Area's Top Business Professionals Honored at Marketing & Sales Executives of Detroit Gala

DETROIT, March 21 -- Three of Metro Detroit's top business achievers of 2002 were honored with Platinum Recognition Awards at the 11th Annual Marketing & Sales Executives of Detroit (MSED) Gala held last night at the New Detroit Science Center.

The Platinum Recognition Award winners were:

* Mario Apruzzese, president and CEO of Employees Only, Auburn Hills, Mich.;

* Pamela Rodgers, owner of Rodgers Chevrolet, Woodhaven, Mich.; and

* Joseph J. Melnick, chief marketing officer and director of planning for Butzel Long P.C., Detroit.

"These winners exemplify the critical attributes needed to succeed in the competitive business arena today -- solid business leadership, sharp customer focus, passionate commitment and boundless energy," said Denise Scioli, chairwoman of the MSED gala event and director of Sales and Marketing for Blue Sky Productions. "Their outstanding performance provides a sterling example for all of us in business."

Apruzzese's company, Employees Only, was founded in 1994. With annual sales of $50 million and employing more than 3,000 people, the company provides human resource support to emerging market companies.

Under Rodgers' leadership, Rodgers Chevrolet has become one of the nation's most successful African-American automobile dealerships. Employing 85 people, Rodgers Chevrolet has earned a reputation of superior client service.

Melnick directs all marketing, business development, public relations and strategic planning for the Butzel Long law firm. Butzel Long is one of Michigan's leading law firms, with more than 200 lawyers and eight offices in Michigan and Florida.

Platinum Award winners were nominated for the awards by their peers and were evaluated by sales and marketing professionals. Factors considered included the nominees' track records in sales, market development, customer focus, teamwork, community involvement and professional networking.

The Platinum Awards are co-sponsored by Crain's Detroit Business magazine.

Also at the gala, General Motors Corp. vice chairman of product development and chairman of GM North America Robert A. Lutz presented the MSED Executive Leadership Award to Francois Castaing, veteran auto industry executive and current chairman of the board of trustees for the New Detroit Science Center.

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 group conducts approximately 15 meetings, seminars and educational events each year for networking, professional development and scholarship fund-raising purposes. For information on MSED, call Meeting Coordinators at 248-643-6590 or visit the organization's website at www.msedetroit.org .