The Henry Ford hosts Northwood University’s Outstanding Business Leaders ceremony

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Pictured is the Outstanding Business Leaders Award Gala setup in the Henry Ford Museum. (Photo courtesy of Northwood University)

Northwood University celebrated this year’s class of Outstanding Business Leaders and the Richard DeVos Young Entrepreneur Award winner during a weekend that included a gala at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn.

“The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is a perfect venue to celebrate these industry leaders, as this historical museum celebrates American ingenuity, resourcefulness and innovation,” stated Northwood President Kent MacDonald. “Like those innovative business leaders who have come before us, we honored this weekend contemporary business leaders who have also contributed to the free-enterprise system Northwood University holds so dear.”

  • Northwood University Board of Trustees Vice Chair Steve Madincea (left); President Kent MacDonald; 2022 OBL William J. Long; and Elisse Richardson, a Northwood student who introduced Long. (Photo courtesy of Northwood University)

  • Northwood University Board of Trustees Vice Chair Steve Madincea (left); President Kent MacDonald; 2022 OBL Michael T. Lafontaine Sr.; and DeSean Munson, a student who introduced Lafontaine.(Photo courtesy of Northwood University)

  • Northwood University Board of Trustees Vice Chair Steve Madincea (left); President Kent MacDonald; Carol Williams, a former OBL who accepted this year’s award on behalf of 2022 OBL Jim Fitterling; and Kennedy Hatfield, a student who introduced Williams.(Photo courtesy of Northwood University)

  • Northwood University Board of Trustees Vice Chair Steve Madincea (left); Dolores Porte, Sanford Village President and student in the Richard DeVos Graduate School at Northwood University; and President Kent MacDonald. Porte accepted the award on behalf of 2022 OBL Benjamin R. Manthei.(Photo courtesy of Northwood University)

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The Outstanding Business Leader award celebrates men and women from across the world who have made a difference in their business and community.

The 2022 Class of honorees includes:

• Jim Fitterling, Chairman and CEO, Dow

• Michael LaFontaine Sr., President, LaFontaine Automotive Group

• Bill Long, President and CEO, Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA)

• Ben Manthei, Founder and Board Member, Redi-Rock International

Northwood University Board of Trustees Vice Chair Steve Madincea (lft); President Kent MacDonald; 2022 OBL Angela Steele; and Becky ODell, a Northwood student who introduced Steele.(Photo courtesy of Northwood University)

• Lisa McClain, U.S. Congresswoman representing Michigan’s 10th District

• Andra Rush, CEO, Dakkota Systems

• Angela Steele, Publicis Groupe

In addition, Manik Thapar, owner of Eco Wise Waste Management in Uttar Pradesh, India, was honored with the Richard M. DeVos Young Entrepreneur Award.

Northwood University annually recognizes a select group of business professionals for their achievements, support and exemplary leadership of the communities in which they live and work. These individuals serve as role models for Northwood University students as they share their experiences and obstacles they have encountered, in addition to how they overcame them while on the road to success.

Northwood University Board of Trustees Vice Chair Steve Madincea (left); President Kent MacDonald; 2022 OBL Andra Rush; and Jared La Rue, a student who introduced Rush.(Photo courtesy of Northwood University)

In the four decades since the program began, more than 300 business leaders from more than 30 states and several countries, have been recognized. These honorees represent a vast, diverse, group of people from dozens of industries and fields of business expertise.

The Outstanding Business Leader Awards are presented by the Northwood University Board of Trustees. Each awardee is selected based on personal achievements which typify the unique philosophy of Northwood University. Criteria used in the selection of awardees include a contribution to the philosophy of private enterprise, support of the integration of business and the arts, contribution to education, economic innovation, creative marketing ideas, community involvement, religious leadership, philanthropic contributions, as well as business success. All honorees past and present serve as role models for Northwood University students.

Northwood University bestows the honor of the Outstanding Business Leader Award over a multi-day celebration ending with a formal gala event where the members receive an engraved crystal recognizing their honor. Proceeds from the event support the Outstanding Business Leaders Endowed Scholarship Fund at Northwood University. This year’s event raised $300,000.

Northwood University Board of Trustees Vice Chair Steve Madincea (left); Alissa Butcher, a Northwood student who introduced 2022 OBL U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain; and Northwood President Kent MacDonald.(Photo courtesy of Northwood University)

“Northwood is incredibly grateful to all of this year’s sponsors and attendees who helped make such a significant contribution to the Outstanding Business Leaders Endowed Scholarship Fund. The scholarship fund has supported Northwood University students throughout the history of the program, and the growth of the fund means more students will have access to America’s Free Enterprise University,” stated Justin Marshall, vice president of advancement and business development at Northwood University.

This year’s sponsors included:

• President’s Level: Ford

• Trustee’s Level: Daniel and Pamela DeVos Foundation; Dow; and Roger Penske

• Officer’s Level: Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance; Carol and David Williams; Jennifer Panning/Artisan Tile

Director’s Level: The Patricia and David Kepler Foundation; Huntington; JM Family Enterprises; Go To Transport Inc.; LaFontaine Automotive Group; and Rob and Nancy Baidas

• Executive Level: AASA; Corporate Valuation Consulting; Dakkota Integrated Systems; Carlyle Fraser Employees Benefit Fund; B.N. Bahadur; MEMA; Mid Michigan Materials; Schupan.

Northwood University Board of Trustees Vice Chair Steve Madincea (left); Manik Thapar, the 2022 Richard DeVos Young Entrepreneur Award winner; and Aidan Jones, a Northwood student who introduced Thapar during a keystone reception held in his honor Friday evening.(Photo courtesy of Northwood University)

• Shareholder’s Level: Epicor; Cox Automotive; Redi-Rock Integrated Wall Solutions; Lambert Althaver; Jennifer (Griffin) ’83 and Graham D. Williams; East Penn; Capital Insurance Group; and Bourke Services LLC.

• Ambassador’s Level: Auto Care Association; Mr. and Mrs. Jim Fabiano Sr.; Chris Pruitt; Mr. and Mrs. James Mestdagh; Signature Dealer Group; and Rick Case.

• Innovator’s Level: Dr. Marjorie Hohman; Gold Eagle; and Dr. Christine Tenaglia.

Northwood currently is accepting nominations for the 2023 Class of Outstanding Business Leaders. To make a nomination, visit https://forms.northwood.edu/obl/nomination/.

Source: Northwood University

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