L-R: Edward Deeb, Vernice Davis Anthony, Janette Pierce and Edward Bagale.

Edward Deeb, president and CEO of the Michigan Food and Beverage Association, and Edward Bagale, vice-chancellor for government relations at the University of Michigan-Dearborn were among the recipients of the 2010 Shining Light Regional Cooperation Awards. The awards were presented on Thursday, October 14 at a special breakfast ceremony at the Ford Conference and Event Center in Dearborn.

The Shining Light awards are presented annually by the Detroit Free Press and the Metropolitan Affair Coalition (MAC) highlighting the work and achievements of those whose services foster a spirit of cooperation for the entire southeast Michigan region. The awards are in honor of the late Neal Shine, whose 45 years of work with the Free Press promoted his love of Detroit and surrounding communities.

Paul Anger, editor of the Detroit Free Press, opened the ceremony recognizing past recipients, those in the family of Neal Shine and southeast Michigan public officials who have shown support in regional cooperation.

Deborah Dingell, chair of MAC, and Juliette Okotie-Eboh, vice chair of MAC, presented awards to Janette Pierce, Bagale, Davis Anthony, and  Deeb for their leadership in the community.

Pierce is the co-founder of Inside Detroit Tours, a company which alerts people to the history of Detroit, and strives to remove negative stereotypes.

Bagale and Davis Anthony were presented with the Eleanor Josaitis “Unsung Hero” award, named in honor of the co-founder of FOCUS:Hope. Bagale has worked to clean and restore the Rouge River and its surrounding area, partnering with Ford Motor Company. Davis is president and CEO of the Greater Detroit Area Health Council (GDAHC), helping provide health care and awareness to metro residents.

The Neal Shine Award for Exemplary Regional Leadership was given to Deeb for his work in the community, particularly in co-founding the Metro Youth Day at Belle Isle in Detroit, and the rebuilding and renovation of Eastern Market in Detroit. He credited his support from Neal Shine for making Metro Youth Day what it is today, an award-winning program which benefits about 35,000 children every year.

“I’ve been called a trouble-starter, a peacemaker and a cheerleader in the community,” Deeb said. “You have to be all those things to reach goals. Go where there is no path and leave a trail. That is what I am trying to do.”

His work in Eastern Market has led to a revitalization of the area and has helped to bring in consumers from all across Metro Detroit.