Chrysler Financial Promotes Business Development in Mexicantown
Employees Volunteer to Brighten Neighborhoods in Southwest Detroit
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Oct. 18 -- Chrysler Financial, a business unit of DaimlerChrysler Services, today joined area residents in Southwest Detroit for a community clean-up. Chrysler Financial has partnered with Mexicantown Community Development Corporation (MCDC) and Latin Americans for Social and Economic Development (LA SED) to help promote a healthy cultural district through physical improvements and maintenance.
"Chrysler Financial is committed to the value of social responsibility and we are proud to be supporting such a culturally significant area in the City of Detroit," said Kelly Mankin, Vice President -- Chrysler Brands Marketing. More than 60 employees participated in today's activity which included a graffiti paint-over, landscaping, weeding and a general clean-up of the Mexicantown business district.
The Chrysler Financial community initiative will contribute to the MCDC mission of creating a thriving business and retail district in southwest Detroit. "We rely on the support of committed community members and corporations to help encourage growth and success in the Mexicantown community," said Maria Elena Rodriguez, President Mexicantown Community Development Corporation. "We are thankful for the tremendous partnership with Chrysler Financial."
In addition to the Mexicantown clean-up, employees worked with local artist Vito Valdez to create murals on the LA SED Youth and Senior Center. The center offers a variety of educational, recreational and vocational programs and services that improve the quality of life for Hispanic families and residents living in the areas of Southwest Detroit.
"The mural is a symbol of the rich culture that exists in the area," said Valdez, renowned local artist. "Through the creation of the LA SED murals, we hope to promote a positive environment and encourage community pride."
Valdez is a second generation Mexican-American born in Wyandotte, Mich., and has been an artist and educator for the past twenty years. He is currently working on a mural for the Detroit Public Library Campbell Branch. Valdez also works in the education department at the Detroit Institute of Arts and continues to exhibit his work in Canada and the U.S.
About Chrysler Financial
Chrysler Financial offers a complete line of world-class automotive financial products and services for both dealers and consumers of Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge vehicles. In 2005, Chrysler Financial continues to offer vehicle wholesale and retail financing, fleet management and lines of credit to all 3,900 Chrysler Group dealers. As an industry leader in support technology, Chrysler Financial provides its dealers with innovative and efficient methods of doing business.
About Mexicantown Community Development Corporation
The mission of Mexicantown Community Development Corporation is to foster economic development in the Hispanic community of Southwest Detroit, known as Mexicantown, as a means of eliminating blight, creating skilled positions for residents of the neighborhood and providing opportunities of small business development by local entrepreneurs.
About Latin Americans for Social and Economic Development
LA SED is a non-profit agency that has been serving Hispanics and residents of Southwest Detroit since 1969. LA SED assists people of all ages with a variety of bilingual services. There are three separate program sites located in Southwest Detroit: the Administrative and Family Service Center, Youth Services Center and Senior Service Center.