Castaing to be Honored at Annual Marketing & Sales Black-Tie Gala, March 20

    TROY, Mich., Feb. 3 -- Francois Castaing, veteran auto
industry executive and current chairman of the board of trustees for The New
Detroit Science Center, will receive the "Executive Leadership Award" from the
Marketing & Sales Executives of Detroit (MSED) at a gala black-tie dinner to
be held at The New Detroit Science Center on March 20, 2003.
    The March 20 charity event recognizes the exceptional achievements of
business executives and sales and marketing professionals in southeastern
Michigan.  It is the 11th annual black-tie fundraiser to be hosted by the
Marketing & Sales Executives of Detroit.  Net proceeds will benefit the MSED
scholarship fund and local charities.
    "Through his leadership and dedication, Mr. Castaing has helped The New
Detroit Science Center to become a widely respected, state-of-the-art
educational and entertainment jewel for the Detroit community," said Denise
Scioli, chairwoman of the MSED gala event and director of sales and marketing
for Blue Sky Productions.  "His untiring efforts, exceptional leadership and
keen ability to build relationships are shining examples to all of us in the
sales and marketing field."
    Robert A. Lutz, General Motors Corp. vice chairman of product development
and chairman of GM North America, will present the award to Castaing.
    The event will also recognize three of the Detroit area's top sales and
marketing achievers with MSED's Platinum Award, which is sponsored by Crain's
Detroit Business.  These winners are nominated by their professional peers and
selected for their exceptional sales and marketing performance in the
southeastern Michigan business community during 2002.
    Tickets for the gala black-tie charity event cost $150 for MSED members
and $195 for non-members.  This price includes an elegant strolling dinner,
valet parking and an afterglow reception.
    For information on tickets, event details or sponsorship and advertising
opportunities, contact Meeting Coordinators at 248-643-6590 or visit the
organization's website at http://www.msedetroit.org .

    Founded in 1988, the Marketing & Sales Executives of Detroit (MSED) is a
non-profit organization for marketing and sales management professionals in
southeastern Michigan.  Formerly known as the Sales & Marketing Executives of
Detroit, it provides members with an ongoing platform for idea exchange,
professional development and new business opportunities.  The Marketing &
Sales Executives of Detroit (MSED) conducts approximately 15 meetings,
seminars and educational events each year for networking, professional
development and scholarship fund-raising purposes.