Detroit Celebrates National Transportation Week May 11-17 by Honoring Region's Automotive Heritage

DMCVB Welcomes National Celebration for Second Consecutive Year in Detroit

DEARBORN, Mich., May 12 -- The Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCVB) today officially kicked off National Transportation Week (NTW), May 11-17, 2008, as Detroit is the host city of this annual transportation industry celebration for the second consecutive year. National Transportation Week also marks the start of "2008: Year of the Car," a summer-long festival in Southeast Michigan to celebrate the momentous centennials of General Motors Corporation and the Ford Model T with more than 120 auto-themed activities in the region through early October.

"National Transportation Week allows our region to celebrate our rich, world-class automotive heritage with the community that made it all possible," said Chris Baum, senior vice president of sales and marketing of the DMCVB. "This annual event gives us a chance to highlight our region's positive transportation contributions to the world and show how we are a vital part of a trillion dollar industry, both now and in the future."

Overseen by the U.S. Department of Transportation, NTW was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1962 to celebrate the historical significance of transportation, focus on its future impact, as well as promote transportation-related careers to young people. The DMCVB, official host of NTW, designated this year's theme "The Year of the Car" to tie into the centennial celebrations of General Motors and the Ford Model T.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, the transportation sector accounts for more than 11.7 million jobs and contributes more than $1 trillion annually to the U.S. economy, generating more than 10 percent of the Gross Domestic Product.

National Transportation Week features a number of conferences and events, both public and private, that bring the transportation community together for dialogue and demonstrations about the present and future of the industry. For example, Mary E. Peters, secretary for the U.S. Department of Transportation, spoke to the Detroit Economic Club about the state of transportation on May 5. NTW also seeks to educate area youth on the possibilities and benefits of careers in transportation. A detailed list of NTW events in southeast Michigan can be found below and at www.ntweek.org.

  National Transportation Week Business Conferences and Events

  --  Monday, May 12, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. -- The General Motors Heritage Tour
      and Networking Event Celebrating GM's 100th Anniversary (Hosted by the
      Engineering Society of Detroit's Young Engineers Council)

Learn about some of the automotive industry's greatest inventions, and enjoy GM's impressive collection of restored and significant vehicles, over cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. GM Heritage Center, Sterling Heights. For more information, please visit www.esd.org or call 248-353-0735.

  --  Tuesday - Wednesday, May 13 -14 -- ITS Michigan Annual Meeting &
      Exposition
  (In partnership with MDOT)

More than 300 representatives from industry, higher education and all levels of government will gather to discuss the latest developments in "intelligent transportation," to include advanced examples of VII (Vehicle Infrastructure Integration) in outdoor demonstrations. Rock Financial Showplace, Novi. For more information, please visit www.itsmichigan.org or call 734-936-2070.

  --  Thursday, May 15, 8 - 10 a.m. -- WWJ Newsradio 950 Business Breakfast
  (In partnership with MDOT)

A panel discussion will cover transportation and logistics enhancements on the drawing board for Southeast Michigan, including an update on an aerotropolis and proposed light rail system between Detroit, the airports and Ann Arbor. The Henry Ford, Dearborn. For information, please view WWJ or call 248-455-7200.