Tribune Excerpts

The following article appeared in the October 2007 Edition of the Macedonian Tribune

VA Secretary bestows highest tribute to Ilitch

Washington, D.C. – On Sept. 17, in recognition for services to veterans, Secretary of Veterans Affairs James Nicholson presented Michael Ilitch with the Secretary’s Award, the highest tribute given to a private citizen by his department.

Ilitch, who founded Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc., was recognized for his industry leading support of veterans through the Little Caesars Veterans Program.

“Michael Ilitch has demonstrated great patriotism by providing business opportunities to honorably discharged veterans through the Little Caesars Veterans Program,” Nicholson said. “This award, the highest honor my office can bestow, represents the VA’s appreciation of a Detroit business leader who is making a difference for US military veterans as they transition to civilian life or make a career change.”

Launched on Veterans Day 2006, the program provides Little Caesars franchises to honorably discharged service-disabled veterans who qualify. Ilitch, a former Marine, has made giving back part of the way Little Caesars has done business since shortly after opening the first store in 1959.

“Veterans and their families have made significant sacrifices for our country, and I feel that it’s important to acknowledge that, and to thank them for their service,” said Ilitch.

“As I thought about the businesses I own, I thought what better way to say thank you to the men and women who have given so much for our nation than to provide them with a business opportunity of becoming a Little Caesars franchisee. I’m very honored that the program, and the people who created it, are being recognized with this prestigious award.”

The entrepreneurial spirit is the backbone of the American way of life, and an important part of our economy. Michael Ilitch and his wife Marian grew their first business from one pizza store into an international chain and the success of that business enabled them to purchase businesses in the sports and entertainment industries, including the 2006 American League Champion Detroit Tigers and the 10-time Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings.

Now, Ilitch is reaching out to veterans, providing them with an opportunity to become entrepreneurs so that they can develop independent businesses, provide jobs for others and contribute to the US economy. The Ilitches are committed to the philosophy that private enterprise and civic involvement are the real strength of the American way of life.

Interest remains high in the Little Caesars Veterans Program. Currently, more than 1100 inquiries have been made about the program and 15 veterans have been approved to become Little Caesars franchisees. Veteran Martin Lorenz opened the first Little Caesars store under the program on July 31 in Fort Myers, Fla. Four other veterans will open stores by the end of 2007.