Shining Light Regional Cooperation Awards

Shining Light Regional Cooperation Awards

More than ever, regional cooperation is critical to the success of metropolitan Detroit. A cooperative spirit among our communities is key to creating the common vision and commitment required to meet our area’s economic challenges and improve our quality of life.

To nurture and promote this sense of regional community, the Detroit Free Press and the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition have partnered to create the Shining Light Regional Cooperation Awards, which honor individuals who are making important contributions to regional cooperation, progress, and understanding in metropolitan Detroit.

The Shining Light Awards are inspired by long-time Free Press editor and publisher Neal Shine. Awards are given in Shine’s memory, as well as in honor of Eleanor Josaitis, co-founder of Focus: HOPE, and The Honorable Dave Bing, Mayor of the City of Detroit. Winners are selected through a public nomination process that is designed to recognize people who have demonstrated leadership and courage in furthering regional cooperation.

The first Neal Shine Award for Exemplary Regional Leadership was given to Mike and Marian Ilitch. Dave Bing and Eleanor Josaitis each received the inaugural award bearing his/her name. In 2008, honorees included Kerry Doman (Dave Bing Future Leader Award), Carol Goss (Eleanor Josaitis “Unsung Hero” Award), and David DiChiera (Neal Shine Award for Exemplary Regional Leadership).

2009 Shining Light Award honorees include:

Neal Shine Award for Exemplary Regional Leadership
The Honorable Damon J. Keith, United States Circuit Judge
United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

Eleanor Josaitis “Unsung Hero” Award
Mariam C. Noland, President
Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan

Dave Bing Future Leader Award
Brittany Galisdorfer, Program Director
Michigan Suburbs Alliance

More information and highlights of the Shining Light Awards programs throughout the years are available at www.shininglightawards.com.