Loading ...Largest Gathering of Arab American Business Leaders Comes to Michigan
American Arab Chamber of Commerce 32nd Annual Gala on Oct. 25 to feature Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and Environment Jose W. Fernandez as Keynote Speaker
Bilal Hammoud, Executive Director of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce (left), and Jose W. Fernandez, Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, will speak at the 32nd Annual “Building Economic Bridges” Gala on Oct. 25, 2024.
DEARBORN, MI — For nearly three decades, the American Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) has served as a steward in developing relationships for the community and expanding the economic impact of Arab Americans nationwide. This year marks a major shift for the organization with new leadership and a vision for building institutions for the Arab American community.
With that spirit, the AACC has secured a high-profile keynote speaker for their upcoming 32nd Annual “Building Economic Bridges” Gala. Jose W. Fernandez, the Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, will address the largest gathering of Arab American business leaders in the country on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, at the Soho Banquet & Event Center in Westland, Michigan. This year’s theme centers on innovation, entrepreneurial philanthropy, and energy, reflecting the dynamic nature of the Arab American business community.
Under Secretary Fernandez brings a wealth of experience to the gala and its theme. He leads the State Department’s efforts on critical issues such as climate change, clean energy initiatives, and economic priorities. His insights on global economic trends, the CHIPS Act, and inflation reduction are expected to resonate with the entrepreneurial spirit driving Arab American businesses and Michigan’s innovation boom.
“I’m honored to speak at the ‘Building Economic Bridges’ Gala,” said Fernandez. “The American Arab Chamber is a crucial partner in promoting global business engagement, and I look forward to working together to expand opportunities for businesses in Michigan and across the country.”
Fernandez and the US State Department’s participation lay the groundwork for a broader conversation about strategic partnerships. Executive Director of the AACC, Bilal Hammoud, emphasized that these partnerships are not only focused on economic growth but expand into philanthropic efforts as well.
The 32nd Annual “Building Economic Bridges” Gala is the largest gathering of Arab American business leaders in the country. It takes place on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, at the Soho Banquet & Event Center in Westland, Michigan.
“Building stronger economic bridges goes hand in hand with uplifting the next generation of leaders, whose spirit of giving back and connecting locally, nationally, and internationally, is stronger than ever.” Hammoud continues, “As a Chamber, our role is to bring people and opportunities together. As a national representation of Arab American entrepreneurship, it’s crucial also to demonstrate the spirit of giving back that is culturally ingrained in our community. This year’s gala is a testament to that ethos, showcasing how a deep commitment to philanthropy complements our entrepreneurial spirit.”
The AACC spent the past year building valuable connections between Arab American businesses and major institutions, including a standout partnership with the NFL Draft, where two of these featured businesses ranked as the top revenue generating vendors for the Draft. As a key connector, the AACC continues to expand its focus on entrepreneurial philanthropy. This dedication is evident in their recent partnership with Habibi Edition, which released a limited edition Shinola Habibi Edition Runwell Automatic watch featuring Eastern Arabic numerals.
“Our goal is not just to create meaningful and unique products but to give back to the community along the way,” said Dan Elhosni, president and CEO of Habibi Edition. “In addition to partnering with incredible nonprofits such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, we are donating to the Lebanese Red Cross and have donated a Shinola Habibi Edition Runwell Automatic 45mm watch to the gala, with 100 percent of proceeds going to humanitarian aid in Lebanon.”
A Shinola Habibi Edition Runwell Automatic 45mm watch has been donated to the gala. 100 percent of the proceeds will go to humanitarian aid in Lebanon.
Elhosni’s commitment to philanthropy and creating culturally significant products with purpose resonates with a broader mission of supporting communities in need, a sentiment echoed by AACC’s President and CEO, Ahmad Chebbani.
“As the largest Arab American business organization in the United States, the Chamber continues to play a pivotal role in advancing economic partnerships between Michigan and businesses across the MENA Region,” Chebbani said, “While we focus on the success of the community nationwide, we also need to focus on humanitarian aid in this extraordinarily difficult time worldwide.”
Growth of Arab American Businesses
Notably, over the past decade, Arab American entrepreneurs have demonstrated remarkable business growth, establishing between 190,000 and 200,000 new businesses across the U.S., with nearly half of these—approximately 95,000 to 100,000—launched in Michigan alone. This surge highlights the entrepreneurial spirit deeply rooted in the community, with many ventures driven by first- and second-generation immigrants.
Michigan’s Arab American businesses, known for their innovation and resilience, have contributed significantly to the state’s economy, generating an estimated economic impact of $350 to $400 billion over the past ten years. Nationwide, the financial footprint of the MENA community exceeds $650 billion, reflecting robust business activity and a commitment to social responsibility through job creation and philanthropic efforts that uplift communities locally and abroad.
Looking to the Future
As this growth continues within the Arab American community, the chamber is also expanding its entrepreneurial developments, preparing to launch its innovation hub in Southeast Michigan later this year. This hub, known as “Tejara”, serves as a first of its kind incubator/accelerator, focused on first and second generation immigrant-owned businesses. The gala will showcase some emerging technology from the first cohort of participants that this program has been working with.
Find out more about the 32nd Annual “Building Economic Bridges” Gala here.
The Gala begins with a 5:30 p.m. VIP reception, followed by networking, gourmet dinner, cultural performances showcasing the richness of Arab heritage, and awards ceremony honoring trailblazers within the Arab American community. Tickets to the Arab American Chamber of Commerce “32nd annual gala are $250. Click here to purchase. For sponsorships: nadia@americanarab.com, (248) 342-3732.
Compiled by Arab America
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