Bizdom U 2009: Andrew Hwang

The Detroit News holds an annual event to recognize select Michigan citizens for their efforts of enriching the city’s culture, economy, and future developments. Amongst the twelve honorable Michiganians, Dan Gilbert, the founder of Quicken Loans and the majority owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers was one of them.  The award ceremony was held in Downtown Detroit last Monday at Seldom Blues, a riverfront restaurant located in the Renaissance Center.  Gilbert was uncertain if he would be able to make it to the event due to his son’s baseball game; he had Ross Sanders, the Executive Director of Bizdom U, on standby to accept the award on his behalf.  Luckily, Gilbert made it to the restaurant just in time to present the evening crowd his acceptance speech.

As Gilbert described the goals one of his latest ventures, Bizdom U, the audience applauded at the words “in Detroit.”  On stage receiving the plaque, Gilbert boldly stated, “These entrepreneurs will be provided with the knowledge and capital funding to start new business here in Detroit.” He also talked about the creation of wealth and Detroit’s need to understand the concept rather than depending on our old “muscle-intensive” economy.

Other award recipients included multiple Grammy winner Anita Baker and one of Detroit’s premier designers, Dominic Pangborn.  Pangborn was also a guest speaker of Bizdom U.