Annual Trade Dinner & Ball

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Annual Trade Dinner & Ball

MIRA’S Annual Trade Dinner & Ball

If you are interested in the 2021 event, please call 1-800-666-6233.
Event coordinators: Ricki Wines, rwines@miramw.org and
Andrea Hesano, ahesano@miramw.org.

2020 Sponsors

2020 Gala Photos

2020 Event Recap

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.

MIRA helps me. I was initially attracted by the Chase Paymentech program, but truly appreciate the association’s expertise and information. I’ve found so much info in the Bottom Line publication that is useful, or helpful, and that has taught us something to pay attention to.” “The magazine has been fabulous; it’s totally saved me a few times.

Elizabeth KaczanWaters Edge Market, Kewadin MI

As MIRA gains more members, we become stronger, and this results in more legislators listening to our voice regarding issues that affect our businesses.

Mike KozaHigh Pointe Oil, Novi M

MIRA keeps me informed of all the latest news and updates with the government issues and we get rebates from all the vendors. They keep us up to speed on the latest regulations and keep us informed with just about everything. And if we have any issues we call them and they are right there to answer us right away. That’s is what is good about it.

Rich EidRich's Mini Mart

There is a need for everyone in a specific industry to work together for a common goal to implement change in the common scheme. It’s much easier to do this in a group, as opposed to sitting on the sidelines and allowing one peorson to take the lead while you reap the benefits. It’s very important for you to be a part of the group, be a team player, and be a member of that organization – especially in this industry. Membership in the association provides networking opportunities.

Terry BurnsMichigan Auto Dealers Association, Executive Director

I had heard a lot of great things about them and decided to get involved. I am glad I did, and I plan to continue supporting them. I think MIRA is an excellent organization. They’ve not only helped me through their programs, but they’ve also helped me with some legal issues. These are just some of the reasons why i’ll continue supporting them.

Basil KonjaEasy Pick Market

First, the MIRA program provides a great link to bringing together Nestle Direct Store Delivery with potential new retailers and customers who would like to sell Nestle frozen food that otherwise we may never have come in contact with. Second, the MIRA program allows Nestle to develop specific promotions for MIRA retailers to help drive business. Best of all, This is accomplished while developing great relationships with both the staff and members of MIRA.

Scott EllisNestle DSD