104 Years of Celebrating the Association
This year marks the 110-year anniversary of the association’s inception having started out as the Meat Cutters Association and evolving into the Midwest Independent Retailer’s Association (MIRA). A mere six years after becoming an organized group in 1910, the members celebrated with an annual party. The Trade Dinner & Ball has attracted more than a thousand people to the annual event over the years taking place at venues all over Southeast Michigan.
This year’s event took place at The Mirage in Sterling Heights on Saturday January 25th. President and CEO Auday Arabo welcomed everyone to the event. “We are here today to celebrate the members,” said Arabo. “We purposely designed this night to be about the party and not the program. It is not about hearing elected officials speak, it is about all of you enjoying the night.”
Michael Cavin, Sales Manager of RNDC for Michigan, led the crowd in the Pledge of the Allegiance and National Anthem while Jim Evans from Bordan Dairy offered the night’s Invocation. There was also a special tribute to the sponsors. During dinner and throughout the night, The Simone Vitale Band sponsored by UNFI Midwest Region, performed while people danced. Gaming tables for the “Casino Night” theme opened at 9:30 p.m. and door prizes were announced at 11:30 p.m.
“It is so great to see people I don’t get to see throughout the year. The association always puts on a fun party. I truly enjoy mingling with everyone, “said Fyrial Yono, with husband and long-time MIRA board member, Jerry Yono. Even though Yono sold his six stores in Detroit many years ago, he is still passionate about the industry. “I love coming here and talking to everyone and still being part of the industry,” said Jerry Yono.
Another long-time advocate of MIRA is former chairman Nabby Yono “It is a way to see people in the industry and interact with them. Sometimes you speak with them on the phone or via email and here you get to see them in person,” he said.
Cocktail hour hors d’oeuvres started the night with shrimp donated by Lipari Foods. The cappuccino station with stylish and sophisticated gourmet coffee was sponsored by Oscar W. Larson Co. The cigar patio with premium cigars was sponsored by Nestle. The dessert station with a variety of sweets was sponsored by Lipari Foods. The donut bar featuring Detroit Mini Donuts after dinner was sponsored by Altria Client Services. Green-screen photos for onsite pictures with your guest or group was sponsored by Kroger. The ice cream Station featuring an array of flavors from Ashby’s Sterling and was sponsored by Prairie Farms Dairy Co. The gaming tables were sponsored by D&B Grocers Wholesale. The potato chip display offering a variety of chips was sponsored by Frito Lay. Step & repeat photos offering a red-carpet pose was sponsored by Faygo/Sundance. Valet & coat check were sponsored by Ascension and the wine and cheese Bar was sponsored by Great Lake Wine & Spirits.
