September 6, 2018 – Gov. Rick Snyder honored a select group of New Americans in Michigan for their philanthropic and economic contributions at a gala held Thursday night at The Henry Hotel in Dearborn. “Community Engagement and Economic Prosperity: The Bridge Toward Michigan’s Future” was the theme of the event. The gala was planned by the Michigan Office for New Americans (MONA), and the state’s three ethnic commissions: the Hispanic Latino Commission of Michigan (HLCOM), the Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs (CMEAA), and the Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission (MAPAAC), which are part of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
“It’s my pleasure to congratulate this year’s honorees who have significantly contributed to Michigan’s economic and cultural vitality, and who continue to invest in our future,” said Snyder. “Generations of Michiganders will greatly benefit from their leadership as entrepreneurs, business owners, and employers for many years to come.”
Snyder, who delivered the keynote at the gala, also recognized the following individuals for economic, cultural, civic and charitable contributions:
GOVERNOR’S NEW AMERICAN LEADERSHIP AWARD:
Noel Cuellar, Primera Plastics, Inc. (HLCOM)
Dug Song, Duo Security (MAPAAC)
Jim (Issa) Safiedine, Safiedine Oil Company (CMEAA)
GOVERNOR’S NEW AMERICANS PHILANTHROPY AWARD:
Pedro Martinez, Van Buren Intermediate School District (HLCOM)
Dr. Janilla Lee, Asian Center of Southeast Michigan (MAPAAC)
Kamal Shouhayib, The Choice Group (CMEAA)
NEW AMERICANS APPRECIATION GALA HONORABLE MENTION:
Guillermo Cisneros, West Michigan Chamber of Commerce (HLCOM)
Jesse Costilla, Great Lakes Bay Health Centers (HLCOM)
Dennis Bhaskaran, Apex Spring & Stamping (MAPAAC)
Dr. Cheng-Yang Chang (MAPAAC)
Ronny Medawar, Medawar Jewelers (CMEAA)
Tanya Robin, Superior Buick GMC (CMEAA)
Throughout his time in office, Snyder has been a very pro-immigrant Governor. Snyder established the Michigan Office for New Americans in 2014 to help propel the state’s
comeback by attracting and retaining immigrants, promoting the skills, energy and entrepreneurial spirit of our immigrant communities, and creating a welcoming culture within Michigan.
For more information about LARA, please visit www.michigan.gov/lara
Follow @michiganLARA on Twitter, “Like” us on Facebook or find us on YouTube.
