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Our 2025 MotorCities' Awards of Excellence Luncheon took place June 4 at the Stellantis Conner Center in Detroit.

Stellantis Conner Center Collection

To see a photo album from the luncheon, click here.

The winners were announced in the following categories: 

Heritage Tourism -

  • Don & Gayle Nicholson of Westland (pictured below, right) for creating and growing the annual Cruisin' Hines event;

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Education/Interpretation -

  • The Historical Society of Greater Lansing for the I-496 Pave the Way Project;

Historical Society of Greater Lansing Pave the Way

Revitalization -

  • Greg & Kristin Donofrio (pictured above, left) for the Phoenix Mill restoration in Plymouth.

Bob Kreipke portrait for BookIn addition, MotorCities presented its highest honor, the Milestone Award, to Ford Motor Company's Corporate Historian Emeritus Robert Kreipke (pictured at left). For over 25 years, Kreipke has served as a project advisor and board member, helping propel MotorCities to become the nationally–recognized experts on preserving and promoting Michigan’s automotive heritage. In addition, he was Chairman of the Board between 2015 and 2019, steering the organization through successful projects like the launching of our highway promotional signs, the creation of the Fort Street Bridge Interpretive Park in Detroit, and the celebration of MotorCities' 20th anniversary.

The Stellantis Conner Center is the home of the historic collection of 100 years of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Plymouth, DeSoto vehicles, and guests enjoyed the rare opportunity to see these vehicles.