WARREN — Edward Deeb, native Detroiter and president and CEO of the Michigan Food and Beverage Association, and the Michigan Business and Professional Association, headquartered in Warren, MI, will be awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, at ceremonies on Ellis Island in New York City May 10. The two large associations he heads have more than 20,000 members who employ more than 160,000 persons.

The Ellis Island Medal of Honor is awarded annually to a group of distinguished Americans who exemplify a life dedicated to community service. The honorees also must dedicate themselves to support and defend the values of American life, and build bridges between ethnic, racial, and religious groups in the United States and/or abroad.

In addition, the honorees are cited for sharing their personal and professional gifts for the benefit of humanity, and preserve and celebrate the history, traditions and values of their ancestry groups

Deeb, who resides in Bloomfield Hills, said he was notified of his nomination for the award in February, and contacted in April to announce he would be one of the recipients of the award.

“It is a high honor and a gratifying feeling to be recognized by a prominent national organization. There are so many deserving individuals from Michigan who would easily qualify for this recognition,” Deeb said

Deeb, who is celebrating his 46th year of helping and coaching thousands of small and medium-sized businesses, has been a prominent and energetic Detroit cheerleader and spokesman for businesses and our community .

The formal black tie event will take place on Ellis Island. Following the awards ceremony, the honorees and their families and friends will board a ferry and watch a spectacular fireworks show surrounding the Statue of Liberty.