AN EVENING WITH CARL LEVIN Lebanese Leaders Meet with United States Senate Armed Services Chairman at Private Gathering Hosted by the Lebanese Chamber

BIRMINGHAM, MI/USA - Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce President & CEO John Akouri last week assembled a meeting of Lebanese leaders in the United States with Senator Carl Levin (D-MI), Chairman of the Armed Services Committee. With Lebanon dominating the conversation, the near two-hour board room discussion covered a myriad of other issues including the US Presidential election, financial markets, banking and mortgage industries, health care, the economy, and designation of minority status to Arab Americans enabling increased business opportunities within the United States, among other topics. The intimate evening setting around the conference table enabled a frank and open exchange of ideas and positions among those in the room.

In addition to Akouri, participants in the meeting included the Lebanese Chamber General Counsel and Paramount Bank Executive Vice President Louis Peters. Advisory Board Members invited to attend the special gathering included: Renee Ahee, President of Ahee Communications, Wayne State University Vice President Harvey Hollins, III, State Department International Visitors Council Chief Julie Oldani, The Farbman Group Chief Operating Officer Michael Kalil, Vice President of The Rehman Group Bill Kowalski, Andary Real Estate President Fred Andary, and developer James LaHood-Sarkis. Also participating in the discussion were key members of the Chamber Leadership including: Abe Karam, Gibran Nicholas, Leon LeBrecque, Jack Riashi, Ron Pruette, James Akouri, Steve Hagar and Sam Attisha.