Second Annual Business Awards — Governor Whitmer Headlines
Michigan's most influential business and political leaders gathered November 9, 2024 to recognize outstanding contributions of the Indian American business community.
The North American Indian Chamber of Commerce hosted its Second Annual Business Awards ceremony on November 9, 2024, coinciding with Diwali celebrations. The event was co-organized with the Michigan Association of Physicians of Indian Heritage (MAPI) and the MLK Gandhi Institute for Non-Violence.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer headlined the event, noting: "The Indian American community exemplifies the very best of Michigan's entrepreneurial spirit. Their contributions continue to strengthen our state's economic fabric and cultural diversity." NAICC President Dhaval Vaishnav noted with characteristic humor that the Indian American community is "the Beyoncé of tax-paying demographics," emphasizing the need for stronger collaboration between state agencies and the Indian American business community.
Exemplary Business Awards presented by Governor Whitmer recognized: Rupesh Srivastava (Youngsoft) for Outstanding Entrepreneurship; Arvin Shah (Skybird Travel) for Lifetime Business Excellence; Dr. Ashok Jain (Corewell Health Wayne/Taylor) for Healthcare Leadership; and Nikil Viswanathan (Alchemy) as Business Trailblazer.
Partner Excellence Awards went to Specialty Medical Center, MAPI, Heartfulness Institute, Mai Family Services, and MLK Gandhi Institute for Non-Violence. The event was emceed by Roop Raj, Anchor/Reporter at Fox2 News.
Other distinguished guests included Somnath Ghosh (Consul General of India), U.S. Senator Gary Peters, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, U.S. Representatives Shri Thanedar, Debbie Dingell, and Elissa Slotkin, U.S. District Court Judge Shalina D. Kumar, and blockchain entrepreneur Nikil Viswanathan.
