

BOBBY RAHAL
Lifetime Achievement

CNN Anchor & Reporter

OCTAVIA NASR

Excellence in Journalism

Special Assistant to the US Solicitor of Labor

SAMUEL J. SAAD, III

Public Service Award

A Special Tribute To

ASTRONAUT CHRISTA MCAULIFFE

Presented to her mother Grace George Corrigan*

*Photo of Grace G.Corrigan courtesy of The MetroWest Daily News

ONE YEAR LATER