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The following statement can be attributed to Tim Daman, president & CEO, Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Tony Benavides epitomized what it meant to be a servant leader. He made it a mission to help people, especially those who were underprivileged, whether it was in his role as director of the Cristo Rey Community Center, on the Lansing City Council, in the mayor’s office, or among his family and friends. When I joined the Lansing Regional Chamber in 2005, Tony was the Mayor of Lansing. I was always impressed by his gentle, humble nature and inner strength, which enabled him to connect deeply with everyone. He was a collaborative leader who knew how to bring people together for the greater good. Our community lost a giant with the passing of Tony Benavides. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and colleagues, of whom there are many.