Akouri Speaks at Palazzo Grande Goundbreaking Ceremony

SHELBY TWP, MI...Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce CEO John Akouri spoke today at the official groundbreaking of the Palazzo Grande Banquet & Event Center in Shelby Township, MI. The event drew nearly 100 business and civic leaders from around southeast Michigan that included US Rep. Candice Miller, Macomb County Treasurer Ted Wahby and Shelby Township Mayor Ralph 'Skip' Maccarone. As cameras flashed and video rolled, guests cheered on those shoveling the first round of dirt to make way for the new facility.

"Now you can see why Jimmy LaHood was chosen as the first-ever recipient of the Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce Businessman of the Year Award," said Akouri. "While others sit back and wait, place blame and complain or just outright leave our state in its time of need, Jimmy LaHood has chosen to make an investment in Michigan to show the rest of the business community his commitment to our economy," Akouri concluded.

The scheduled opening day for Michigan's newest premiere banquet & event Center is May of 2008. The State of the art building offers over 1000 seating capacity, a waterfall in the Grand Corridor, custom staircase featuring wrought iron, and a baby grand piano. It will feature include four elegant ballrooms with bay windows, a Bridal & VIP suite with imported marble and chandeliers throughout. The Palazzo Grande Banquet & Event Center will create over one hundred new jobs that will aid in Michigan's ailing economy as well as bringing new tax revenue to the State. This is the third Michigan entertainment facility owned by Lebanese American Businessman Jimmy LaHood and will quickly become a Detroit-area landmark.