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GM's Jack Smith to Chair New Detroit Dinner, June 26

7 June 2000

Coalition Honors Civic Organizations and Community Leaders

     
    DETROIT - General Motors Chairman, Jack Smith, will serve as Event Chair for 
New Detroit's Closing The Gap Awards Dinner, Monday, June 26 at the Detroit 
Opera House.  The award was established by New Detroit, the nation's oldest and 
largest urban coalition, to recognize local efforts to eliminate social and 
economic disparities.

    "New Detroit has played a significant leadership role in the city for the
last 32 years.  We, at General Motors, applaud the efforts of the coalition
and the award honorees," Smith said.

    This year's award winners represent local leaders in the areas of economic
equity and racial justice/cultural collaboration.  "We want to spotlight
exemplary actions that have made a difference in areas that bring the
Coalition closer to accomplishing our goals," said New Detroit President and
Chief Executive Officer, Shirley R. Stancato.

    Lear Corporation was selected in the corporate category for their focus on
economic equity in the community.  Lear has formed several joint ventures with
local minority suppliers.  In 1999, Lear spent $208 million with minority
suppliers.  By 2005, Lear expects to triple purchases of products and services
from minority owned suppliers to $600 million.

    The Jewish Community Council will receive the community/civic award for
their efforts to promote racial justice and cultural collaboration.

    The Council established an entrepreneurial program with the Booker T.
Washington Business Association and the Detroit Entrepreneurial Institute.
This program includes networking and mentoring designed to strengthen social
and economic ties between the Jewish and African American communities.  The
Council also created the NW Neighborhood Health Empowerment Center, which
provides primary prevention services to area residents.

    New Detroit Trustee, Charles Beckham, receives the individual category
award.  President and Founder of BEnterprises, Beckham is also the Executive
Director of the African American Association of Business Contractors (A3BC).
Beckham has garnered over $320 million in business for minority business
enterprises since 1996.

    The awards dinner provides New Detroit with an opportunity to salute Lear
Corporation, the Jewish Community Council, and Charles Beckham for their
contribution to Closing the Gap.

    Tickets for the Closing the Gap dinner are $150.  Reservations can be made
by calling New Detroit at 313-664-2006.