The annual kick-off event to the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) keeps rolling on … getting better and better each and every year.
Now in its 17th consecutive year, influential individuals from the automotive industry, media, politics, business and trade organizations along with community leaders and entertainers gathered on Sunday evening, January 13, 2013 at the Sound Board Theatre in the Motor City Casino Hotel in Detroit, Michigan. The annual Urban Wheel Awards honored both companies and women for advancing diversity in the automobile industry.
The Urban Wheel Awards were developed to recognize and honor diversity in the automotive industry, the awards ceremony was co-hosted by celebrities Niecy Nash and Edward James Olmos. CEO and President of Decisive Media, Randi Payton, is the inspiration behind this wonderful event. As host of the annual multicultural event, they again designated proceeds from this event to support the Emerging Diversity Education Fund, which provides internships, scholarships and mentoring to students pursuing careers in the auto industry, communications and Green jobs.
While there were over 15 individuals and companies honored for their diversity in the automobile industry, a few awardees stood out for special recognition. The honoree who stole the show and was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award was Kathy Jackson, Crain’s long-time automotive news journalist who retired about 2 years ago. She spoke on the wonderful journey she had traveled as one of the first African Americans and certainly the first female to cover the automobile industry. Based on the personality displayed by Ms. Jackson to the attendees at the awards ceremony, there was no doubt that this vivacious person would have been successful in any career she would have chosen.
The event also honored local automotive suppliers like Andra Rush, Native American Supplier of the Year from Rush Trucking Company. Ms. Rush started this trucking 30 years ago and has home grown the company right here in Metro Detroit. Being headquartered in Metro Detroit helped Rush Trucking develop one of the most impressive client bases in the automotive industry over its history by growing a solid reputation for timely delivery.
The 2013 Tesla Model S was honored as the Urban Green Vehicle of the Year. The Urban Car of the Year award went to the 2013 Cadillac ATS and the Urban Truck of the Year award featured the 2013 Ram 1500. All of these vehicles and others were beautifully displayed inside the Motor City Casino event, making attendees feel like they were actually at the NAIAS at Cobo Hall. Nice touch!
As in the past, this wonderful event kept the audience engaged and excited, ending with an Afterglow and networking opportunity at the Sound Board Theatre. The Afterglow party was well attended and featured Phase 5 for entertainment and wonderful miniature pastries prepared by Motor City Casinos’ own pastry chefs. Spotted in the crowd was Tommy Hearns, Vickie Winans, Martha Reeves and owner of the Omni Hotel, Michael Roberts. Another great Urban Wheels Award event to begin an exciting media week at the 2013 NAIAS.
Photographer: Jim Klein, Representing GreeningDetroit.com
ROBERT E. MATTLER, Associate Broker, Attorney and LEED AP BD+C, is Director of GREEN Brokerage at Armada Real Estate Services in West Bloomfield, Michigan. Bob speaks, writes and advocates about emerging sustainable real estate issues in Michigan and elsewhere. Bob is a Senior Correspondent for www.greeningdetroit.com . For more information, contact Bob at Armada Real Estate (248) 855-1221; or by e-mail: bmattler@armadarealestate.com
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Author: Robert E. Mattler, Green Agent Man, Representing GreeningDetroit.com
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