Ford Motor Company Features Environmental Theme in Birmingham Community House Jazzfest Display

DEARBORN, Mich., July 14 -- Ford Motor Company -- a proud sponsor of The Community House Jazzfest for the ninth consecutive year -- is incorporating an environmental theme into its display at the event this year, which is scheduled for July 15, 16 & 17. A benefit for The Community House in Birmingham, Michigan, the event annually attracts thousands of spectators for a series of free concerts in downtown Birmingham's Shain Park, located adjacent to South Bates Street, three blocks south of Maple Road.

The Ford Motor Company display features two environmentally conscious cars, the Ford Focus Fuel Cell Vehicle and the much-anticipated Escape Hybrid, along with an informative wall that details many of the company's environmental efforts. On Saturday, which is Ford Day at Jazzfest, Ford Motor Company representatives will be handing out "Helping the Planet A to Z" coloring books and crayons to children.

"The Community House Jazzfest in Birmingham is an excellent community event," said Ron Thomas, corporate alliances manager for Ford Motor Company. "Each year, it offers the neighborhood an opportunity to not only enjoy performances by talented jazz artists, but it also creates a lively atmosphere for all to enjoy."

Performers currently slated for the Shain Park stage include: Alexander Zonjic & Friends, Gerard Gibbs & ReOrgan'YZ, Keiko Matsui, Kevin Devine, University of Windsor Jazz Ensemble directed by John Jasavala, Paul Keller Orchestra, Special EFX featuring Chieli Minucci and Arturo Sandoval.

An independent nonprofit organization, The Community House, established in 1923, works in partnership with individuals, organizations and businesses to bring educational, social and cultural enrichment to people in the metropolitan area.

Ford Motor Company is the world's second largest automaker with approximately 350,000 employees, and operating in more than 200 markets on six continents. Its automotive brands include Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Its automotive-related services include Ford Credit, Hertz and Quality Care. The company's world headquarters are in Dearborn, Michigan. Additional information can be found on the company's web site at http://www.ford.com/ .

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