Benchmarks.

Awards * Honors * Accolades

Digital Detroit and the Detroit Regional Chamber jointly presented the 2002 DIGI Awards at the third annual Digital Leaders Gala in October at The New Detroit Science Center. The award honors companies and individuals that have made significant contributions in fostering the Digital Drive as a leading high-tech business center. Honorees were:

* Ardesta for creating the groundbreaking "Small Tech" industry in Ann Arbor. Accepted by Rick Snyder, founder and CEO.

* General Motors Corp. for its commitment to the city of Detroit with the renovation of the Renaissance Center. Accepted by David Robson, executive director, GM Worldwide Real Estate.

* Lawrence Technological University for launching the Lear Product Realization Center and Entrepreneurial Skills program. Accepted by Dr. Charles Chambers, LTU's president.

* HOUR Detroit magazine for communicating a positive image of our region. Accepted by John Balardo, publisher.

* Northwest Airlines for creating a beautiful "first impression" with the new Northwest World Gateway terminal at Metro Airport. Accepted by John Caldwell, regional director, corporate & agency sales.

* Francois Castaing, chairman of the New Detroit Science Center Board of Trustees, for his commitment to the Center's expansion and renovation.

* Sara Gozmanian, president, Execution Partners, and co-chair, Digital Detroit Conference 2002, for her outstanding volunteer efforts on behalf of Digital Detroit.

The Digital Leaders Gala was held in conjunction with the 2002 Digital Detroit Conference. The two-day event sponsored by Digital Detroit and the Detroit Regional Chamber in October drew 1,000 people. (See page 9 for more conference details.)

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A survey of more than 10,000 airline passengers around the world conducted by J.D. Power and Associates ranks Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport second among large U.S. airports in terms of passenger satisfaction. Only Las Vegas McCarran scored higher than Detroit Metro, which was tied for second place with Minneapolis and Phoenix.

Lighthouse of Oakland County presented its 2002 Lighthouse Keepers Award to J.T. Battenberg III, chairman of Delphi, and his wife, Luann Battenberg. The Battenbergs were honored for their service to the community and their commitment to the mission of Lighthouse.

Dan Cherrin, director of public policy at the Detroit Regional Chamber, was accepted as one of 24 fellows to the Michigan Political Leaders Program. Sponsored by Michigan State University, the prestigious leadership program focuses on issues and politics at the statewide level.

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Masco Corp. received a 2002 Detroit Community Development Award from Detroit Local Initiatives Support Corp. and Community Development Advocates of Detroit. The award honors companies that partner with nonprofit community development corporations who work to rebuild Detroit.

Iris A. Taylor, chief nursing officer and senior vice president for patient care services at The Detroit Medical Center, was among five honorees at the Wayne State University Organization of Black Alumni's ninth annual awards banquet. The award honors African American alumni who have made significant contributions in their professional and community services endeavors.

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RELATED ARTICLE: Anniversaries ...

The University of Detroit Mercy celebrated "125 Years of Jesuit Tradition" in November with a black-tie evening at Ford Field. Cardinal Adam Maida celebrated an All Saints Day mass during the event, which also included a reception, dinner and dancing. The University of Detroit was founded in 1877. In 1990, the university consolidated with Mercy College of Detroit (founded in 1941) to form University of Detroit Mercy.

Walsh College celebrated 80 years of business education in Southeast Michigan in October. Students and staff marked the occasion with a cake ceremonially cut by President and accounting Professor Berschback who was recently named accounting educator of the year by the Michigan Association of CPAs.

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