Special Issue of Crain's Detroit Business Commemorates Ford's 100th Anniversary

DETROIT, June 2 -- When Henry Ford founded Ford Motor Co. in 1903, a new era of growth and technology began, helping make Detroit the automobile capital of the world. To observe Ford's 100-year anniversary and examine its influence and annual economic impact on metro Detroit, Crain's Detroit Business is publishing a special issue on June 2.

Crain's discovered that Ford's payroll, supplier payments, taxes and other activities account for 10 percent of Southeast Michigan's entire economy, roughly $16 billion to $20 billion. By contrast, the state of Michigan's entire annual budget is about $39 billion.

The 96-page edition, "The Ford Legacy: The Cars, The Company, The Community," being mailed to subscribers June 2, provides an overview of Ford's past, present and future, recounting the tales that intertwine Detroit's business history with that of Ford. In addition, Crain's will explore the profound influence Ford has exerted on Southeast Michigan.

"We thought we knew a lot about the Ford company and the Ford family," said Associate Publisher Mary Kramer. "But we discovered this company's influence has been amazing in terms of making so many other non-Ford companies what they are today. Hundreds of companies and dozens of nonprofits owe their very existence to the Ford company and Ford family."

Among the issue's highlights:

* At the Detroit Institute of arts alone, the Ford family has donated nearly 1,000 works of art and millions of dollars in monetary gifts. Edsel Ford I commissioned Diego Rivera's renowned "Detroit Industry" murals.

* Detailed maps of Dearborn and metro Detroit illustrating Ford's impact on the region's non-automotive real estate development.

* A look at the automaker's history in the Detroit area, from its first plant in Dearborn to the current Rouge Center renovation.

* A photo essay by Detroit photographer Michelle Andonian that examines the past and future of manufacturing currently on display at the Rouge Center.

Those interested in purchasing "The Ford Legacy" can call 888-909-9111 or visit www.crainsdetroit.com to order a copy for $4.95, plus shipping and handling. Discounts are available for bulk orders.

Crain's Detroit Business is a weekly business publication providing late-breaking news covering industries such as health care, banking, manufacturing, technology and the professions that serve those industries.