While General Motors recently experienced bankruptcy and its ensuing issues, many people felt that Detroit would have a hard time trying to recover from a slew of job losses and general negativity.

However, the Michigan Business and Professional Association (MBPA) feels that there is more than just a spark of light at the end of the tunnel because it is preparing to honor its award winners for being one of Metropolitan Detroit's 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For.

The MBPA claims to be the most rapidly growing business association in the Midwest and this award ceremony shows that companies in the Detroit area deserve recognition such that the area is seen as a good place for entrepreneurs, rather than being remembered for the General Motors problems.

Jennifer Kluge is the MBPA executive vice president and CEO and she explains "we believe it is important to recognize [local business'] accomplishments especially at a time when all businesses are being challenged in ways never before seen."

In addition, the awards will encourage networking and present educational seminars for all entrepreneurs to learn from others in the field.