Marketing & Sales Executives of Detroit Recognize Top Business Professionals at Charity Gala

BIRMINGHAM, Mich., May 20, 2005 -- Four of Metro Detroit's top business achievers for 2004 were honored with Platinum Recognition Awards at the 13th Annual Marketing & Sales Executives of Detroit (MSED) Gala last night at the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham, Mich.

The Platinum Recognition Award winners are:

* Noelle Schiffer, vice president of sales and marketing for the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA), Troy, Mich.;

* Leonard J. Damico, vice president of original equipment sales at Durakon Industries, Farmington Hills, Mich.;

* Robert C. Kittle, vice president of sales for Takata, Auburn Hills, Mich.; and

* John J. Bailey, president and chief executive officer (CEO), John Bailey & Associates Public Relations, Troy, Mich.

"This year's winners exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit and business savvy necessary to set them apart as leaders of the industry," said Carolyn Boccia, chairwoman of the MSED Platinum Awards and owner and president of Krystal Marketing in Troy, Mich. "Their outstanding accomplishments and commitment to superior customer service deserves the accolades of all of us in the sales and marketing profession."

Schiffer is responsible for selling the OESA value proposition to potential members and positioning the organization with critical internal and external constituencies. As one of the first employees of OESA, Schiffer played a critical role in the operational development of the organization. Her unique balance of industry experience and association management has helped her grow the organization to 380 member companies.

During the past five years, Damico and the Durakon Industries' management team have helped to reinvent the organization from a single product company that was heavily focused on the aftermarket to a highly respected and successful original equipment manufacturer (OEM) tier one supplier. The company's sales have more than doubled and OEM sales currently represent more than 80 percent of the company's revenues.

Kittle is responsible for sales strategy, marketing plans, commercial account management and global sales for Takata. He helped the company achieve the designation of "largest seatbelt supplier in North America" in 2002 and was instrumental in turning the niche Japanese multinational supplier of safety restraints into a global leader in the safety market.

With more than 30 years of experience, Bailey worked his way from an entry-level public relations position to president and CEO of his own agency, John Bailey & Associates Public Relations, which has become one of Michigan's largest public relations firms. Founded in 1996 with one employee, Bailey's firm has grown to nearly 30 employees and revenues of more than $3 million in 2004.

The Platinum Award winners were nominated for the awards by their peers and were evaluated by Detroit-area 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, Roger Penske, chairman of the board and CEO of Penske Corp. and United Auto Group, presented the MSED Executive Leadership Award to Richard Dauch, co-founder, chairman and CEO of American Axle & Manufacturing.

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.