OnStar VP of Communications Explains the Voice of the Customer Strategy At Sept. 17 IABC/Detroit Meeting

DETROIT, Aug. 25, 2003 -- Come get an inside view of how OnStar, the nation's leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services, is using the voice of its subscribers to tell its story. The Detroit chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC/Detroit) will host a Sept. 17 professional development program discussing how to leverage customer testimonials. The meeting will be held at OnStar's meeting garage located at Troy Technology Park North, 1919 Technology Park Drive in Troy, from 11:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

The featured speaker is Terry Sullivan, vice president of communications for OnStar, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors. Sullivan will describe how OnStar created and is executing its nationally recognized subscriber initiative, which has created a buzz with employees, customers and the news media.

"We're eager to hear about the communications strategy that has spurred OnStar growth during the past six years," said Cindy Orlandi, APR, president of IABC/Detroit and principal of Cyndosura. "As we have driven to our District 7 events outside Michigan, many IABC/Detroit leaders have benefited from use of OnStar's Global Positioning System satellite network and wireless technology -- updating us on traffic, weather and news and providing amazing concierge and convenience services."

Tickets for the event are $30 for members and $35 for nonmembers. Reservations are required and may be made by calling IABC/Detroit's Executive Secretary Nancy Skidmore at 248-546-5490. Maps to the meeting garage located in the Troy Technology Park will be emailed to registrants.

"During September, IABC Headquarters will be waiving the application fee for new members, as well as the reinstatement fee for lapsed members," Orlandi added. Information is available by visiting www.iabc.com as well as by contacting Skidmore or IABC/Detroit membership co-directors Eric Longs of Eclipse Creative and Mary Gabriel of Unisource.

IABC/Detroit is one of the larger chapters of the 13,000-member International Association of Business Communicators, with more than 250 professional communicators. The chapter, which includes members in Michigan, Ohio and Canada, holds monthly professional development programs; sponsors workshops; offers job referral services, informative publications, award programs, accreditation programs and the opportunity to meet and network with other communicators. For information on IABC membership visit www.iabc.com . Additional information on the chapter and its free electronic job referral service for employers is available at www.iabcdetroit.com or by calling IABC/Detroit's Executive Secretary Nancy Skidmore at 248-546-5490.