First GM Ride and Drive Event Hosted by Hartford Church in Detroit

The newest Chevrolets, Buicks, GMCs and Cadillacs will be available for a ride and drive at the Hartford Memorial Baptist Church on Sunday, April 18 following worship services.

Organizers say this will be the first event of its kind to be held at a Detroit-area church. Hartford members and the general public will have the opportunity to see and test drive the latest, top-of-the-line GM vehicles. The new, highly-anticipated Chevy Volt will also be available for review.

The purpose of the event, sponsored by GM Minority Suppliers and Dealers is to give attendees an opportunity to experience GM vehicles and ask questions without pressure. But if there are questions about purchasing or leasing a vehicle, loan officers from Comerica Bank and Chase Bank will be on hand to answer questions, and GMAC will discuss financial literacy. The goal of the event is to build new relationships in the community and highlight the contribution of minority suppliers and dealers to the community and local economy.

"Minority suppliers play an important role in the automotive industry by providing complex and sophisticated goods & services," says Leon C. Richardson, President of ChemicoMays, recently named a 2009 GM Supplier of the Year.

"We also play an intricate role in our community by providing employment opportunities, academic scholarships, and leadership development. General Motors also believes in community outreach and the Hartford Memorial Baptist Church 2010 GM Ride & Drive will allow consumers to directly experience how corporations, minority suppliers, dealers and the community are all tied together."

In addition to the ride and drive, special GM vehicle discount cards, refreshments, and car seat check-ups for children will be available. GM car seat safety experts will also be on hand to demonstrate the proper way to install car seats and answer questions.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to do something really special for Hartford church members. Something that has never been done at a church in Detroit," comments Reverend Dr. Charles G. Adams, Pastor of Hartford Memorial Baptist Church. "This is directly related to the viability of the community we serve. Minority suppliers help to provide jobs and financial security for thousands of people in metropolitan Detroit. This Ride and Drive event is a tremendous opportunity to work in partnership with GM, its minority suppliers and dealers."

Known for his commitment to the community, Dr. Adams' vision is reflected in his commendable efforts to revitalize the community. Under his innovative leadership Hartford Church has purchased commercial real estate along Seven Mile Road, supporting the establishment of well-known restaurants, such as McDonald's®, Long John Silver's®, Kentucky Fried Chicken® and others. A Kmart was built on church property, employing hundreds of local residents. Home Depot now occupies the property and continues to provide employment and tax revenue for the city and state. On other church properties, Hartford has established the Head Start Agency and a tutoring program. This is yet another way to give back to the community. Hartford Memorial Baptist Church has nearly 10,000 members.

For more information about the Hartford Memorial Baptist Church 2010 Ride and Drive event, please call (248) 723-3263.

http://www.hartfordchurchdetroit.org/