The MFBA, whose president is Arab American and editor-in-chief of Corp! Magazine Edward Deeb, welcomed Detroit Mayor Dave Bing to speak at the event about his plans and vision for Detroit.

Bing told the gathered crowd that he planned to make the city more attractive to businesses and thanked them for their loyalty to the city before awards were presented.

The Retailer of the Year Award went to Hiller's Markets, which is headquartered in Southfield. President James Hiller accepted the award. Wholesaler of the Year went to Sherwood Foods of Detroit, with President Earl Isbia accepting. Restaurateur of the Year went to Mat Prentice's restaurant group of Bingham Farms and a special award was also presented to Susan Selasky of the Detroit Free Press for the Distinguished Service Award in food journalism.