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Klauss, Cullen, Harper and Ford to be Honored at Gala

27 March 2000

Klauss, Cullen, Harper and Ford to be Honored at Sales & Marketing Executives of Detroit Gala, April 17

    TROY, Mich., March 24 Gerd H. Klauss, president and chief
executive officer of Volkswagen of America, Inc. and Volkswagen Canada, Inc.;
Matthew P. Cullen, General Motors' Enterprise Activities Group general
manager; and WNIC-FM radio personality and Program Director Jim Harper, as
well as Detroit's top sales and marketing representatives, are being honored
at the Eighth Annual Distinguished Sales & Marketing Awards Banquet on April
17 at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Dearborn, Mich.
    The event, sponsored by SME/D and the Detroit Free Press, celebrates the
exceptional achievements of sales and marketing professionals and executives
in the Detroit area.
    "Through innovation, leadership and dedication, these recipients have
helped create and enhance business and civic life in Detroit and the
surrounding communities," said Denise Scioli, director of marketing for
Integrated Systems Technologies who serves as SME/D Vice President of Public
Relations and the Distinguished Sales & Marketing Awards Banquet.
    Also being honored posthumously will be Ford Motor Co. founder Henry Ford
with SME/D's Millennium Award.  This special award is given in recognition of
Ford's innovation and impact on twentieth century American life.
    Volkswagen's Klauss will receive SME/D's prestigious Marketing Statesman
of the Year award for 2000.  This award identifies Klauss' leadership in
reviving Audi to a recognized brand in the luxury automotive division, as well
as his active role in increasing sales and building dealer confidence at
Volkswagen.
    Cullen will receive the Marketing Innovator of the Year award for 2000.
This award recognizes his leading role in the selection and acquisition of the
Renaissance Center as the new location for GM's global headquarters, and also
in the transformation and revitalization of the Renaissance Center and the
surrounding area -- symbolic of progress for GM and downtown Detroit.
    WNIC's Harper was named Communicator of the Year for 2000 by SME/D.  With
more than 30 years broadcast experience, this award distinguishes Harper for
leadership and team building among his morning crew; helping maintain WNIC's
top station and morning show ratings; promoting education among children; and
his charitable work on behalf of local organizations including the Michigan
Humane Society, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute and the Capuchin Soup
Kitchen.
    The Millennium Award honors Henry Ford's innovative use of the conveyor
belt and assembly line for mass production; his invention of an inexpensive
and standardized car; initiating a five-dollar wage for an eight-hour work
day; and his numerous charitable contributions to Detroit and the surrounding
communities.
    Tickets for the gala black-tie award banquet are still available.  They
cost $150 for non-members and $1500 for corporate tables seating 10 people.
For tickets or event details, call Meeting Coordinators at 248-643-6590.