To recognize and promote the highest standards of performance in all areas of consumer affairs, the Great Lakes Chapter created an annual award for leaders in business, government, academia and the media. This award proudly bears the name of its first recipient; a woman who defined and delivered those high standards over a lifetime of service, the city of Detroit’s long-standing Director of Consumer Affairs, Esther K. Shapiro. 

The Esther Shapiro Award is presented annually to visionary leadership in customer service, ethical standards, and consumer affairs.

Our 2012 Winner for the Esther Shapiro Award is Mr. Ned A. Smith.

Ned A. Smith was one of the founding members and original organizers of SOCAP International, along with Philip E. Benton who later became president of Ford.  Ned served as National Chairman of SOCAP in 1977.  Now long-retired from Ford and living in Savannah GA, Ned remains a member of our Chapter.