The Southwest Detroit Business Association (SDBA) will host its 2023 Community Investment Breakfast (CIB) in celebration of the nonprofit organization’s more than 70 years of service to the businesses and residents of Southwest Detroit. The annual event will be held from 8:00 am – 10:00 am on Thursday, September 21 at The Corner Ballpark located at 1680 Michigan Ave. in Detroit. Jason Colthorp, WDIV TV 4 reporter and anchor, will serve as the master of ceremonies.

This year’s theme — Southwest: The Diverse, Distinct, Detroit Destination — will feature a panel discussion that will address the impact of bringing more jobs to the community. The panelists include: Jesse Venegas, Vice President of Facilities, IT, Manufacturing & Safety, Ideal Group and Leo Valentino Mendez, Vice President of Planning and Design, Olympia Development of Michigan.

Each year at the CIB, the SDBA honors local business and community leaders who help make Southwest Detroit the vibrant, growing community that it is today. This year’s honorees have been instrumental in advancing Southwest Detroit and include:

The Kathy Wendler/Southwest Champion Award
• Clark Park Coalition, to be accepted by Anthony Benavides, Director of Clark Park Coalition
The Business Development Award
• Ahmad Alhasan, Co-Owner of Nice Price
The Real Estate Development Award
• Ali “Alex” Darwiche, Owner of City Outlet

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, join more than 200 business and community leaders to celebrate the SDBA’s meaningful work to support the Southwest Detroit community.