SEMCOG Honors Regional Ambassadors
Eric Sabree, Treasurer, Wayne County and Claude Molinari, President and CEO, Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau
At the June 22, 2023 meeting of its General Assembly in Taylor, SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, presented its Regional Ambassador Award to Eric Sabree and Claude Molinari for their contributions to the success of Southeast Michigan. The Regional Ambassador Award is SEMCOG's highest honor for individuals and organizations making Southeast Michigan a better place for families and to live and work.
Claude Molinari is one the people on the very front lines of promoting our region to the country and the world," said SEMCOG Chairperson Chris Barnett, Orion Township Supervisor. "His efforts with Visit Detroit to break down barriers, forge key partnerships, and solve problems are essential to the exciting developments we are seeing in tourism to Southeast Michigan," Barnett said.
Molinari described his approach throughout his career. "Southeast Michigan is the most dynamic and diverse region in the United States, and it is an honor to help share our story with the world," said Claude Molinari, President and CEO of Visit Detroit. "Even with our positive momentum, challenges still need to be addressed. I am grateful for SEMCOG's work to unite our community, ensuring that residents and visitors experience a thriving region for generations," Molinari said.
Prior to his leadership role at Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau, Molinari served the region and his community on several boards, including Huntington Place, The Parade Company, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, and the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council. He is also a member of the International Association of Venue Managers, and the International Association of Events and Exhibitions.
Molinari is engaged with SEMCOG’s work as a Delegate-At-Large on the Executive Committee and General Assembly.
“Claude Molinari’s efforts have been huge in re-creating the expectations and energy surrounding tourism in Southeast Michigan,” said SEMCOG Executive Director Amy O’Leary. "Claude and Visit Detroit are tremendous leaders when it comes to leveraging Detroit’s momentum into a comprehensive effort to promote all of our regional assets, demonstrating that we are stronger together," said O'Leary.
Regional Ambassadors are those individuals and organizations honored by SEMCOG for their unique contributions to the quality of life in Southeast Michigan. Michigan Secretary of State Richard Austin received the first one in 1974.
