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Advanced Accessory Systems Raises Over $100,000 To Aid Ice Storm Victims in Canada

11 February 1998

Advanced Accessory Systems Raises Over $100,000 To Aid Ice Storm Victims in Canada

    STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich., Feb. 11 -- The January ice storm
that devastated parts of the northeastern U.S. and Canada has had a
heartwarming effect on a Michigan-based automotive supplier.  Advanced
Accessory Systems (AAS), headquartered in Sterling Heights, has operations all
over the world.  One of those operations, SportRack International, is located
in Granby, Quebec, Canada -- a small town outside of Montreal that suffered
monumental losses from the storm.
    "Several days into the ordeal we started to realize the severity of the
situation in Granby," said AAS President and CEO Marshall Gladchun, "and felt
we had to do something to help our extended family.  We were powerless to
assist with immediate needs, so we decided to establish the Granby Relief Fund
to help offset the financial losses our people are facing."
    To help employees at their "sister" company, Advanced Accessory Systems
subsidiaries, members of the board of managers, and even company consultants
and associates pitched in to raise money.  The relief effort was initiated by
Donna Wollen, executive assistant at AAS, who spearheaded and coordinated the
company-wide effort.
    To date, the Granby Relief Fund for SportRack International employees and
their families has swelled to more than $100,000, and donations are still
coming in.  In Canadian funds, the current total is nearly $150,000.
    Most SportRack International employees lost power after the storm and many
were living in crowded, unsanitary public shelters.  Jean Maynard, president
of SportRack International, leased a generator from a traveling circus, set up
a shelter at the company plant, and invited employees and their families to
stay until power was restored.
    Without power for more than three weeks, the plant operated at 40 percent
capacity and offices at 90 percent capacity with the help of the leased
generator.  More than half of the company's employees now have power in their
homes but are faced with ongoing challenges, such as burst plumbing and damage
to homes, cars and property from the heavy ice, downed power lines and toppled
trees.  Storm damage is not covered by insurance.
    "Our employees have all experienced financial loss as a result of the
storm," said Jean Maynard, SportRack International president and CEO.
"They've also dealt with the stresses of living with no heat or power for
weeks, loss of income and damage to their homes.  But the generosity of the
AAS employees has lifted everyone's spirits -- and the financial support will
be greatly appreciated."
    A portion of the Fund will be used to defray the cost of feeding and
housing SportRack International employees and their families following the
storm.  The remainder will be distributed to employees to help offset their
financial losses.
    Funds were raised through personal contributions from employees, prize
drawings and corporate donations.  Employees from as far as Europe
contributed.  All donations were matched 100 percent by AAS.
    Advanced Accessory Systems, LLC, is the leading worldwide supplier of
towing and roof rack systems and accessories.  Headquartered in Sterling
Heights, Mich., AAS has 20 locations throughout North America and Europe and
is the parent company for the following operations:

    * SportRack Automotive, Sterling Heights, Mich.; OEM roof rack systems and
accessories
    * SportRack International, Granby, Quebec, Canada; Aftermarket roof rack
systems and accessories
    *  Valley Industries, Madison Heights, Mich.; Towing systems - North
America
    *  Brink, Staphorst, Holland; Towing systems - Europe

    Automotive OEM customers include Chrysler, General Motors, Toyota, Opel,
Volvo, Isuzu, Ford, Mercedes, BMW, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Volkswagen,
SEAT, Skoda, Fiat and KIA.

SOURCE  Advanced Accessory Systems, LLC