Detroit Regional Chamber Names World Trader of the Year

4 December 2000
Detroit Regional Chamber Names World Trader of the Year
    DETROIT, Dec. 4 The Detroit Regional Chamber has named
Larry Yost, chairman of the board and CEO of ArvinMeritor Inc., as the 2001
World Trader of the Year.  The award will be presented at the Chamber's 17th
annual International Consular Ball, March 30, at The Ritz-Carlton, Dearborn.
    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000703/DRCLOGO )
    The World Trader of the Year is given annually to an individual who
distinguishes him/herself through outstanding accomplishments and
contributions in the international trade arena.
    "The International Business Development Council chose Larry Yost because
he has led ArvinMeritor to global expansion," said Richard E. Blouse Jr., CCE,
president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber.  "Yost and ArvinMeritor
have also been strong supporters of the Detroit Regional international
community."
    ArvinMeritor, Inc. is a premier $7.7-billion global supplier of a broad
range of integrated systems, modules and components to the transportation
industry.  The company serves light vehicle, commercial truck, trailer and
specialty original equipment manufacturers and related aftermarkets.  In
addition, ArvinMeritor is a leader in coil coating applications, including
those for the transportation, appliance, construction and furniture
industries.  The company is headquartered in Troy, Mich., and employs 36,000
people at more than 150 manufacturing facilities in 26 countries.  Before the
July 2000 merger of Arvin Inc. and Meritor Automotive Inc., Yost served as
chairman and CEO of Meritor.  Yost was instrumental in the merger.
    Yost's leadership has been distinguished by global focus and strategic
growth, as well as by the development of high-potential talent with diverse
backgrounds.  He has developed innovative performance and incentive programs
closely linked to corporate objectives, visiting each of the company's
international locations throughout the year to communicate with and engage
employees and conducts quarterly face-to-face management and employee
meetings.
    Yost has served on numerous boards including Kennametal Inc.; the National
Association of Manufacturers; the National Alliance of Business; the Economic
Club of Detroit; the Automotive Hall of Fame; Detroit Renaissance; United Way
Community Services; Kettering University; the Manufacturing Institute; the
American Trucking Association Foundation; and, the Citizens Research Council
of Michigan.
    This year's black-tie ball begins at 6 p.m.  Cost is $210 at the donation
level, $260 for patron; tables of 10 are available for $2,100.
    The Detroit Regional Chamber is committed to powering the economy for
Southeast Michigan, working to retain and attract jobs and investment to the
region and helping regional business expand and grow.  The Chamber has nearly
13,000 members, and represents the city of Detroit and the 10 counties of
Southeast Michigan.