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Letter to the Editor

Ford Dealer Irma Elder Awarded for Professional Achievement By Women's Automotive Association International

DETROIT -- The Women's Automotive Association International (WAAI) has awarded its fifth annual WAAI Professional Achievement Award to Irma Elder, CEO, Elder Automotive Group. Honorary chairperson for the event was Jacques Nasser, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company.

Elder took the helm of Troy Ford, now Elder Ford, following the death of her husband in 1983, making her the first woman to own a Ford dealership in the greater Detroit area. Almost twenty years later, the Elder Automotive Group has grown to eight dealerships: Elder Ford, Jaguar of Troy, which is the number one Jaguar dealership in the world; Saab of Troy; Aston Martin of Troy; Signature Ford-Lincoln-Mercury-Jeep of Owosso; Signature Ford of Perry; Plymouth Mitsubishi; and slated for opening 2001, Jaguar of Tampa Bay, Florida.

But Elder is emphatic when she says, "Our success does not belong to me. It belongs to everyone in our organization who has worked hard to help us grow as we have."

Throughout her career, Elder has received numerous business and professional awards, including a consistent ranking of the Elder Automotive Group on the top ten of Hispanic Business Magazine's top 500 Hispanic-owned corporations. Elder is the only woman-owned business on the top ten and her involvement in business and community activities has made her one of the Detroit area's most visible and dynamic female community leaders.

Elder has received numerous civic awards and is in constant demand as a speaker, primarily to women's groups. She feels a great responsibility to the women of today's society and works tirelessly to convey her positive message to them. "While women may have a few more obstacles to overcome," she firmly believes, "with perseverance, they can reach significant professional goals."

Proceeds from the June 1 awards dinner will benefit WAAI Scholarship Fund.

Past Honorees of this award include: Ms. Maureen Kempston Darkes, president and general manager of General Motors of Canada LTD (1997), Ms. Bobbie Gaunt, president of Ford Motor Company of Canada LTD (1998), Ms. Jane Warner, president of Kautex Textron North America (1999) and Ms. Maryann Keller, president, Automotive Services Priceline.com (2000).

WAAI is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the role of women in the automotive industry, encouraging entry through scholarships, and the retention of women leaders. The association focuses on education in automotive issues, recognition of women in the automotive industry for their contributions, and professional growth through networking.

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