The New Economy Initiative has enlisted New Michigan Media and Issue Media Group LLC to highlight the impact that Southeast Michigan's ethnic, minority and immigrant entrepreneurs have on the region's economic revitalization.

Latino Press President Elias Gutierrez and New Michigan Media Founding Director Hayg Oshagan will speak with Carolyn Clifford about ethnic media on WXYZ-TV Detroit 20/20, Sept. 8 at 5 pm.

Owner Taher Jaber first brought his Middle Eastern cuisine specialties to downtown Detroit in 1993 and he recently opened his new restaurant, Harmonie Garden Cafe, in the midtown area of Wayne State University.

Jaber has acquired a large customer base including students, doctors, professors and more looking for healthy food options in the area, and he's known for his falafel. 

Jaber recently learned one customer even named her daughter after the original restaurant.

Along with his three sons Andrew, Norman, and Victor, as well as his nephew Lew and his late brother George, Andrew Ansara, Sr. has created a restaurant business empire in Michigan.What started with an $800 loan for the Ansara brothers in the mid-50's from their milkman has grown into a network of popular franchises including 22 Red Robin and 6 Big Boy restaurants along with signature, original Mediterranean and burger-themed restaurants.

Andrew Ansara, Sr. is also a board member of the Arab American and Chaldean Council, a premier non-profit organization that is helping to rebuild Detroit and the lives of Arab and other Americans from the inside-out. Ansara, Sr. considers himself "semi-retired" but still enjoys working each weekday with his family, continuing the strong bond he had with his late brother and business partner and the rest of his family. 

Most immigrant success stories start with a single idea, and, of course, a little bit of money to get it off the ground.

The NMM Conference this year is focused on the role of immigrants and immigration in the State and regional economy. This is Governor Snyder's first major speech on immigration and Michigan.

The conference will feature policy & business leaders including former Compuware CEO Peter Karmanos Jr., Detroit City Councilman Ken Cockrell Jr., & WSU President Allan Gilmour, & NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg (via live video link).

The conference is free.

Register at following address: https://specialevents.wayne.edu/nmmsummer11conf