A high-profile gathering of business leaders, community representatives, and political supporters took place this week in Michigan, where congressional candidate Michael Bouchard met with guests at a private event focused on economic growth, innovation, and civic engagement.
Bouchard, a National Guard captain with more than a decade of service, including a deployment to Iraq, recently launched his campaign for Congress at a time when Republicans are seeking to maintain their majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. Coming from a family with a strong tradition of public service — his father is a long-serving county sheriff, and his grandfather also served in uniform — Bouchard has built his campaign around support for small businesses, border security, legal immigration tied to economic growth, and election integrity.
Serbian-American businessman Goran Petkovich hosted the event in partnership with the MENA American Chamber of Commerce and its CEO, Faye Nemer. It brought together Republican figures from across Michigan, as well as professionals and entrepreneurs from Balkan, Middle Eastern, and North African communities.
Among those present were Balkan-American entrepreneurs Filip Milivojevic, Nikola Andreevski, Milos Mitrovic, Luka Jovanović and Zoran Berić, whose business activities extend across multiple U.S. markets. Their companies operate in sectors including transportation and logistics, software engineering, artificial intelligence, and real estate development.
Through freight optimization technologies, digital platforms, and large-scale real estate projects, their ventures have contributed to business expansion and job creation in several states. Their work reflects broader trends of technological modernization and investment in key sectors of the U.S. economy.
Beyond their commercial activities, the entrepreneurs are also active participants in business and policy discussions related to innovation, regulatory development, and economic competitiveness.
Discussions during the gathering focused on artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, economic development, and immigration policy. Participants highlighted the importance of balancing secure borders with legal immigration pathways that support entrepreneurship and workforce growth.
Attendees also emphasized the increasing role of Balkan-American professionals in strengthening economic ties and cooperation between the United States and countries in the Balkan region.
The event reflected the growing interaction between political candidates, business leaders, and diaspora communities, highlighting their shared interest in economic development, innovation, and civic participation.
