ABPA & Gov. Quinn On November 14, 2012, The Arab-American Business & Professional Association (ABPA) 7th Annual Awards Dinner took place at Chicago Sheraton Hotel & Towel. Many middle-eastern business people showed strength and pride to our community in attending to this event. The event began with special performed by the singer Beena David. The host of the evening was Rashad Darwish kept the event entertaining for all ABPA’s guests. Throughout dinner the President of ABPA Talat M .Othman personated the award to Illinois Governor Pat Quinn. Governor Quinn was quite impressed with the Arab American Business & Professional Association event. He was very gracious in talking about the smooth execution of the program, warmth of the guests, variety of high level businesses executives , professionals, Chicago’s leading civic organizations, diplomats, heads of International Airlines, clergy, a former Iraqi Minister, judge, … etc. The cross section of support the association has been illuminating for him. He saw a serious, generous, and capable membership. He was touched by the warmth and personalization of his introduction; he was very appreciative of the Outstanding Public Ser-
vice Sculptured Award (inspired by the Samarkand Tree of Life) which he said will be placed in his offices. The Governor was warm and generous with his time and accommodating the many who wanted to talk and take a photo with him. He praised ABPA as the Arab American business organization that can be helpful to his program of economic development and encouraged ABPA to organize a Trade Mission/ Del-
egation to the affluent Countries of the Gulf- having met some of their business people who came to Illinois. It was obvious that the guests enjoyed the Governor’s presentation, encouraging words of support for the Arab American Community, his vision for making Illinois a prosperous and caring State for all his people. Towards the end of the night, Etihad Airways tickets auction where performed and raffles took place thereafter.
To find your picture from the event sign up at Hyatt magazine website. www.hyattmag.webs.com
Left to Right: Levent Selvili, Fatih Yildiz
Left to Right: Gov. Quinn & President of ABPA Talat Othman
6
Hyatt Magazine/ Issue 7
Gov. Quinn on stage at the ABPA Dinner.