SOLD OUT AGAIN! The Golden Cedar Awards Gala Draws Hundreds

(BIRMINGHAM, MI)...The Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce announced late tonight that again this year, the annual Golden Cedar Awards Gala has completely sold-out and tickets are no longer available. Long known as the hottest event of the year, the annual Gala set for this Friday, is one of the most sought after black-tie spectaculars. Hundreds of confirmed guests will fill the Hotel St. Regis Grand Ballroom in tuxedo's and evening gowns throughout the night. Gala Patrons will be treated to an exhibit by renown artist Adnan Charara, the sounds of the season from the Twelfth Night Singers, specialty promotions from Finlandia & Chambord, a royal culinary feast with an afterglow that will include an International Coffee Station. Of course the highlight of the evening will be the presentation of Golden Cedars to this year's Honorees. A who's who of celebrities and notables will fill the halls of the newly refurbished Hotel St. Regis, including the singing of the national anthem by Detroit Red Wings Singer Karen Newman, a Special Tribute to Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis, and stories and anecdotes from featured speaker Paul W. Smith of WJR AM-760.

National Co-Chairs Announced: Jacques Nasser & M. Peter McPherson

(BIRMINGHAM, MI)...The Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce announced today that two of the world's most respected business leaders will serve as National Co-chairs of this year's annual Golden Cedar Awards Gala. Former Ford Motor Company CEO Jacques Nasser, who served as the inaugural Chairman in 2006, is being joined this year by M. Peter McPherson, Dow Jones Chairman of the Board. The event, dubbed 'Celebrating Leadership in North America' will take place on Friday, November 30, 2007 at the Historic Hotel St. Regis in Detroit, MI.

IN ONE WEEK: The 2007 Golden Cedar Awards Gala

Happy Thanksgiving from our Home to Yours!

Akouri Assembles Delegation of Business, Health & Civic Leaders in Support of Lebanese Charitable Organization Al-Kafaat

(TROY, MI)...Fmr. Washington DC Senior Advisor John Akouri led a delegation of business, civic and health leaders to a fundraising dinner in support of the Lebanese charitable organization known as Al-Kafaat. The group included Dr. & Mrs. Khaled Abdelnour and Dr. Khalil Nahra. Akouri also arranged for Michigan Senator John Pappageorge to present a Gubernatorial & Senate Tribute to the grand-daughter of the founder of Al-Kafaat, Miss Myriam N. Shwayri, on the occasion of the charity's 50th Anniversary. Also present were staunch supporters and highly respected community leaders, Mr & Mrs. Walid Khalife, along with Mr. Lou Ferris and guests. During the program, Councilman Akouri was thanked publicly for his support and leadership by the V. Rev. Archpriest Fr. Joseph Antypas, Pastor of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, site of the 2007 event.

Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce Honored by Corp! Magazine

(TROY, MI)...Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce Chairman & CEO John Akouri was honored by Corp! Magazine at a Salute to Diversity event at the Michigan State University Management Education Center in Troy, Mich. The award was presented in cooperation with the Michigan Business and Professional Association and the Michigan Food and Beverage Association, headed by Ed Deeb. Fellow honorees included former Detroit Pistons Basketball player Vinnie Johnson, Ghafari Associates Chairman Yousif Ghafari, former Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer and Detroit Pistons owner Bill Davidson. In receiving the prestigious award from Corp! Magazine publisher Jennifer Kluge, Akouri was joined at the event by Chamber Board Members Judge Linda Saoud Hallmark and Julie Oldani of the State Department International Visitors Council. Steve Hagar, President of the Michigan Mortgage Brokers Association and part of the Chamber Leadership, was also present at the breakfast event.

"On behalf of the LACC, I humbly accept this honor," said Akouri, in receiving the award. "It is due to their commitment, dedication and hardwork towards our stated mission and goals, that we stand before you here today. As you hear me so often say: 'The opportunities we seek are for our Members.' Let us continue to move forward together recognizing that the measure of success is achieved only in working collaboratively as a team. Thank you for this kind recognition, we are truly honored," concluded Akouri.

Governor, Ambassadors & Members of Congress to Serve as Honorary National Co-Chairs at 2007 Golden Cedar Awards Gala

WASHINGTON, DC - Indiana Governor Mitch E. Daniels, Lebanese Ambassadors & Members of the United States Congress will serve as National Co-Chair's on this year's Honorary Host Committee at the 2007 Golden Cedar Awards Gala presented by the Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce. Themed 'Celebrating Leadership in North America' the grand event will take place in Detroit, Michigan on Friday, November 30 at the Historic Hotel St. Regis. Honorees include former White House Chief of Staff, Governor John H. Sununu, his son current United States Senator John E. Sununu and MSNBC News Analyst Raghida Dergham. The distinguished host committee includes US Rep. Charles Boustany (R-LA), US Rep. Ray LaHood (R-IL), US Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), US Rep. Nick Rahal (D-WV), US Rep. Candice Miller (R-MI), US Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI), and US Rep. Thad McCotter (R-MI), who will present the Golden Cedar Award to Senator Sununu at the Gala. The committee has the distinct honor this year of including Lebanese Ambassador to the United Nations Dr. Nawaf Salam, former Detroit Consul General Dr. Ali Ajami, the just named Lebanese Ambassador to the Ivory Coast and former US Ambassador to Bahrain Sam Zakhem, in addition to the Governor.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT: www.lebanesechamber.org

Detroit Media Notables to Present at the Second Annual Golden Cedar Awards Gala - Night of a Hundred Stars Spectacular

(BIRMINGHAM)...WDIV Channel-4 Meteorologist Chuck Gaidica and WJR AM-760 Radio Personality Paul W. Smith will be celebrity presenters at this year's Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce Golden Cedar Awards Gala. The event will take place on Friday, November 30 at the Grand Ballroom of the posh Hotel St. Regis in Detroit.

Chuck Gaidica has worked as Director of Meteorology at WDIV since 1987. He's been voted the top weathercast in town year after year in the "Metro Times - Best of Detroit" edition. A two-time Emmy Award winner, Chuck says that doing the weather on NBC's "Today Show" ranks as Chuck's proudest professional accomplishments. Chuck is also proud of his inventions -- including the always popular Cuddle Alert!

July 2007 marks Paul W. Smith’s eleventh anniversary as WJR’s morning host. He has a winning, conversational style that keeps listeners tuned in. Paul W. is currently the only broadcaster in the history of radio to not only have his own successful morning drive show on WJR, but is also a regular fill in for The Rush Limbaugh Show, Paul Harvey News and Comment and The Sean Hannity Show.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT: www.lebanesechamber.org

Artist Adnan Charara to Exhibit Studio Works at 2007 Golden Cedar Awards Gala in Motown

(BIRMINGHAM)...The Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce announced today that artist Adnan Charara of Galerie Camille will exhibit works from his studio at this year's Golden Cedar Awards Gala in Detroit on November 30, 2007. Adnan's works comprise a range of mediums, including drawing, etching, sculpture and painting.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT: www.lebanesechamber.org

Twelfth Night Singers to Perform at 2007 Golden Cedar Awards Gala

(BIRMINGHAM, MI)..More than 20 performing artists with the nationally acclaimed Madrigal group known as The Twelfth Night Singers, will grace the stage at this year's Golden Cedar Awards Gala. The black-tie annual function entitled 'Celebrating Leadership in North America', is the signature event for the national Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce. Patrons from Houston, New York, Chicago, Washington, DC, and across the nation will converge on Motown's Historic Hotel St. Regis, the evening of November 30. Led by Mimi Gass, the group will be dressed in their traditional Renaissance-era regalia and perform acapela seasonal Noel tunes for the listening enjoyment of all in attendance.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT: www.lebanesechamber.org

JUST ANNOUNCED: Detroit Superstars Karen Newman & Amalia Kaddo to Appear at 2007 Golden Cedar Awards Gala on November 30

THIS JUST IN - The Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that both Detroit Red Wings singer Karen Newman & Award-winning Lebanese vocalist Amalia Kaddo will make a return special appearance at the second annual 2007 Golden Cedar Awards Gala entitled 'Celebrating Leadership in North America'. The Detroit Superstars performed at the inaugural event in 2006 where NBC's Late Night host David Letterman opened the Gala via video feed from New York City. The two mega-performers are well-known nationally and internationally.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT www.lebanesechamber.org

Governor John H. Sununu, Senator John E. Sununu & Raghida Dergham to be Honored at 2007 Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce Golden Cedar Awards Gala

NATIONAL - The Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce announced today that it will honor former New Hampshire Governor and Chief of Staff to President George H. W. Bush (41), the Honorable John H. Sununu and his son, current US Senator John E. Sununu (R-NH) at the 2007 Golden Cedar Awards Gala on November 30. The two will be recognized for a Lifetime of Outstanding Achievements in the Field of Public Service & Distinguished Leadership. MSNBC News Analyst Raghida Dergham will be honored at the annual event for her Excellence in the Field of Broadcast Journalism and Exceptional Career Accomplishments Internationally. The Chamber also announced that the 2007 Humanitarian of the Year Award will be presented to St. John Health President & CEO Elliot Joseph, the just named influential head of strategic governance and global operations for Ascension Health - the nation’s largest Catholic and Non-profit health system. A Special Tribute will be bestowed upon the Mayor of Windsor, Ontario, Canada, His Worship Eddie Francis. The star-studded event will take place at the historic Hotel St. Regis in downtown Detroit amidst a backdrop of this year's theme 'Celebrating Leadership In North America'.

THIS JUST IN!: Brothers Andrew Ansara, Sr., & George Ansara, nationally renown restaurateurs, have been named Businessmen of the Century and will also be honored at the Gala. US Congressman Thad McCotter and the Honorable Barbara Farrah, Member of the Michigan House of Representatives, will be featured during the program. Miss Lebanon Emigrant Miriam Habib of Houston, Texas will make a special appearance at the event.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT: www.lebanesechamber.org

Please Vote Johnny Oram for City Council on Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Tickets Now Available: Karen Newman Holiday Spectacular!

NOVEMBER 17 Charity Fundraising Gala at St. George Orthodox Church to Mark 50th Anniversary of Al-Kafaàt Foundation

(TROY, MI)...St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church will be the site of the annual Al-Kafaàt Foundation Charity Fundraising Dinner again this year as the organization celebrates its 50th Anniversary. Councilman John Akouri, former Washington, DC Congressional Senior Advisor, will lead a delegation of prominent and influential Lebanese American Business Leaders attending the dinner in support of Al-Kafaàt on Saturday, November 17, 2007. 'Potentials, not Handicaps' is the mission statement of Al-Kafaàt. Any person with whichever disability, given the appropriate training and the necessary adapted environment, can be productive and foster economic wealth to society. In 50 years, Al-Kafaàt has served over 25,000 handicapped and socially disadvantaged individuals, and to this day, bringss social, medical and educational rehabilitation, while fostering integration to some 4500 beneficiaries from all communities and walks of life. In par with its mission, Al-Kafaàt has set-up rehabilitation centers to provide medical and social care, education, technical and vocational training, employment (normal or sheltered for people with special needs) and assistance to any person suffering from any physical, mental, hearing and social ailment. Al-Kafaàt is non-partisan and non-denominational. For more information or to attend the event, please contact the office of St. George Church at 248.589.0480.