DEARBORN — Arab American entrepreneur Dr. Ned Fawaz was honored at the Islamic Institute of Knowledge (IIOK) on Tuesday, Jan. 28, for his achievements and contributions to the community over the past six decades.

Hundreds of community members attended the ceremony, where a host of religious and community leaders  and elected officials praised Fawaz for his success and involvement in the community.

Fawaz is the Founder and CEO of Energy International Corporation, a multi-million dollar company that sells products and services related to the mechanical-electrical industry. He is also the president of the Lebanese International Business Council. Fawaz co-founded the American Arab Chamber of Commerce and has contributed to many community organizations and projects. He is the Founder and President of PowerOne Corporation, an electrical distribution firm that supplies commercial and industrial accounts in Michigan.

Ned Fawaz.

Fawaz, who funds and promotes Dearborn Stars, a local professional soccer club, is also known for encouraging and supporting the youth. Recently, Dearborn Stars started the first professional women soccer club in Michigan.

He is a founding contributor to the IIOK and the Islamic Center of America on Ford Road. 

Fawaz also contributes to educational institutions. He has co-founded the Arab American Endowment Funds at Wayne State University, and he supports the Middle Eastern studies program at the University of Michigan- Dearborn.   

Osama Sibliani, the publisher of The Arab American News, emceed the event. Siblani, who has known Fawaz since 1979, thanked the attendants for coming to the dinner in the extremely cold weather, adding that the audience was a sign of the community’s loyalty and appreciation to Fawaz.

IIOK chairman Kassem Charara welcomed the crowd, stressing the importance of Fawaz’s accomplishments.

From left to right: Dearborn Police Chief Ron Haddad, Dearborn Heights Judge David Turfe, Dearbor Chief Judge Sam Salamey, Dearbor City Councilman Mike Sareini, Dearborn Mayor Jack O’Reilly, Honoree Dr. Ned Fawaz, Wayne Mayor Al Haidous and Wayne County CEO Robert Ficano posing for a photo after presenting the awards. PHOTOS: Nafeh AbuNab

Grand Ayatollah Abdul Latif Berry said Fawaz brings pride to the Arab American community with his charity and leadership qualities.

“Some people are inclined by their nature to generosity and doing good, and Ned Fawaz is one of those people,” said Berry.

The Consul General of Lebanon in Detroit Bilal Kabalan described Fawaz as a self-made Lebanese success story. He said the Lebanese government has awarded Fawaz the Expatriate Medal for his innovations abroad.

“When we honor Ned Fawaz, we are honoring ourselves,” said Moussa Kaddouh, IIOK board member and former chairman, praising Fawaz for being a driving force behind charitable Islamic work in the community.

Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, Dearborn Mayor Jack O’Reilly Jr. and Father George Shalhoub of the Orthodox Basilica of St. Mary in Livonia  also gave speeches at the ceremony. They praised Fawaz for creating jobs, funding projects that are beneficial to the community and helping people in need.

Fawaz thanked the dinner’s organizers and attendants for “this amazing ceremony,” and voiced his appreciation to his wife whom he described as his companion in life and success.

The honoree was handed awards by the City of Dearborn, Wayne County, IIOK, St. Sharbel Maronite Church, the Islamic Center of America, the American Muslim Center in Dearborn Heights, Mother of the Savior Church in Dearborn, St. Mary Orthodox Church in Berkley and the Cultural Movement in Lebanon and Michigan.