Ford Talk On SUV Critics--Oct. 11

DETROIT--Jason Vines, vice president of communications at Ford, will share the automaker’s strategy for addressing SUV criticisms with members of the Detroit chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators attending its Oct. 11 professional development program at 7:30 a.m. at the Hotel St. Regis here.

“We’re eager to hear Vines discuss Ford’s first-ever ‘Corporate Citizenship Report’ and discuss its implications for the company’s future plans and products,” said IABC/Detroit President Colleen Hanley, director of International Branding for ArvinMeritor Inc.

Earlier in his career, Vines worked in media relations, internal communications and labor relations for Chrysler Corp. Prior to joining Ford, Vines was vice president of External Affairs at Nissan North America. Citing his effort in rebuilding Nissan’s image in the United States, Automotive News last year named him the public relations “All Star” for the auto industry.

“Vines’ talk and our Sept. 20 presentation by the Covisint Communicate Team are two great examples of IABC professional development programs,” Hanley added.

A preview of the topics to be covered at 2000 IABC/Detroit programs follows:

Oct. 11 - Communications Strategies: Ford SUV Case Study

Nov. 8 - Managing communications during mergers, acquisitions and spin-offs

Dec. 13 - Leveraging corporate messages through community relations

Further information on IABC/Detroit programs and membership is available by visiting www.iabcdetroit.com. Tickets for the Oct. 11 program are $15 for IABC and $20 for non-members. Register by calling Nancy Skidmore at 248/546-5490.

With nearly 300 members, IABC/Detroit is one of the largest chapters of the International Association of Business Communicators, a worldwide association with more than 13,000 members. IABC/Detroit is part of a not-for-profit international network of professionals committed to improving the effectiveness of organizations through strategic, interactive and integrated business communications management. IABC links business communicators in a global network that inspires, establishes and supports the highest professional standards of quality and innovation. The Detroit chapter brings together strategists, writers, editors, technical specialists, artists, managers, freelancers and students for professional development programs and networking. For more information, visit http://www.iabcdetroit.com or http://www.iabc.com.