Miller Canfield Receives 2012 B'nai B'rith International Great American Traditions Award
B’nai B’rith International has bestowed the 2012 Great American Traditions Award upon the international law firm of Miller Canfield in recognition of its commitment to diversity, education, community service and philanthropic involvement in the Great Lakes region and beyond. Chief Executive Officer Michael W. Hartmann accepted the award on the firm’s behalf at a dinner and presentation on March 29 at the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel in Detroit.
B’nai B’rith International President Allan J. Jacobs called the selection of Miller Canfield for the award “an affirmation of their dedication to strengthening the community by celebrating diversity and multicultural leadership within its firm, as well as its investments in local youth and community partnerships for which this prestigious award is given.”
Diversity is more than a value for Miller Canfield. Diversity encompasses the firm’s culture, behavior, inspiration and motivation. Instead of simply stating that diversity is important, it institutes programs and efforts to demonstrate it, including establishing a Multicultural Committee to involve the firm in various ethnic communities, working with local groups and businesses to give community members a voice for advancement. The firm also developed a Women of Miller Canfield initiative.
Since its founding in 1843, BBI has been committed to these kinds of ideals and values and seeks out people and companies with like-minded goals.
“Time and again Miller Canfield has proven it is a pillar for the local community,” said B’nai B’rith International Senior Vice President Stephen Zorn of West Bloomfield, Mich., who spoke on B’nai B’rith’s behalf at the award ceremony. “The firm has greatly benefited from the leadership of CEO Michael Hartmann, who is receiving the award on the firm’s behalf. Hartmann has led the firm in its philanthropic commitment to diversity, youth education and community service.”
The law firm has also demonstrated its dedication to local youth by establishing a reading and math tutorial program at a local middle school; participating in a six-week paid summer internship for high school students through the Detroit Summer Finance Institute; and teaching college courses on diversity issues at universities throughout the Midwest, in addition to sponsoring management seminars on recruiting and retaining women and minority lawyers.
“Miller Canfield epitomizes the characteristics this award celebrates: enlightened civic concern, philanthropic leadership and commitment to diversity,” said Bloomfield-based B’nai B’rith International Fundraising Chair Peter Perlman, who also spoke on B’nai B’rith’s behalf at the award ceremony. “B’nai B’rith International is proud to recognize Miller Canfield for the firm’s great works in the State of Michigan and beyond.”
B’nai B’rith International, the global voice of the Jewish community, is the most widely known Jewish humanitarian, human rights and advocacy organization. BBI works to aid the victims of disaster; improves the lives of senior citizens through housing and advocacy; promotes health initiatives and education; provides youth leadership training; serves community members in need; and fights intolerance around the world. B’nai B’rith…since 1843. Visit www.bnaibrith.org.