Justice Bernstein to headline JVS Human Services 'Strictly Business' event June 13

Michigan Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein will headline the 22nd annual JVS Human Services Strictly Business networking, awards and fundraising event on Thursday, June 13. Bernstein, known for using his own disability to help and inspire many others, will speak to an anticipated crowd of more than 700 business and community leaders. The event will celebrate individuals who have transformed their lives through work and business leaders who support innovative employment practices. The event begins with a reception at 11 a.m. followed by a luncheon and program from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., at MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit, Michigan.

“Richard Bernstein’s life’s work truly exemplifies the mission of JVS Human Services in helping people of all situations to maximize their potential,” said Leah Rosenbaum, president and CEO of JVS Human Services. “He takes action to help those who need it, and his law cases often set national standards protecting the rights and safety of people with and without disabilities.”

Bernstein began his eight-year term for the Michigan Supreme Court in January 2015 as the first blind state Supreme Court justice in the nation. Prior to serving on Michigan’s highest court, he was known for being an advocate for disabled rights as an attorney, heading the public service division for The Sam Bernstein Law Firm in Farmington Hills.

In addition to Bernstein’s keynote speech, attendees will also hear from the recipients of the 2019 JVS Business Leadership and Rising Entrepreneur Awards, along with individuals whose lives have been enhanced by the work of JVS Human Services. Awards will be presented to:

• Star Trax Events which will be honored with the 2019 Business Leadership Award for innovative employment practices. With a focus on outstanding customer service, company President Geoff Kretchmer drives employee engagement through a strong company culture: employees who feel connected to each other and understand how their work contributes to the success of the company, work together towards common goals and perform better.

• Josh Gershonowicz, who will receive the 2019 Rising Entrepreneur Award, founded his creative agency, Rebuild Group, seven years ago to help clients challenge their thinking and achieve strategic growth through proprietary research and effective brand campaigns. Rebuild Group’s culture is fun, inclusive, creative and encouraging. The company moved from the suburbs to the City of Detroit in 2014 and now has a staff of more than 20 full-time employees.

• Kelly Flynn from Tapper’s Jewelry, Loukas Pallicaris from Preferred Building Services and Sonya Terry from the City of Detroit will be honored with Employee of the Year Awards. Attendees will hear the inspiring stories of these three individuals who have overcome employment obstacles with assistance from JVS Human Services programs.

For details about sponsorships and tickets, visit https://www.jvshumanservices.org/strictlybiz or contact Judy Strongman at 248.233.4213 or jstrongman@jvshumanservices.org