Published In:
Ann Arbor News, July 9, 1985
Caption:
Honored - John Barfield, who nine years ago founded Ypsilanti's highly successful Barfield Companies, received congratulations Monday from Gov. James Blanchard and the Legislature. State Sen. Lana Pollack was the bearer of those congratulations. Above Barfield (left), Pollack, and Blanchard aide Jerome Strong admire a picture of actor Paul Robeson. Barfield's three companies, a professional janitorial service, a manufacturing division and a design and drafting company, were named the top black-owned business in the nation this year by Black Enterprise Magazine. Barfield also announced two appointments in the manufacturing division on Monday. Robert Gannon, a former Ford and Chrysler manager from Grosse Ile, is the new general manager and Barfield's son, Aaron, is now president of the division that produces auto parts and does electronics assembly.