Dauch Wins MSED Executive Leadership Award; To Be Honored at May 19 Black-Tie Gala

TROY, Mich., March 1 -- Richard E. Dauch, co-founder, chairman of the board and chief executive officer for American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM), will receive the "Executive Leadership Award" from the Marketing & Sales Executives of Detroit (MSED) at the group's annual black-tie gala dinner to be held at The Townsend Hotel in Birmingham, Mich. on May 19, 2005.

The charity event recognizes the exceptional achievements of business executives and sales and marketing professionals in southeastern Michigan. It is the 13th annual black-tie fundraiser to be hosted by the Marketing & Sales Executives of Detroit. Net proceeds will benefit the MSED scholarship fund and Focus: HOPE.

News/talk radio station WJR-AM 760 is the media sponsor for the event.

"We are pleased to honor Richard E. Dauch with our third annual Executive Leadership Award in recognition of his untiring leadership, energy and commitment to others," said Richard Marsolais, chairman of the MSED gala event and marketing manager for Plante & Moran, PLLC. "His strategic acumen, passion and commitment have helped to make American Axle & Manufacturing one of the largest and most respected automotive suppliers in the world. Mr. Dauch truly exemplifies the talents, vision and optimism necessary to succeed in today's hyper-competitive world."

The gala will also recognize three of the Detroit area's top sales and marketing achievers with MSED's Platinum Award. These winners are nominated by their professional peers and selected for the exceptional sales and marketing performance in the southeastern Michigan business community during 2004. Crain's Detroit Business is the Platinum Award sponsor.

"The gala is a great opportunity for local marketing and sales professionals to honor a deserving business executive, to help raise funds for Focus: HOPE and scholarships, and to network with other area business professionals," said Marsolais. "It has become one of Detroit's most notable charity events."

Tickets for the black-tie charity event cost $150 for MSED members and $195 for non-members. This price includes an elegant cocktail reception and 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/ .

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