[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 160 (Thursday, November 13, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12645-S12646]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 ARAB-AMERICAN AND CHALDEAN COUNCIL 1997 ANNUAL CIVIC AND HUMANITARIAN 
                             AWARDS BANQUET

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to acknowledge an 
important event which is taking place in the State of Michigan. On this 
day, December 5, 1997, many have gathered to celebrate the Arab-
American and Chaldean Council [ACC] Annual Civic and Humanitarian 
Awards Banquet. Each of the individuals in attendance deserve special 
recognition for their commitment and steadfast support of the Arab-
American and Chaldean communities.
  I am pleased to recognize the recipients of this evening's awards: 
Mr. Brian Connolly and Ms. Beverly B. Smith, Civic and Humanitarian, 
Mr. John Almstadt, 1997 Leadership Award, Senator Dick Posthumus, 1997 
State Leadership Award, and Ms. Elham Jabiru-Shayota, Mr. Andrew 
Ansara, and Mr. George Ansara Entrepreneurs of the Year. Each of these 
recipients should take great pride in receiving these distinguished 
awards.
  While it is important to pay special tribute to the awardees, it is 
also essential to honor the citizens of the Arab-American and Chaldean 
communities. Each of you that has worked to strengthen cultural 
understanding have contributed greatly to the State of Michigan. For 
the past 18 years, the ACC has provided tireless support and steadfast 
dedication to Arabic- and Chaldean-speaking immigrants and refugees. 
During the past fiscal year, 1996-97, ACC was able to serve over 18,000 
clients and cases. This coming year will be an exciting one for ACC. 
Six of ACC's outreach locations will be consolidated into one location 
at the Woodward Avenue and Seven Mild Road Area, allowing ACC to serve 
an even greater client base. Through job placement programs and mental 
health services, ACC has significantly enhanced the lives of many in 
our community. As you gather this evening to honor these awardees, I 
challenge each of you to continue to be active participants in your 
respective communities.
  To the Arab-American and Chaldean-American communities and to the 
awardees, I send my sincere best wishes. May the spirit of this evening 
continue to inspire each of you.

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