Meeting Highlights

September 2024

We took a moment of silence commemorating the victims and heroes of the September 11th attacks. Thank you, Bob Muiter for the material, and Fred Devendorf, for leading us in reflection.
We were honored to welcome Terry Rhadigan, Chairman, Detroit Sports Organizing Corporation, and Retired GM Vice President, Global Communications and Corporate Giving as our newest member and Guest Speaker.
Terry brought us along with him on the “On the Clock” journey that led to an incredibly powerful NFL draft event in Detroit, with these record-shattering results:

775,000 in person attendees
53.6 million viewers
Engagement of 60 local companies as service providers and 1200 paid ambassadors
90 food trucks, and 135 small business exhibitors
Best photo ever with Thomas James Kenney and William Fagerbakke, who left the "pineapple under the sea" to pose with Terry

Terry credited the success of the event to a state-wide PR campaign and tremendous community spirit, from the Mayor’s office through the business and Lion’s fan communities. The draft set the stage for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four in 2027, future All Star games, and many more events. Watch for more great things from Terry, who also serves on the Board of the Detroit Economic Club, the Automotive Hall of Fame, the Parade Company, and Loyola High School.

August 2024

We had a great road trip to celebrate the end of summer and prepare for the Dream Cruise!!! We visited Terry Connolly at the just-opened Pontiac Transportation Museum. Pontiac has hosted wheeled vehicle companies for over 170 years, with over 40 manufacturers developing and building products in Pontiac. We learned about the history of Pontiac which, when it was incorporated, was the largest inland city in Michigan, and was a center of innovation in the US.
Did you know…

...65% of the motorhomes built by GMC 50 years ago are still on the road?
…what a Whizzer was?
…what General Patton called the “true hero of World War II?”
…the true origin of the GMC name?

Everyone who came to the luncheon now does!

JUly 2024

Sandor Piszar, Vice President for GM Envolve, was the guest speaker at the July 10, 2024 meeting. Sandor explained how GM Envolve is transforming GM’s Commercial business by providing a one-stop solution offering business customers more ways to reduce their environmental impact, streamline fleet operations and increase driver safety. Sandor shared insights on the evolving sales mix in the commercial market and how EV sales complement and enable ongoing ICE vehicle sales in this market.
To learn more about GM Envolve, visit their website at www.gmenvolve.com.

June 2024

At the June 12, 2024 meeting, Steve Kiefer, Chairman of the Kiefer Foundation and Retired GM Senior Vice President, was our guest speaker. Steve provided presented insightful distracted driving accident statistics and an overview of his work with the Kiefer Foundation to make driving safer. Through education and a mission to enact hands free driving legislation across all fifty states, the Kiefer Foundation is reducing accidents caused by distracted driving. In addition to the interesting presentation and delicious meal, we were able to visit with several colleagues who are in Michigan for the summer months.

December 2023

We had a great meeting on December 13, 2023 with the highest attendance since the world changed in 2020! Our speaker was Andy Norton, Executive Director of Global Marketing Research at General Motors who delivered a great presentation about customer acceptance of EVs. We introduced two new members, Sarah Cohen from Product Development and Joe Ryan from Purchasing and Supply Chain. We also recognized the amazing staff at the Bloomfield Hills Country Club with gift cards to show our appreciation for the great service they give us throughout the year. 2023 was a great year for the GM Executive Alumni Club of Michigan with time together with good friends, good food, great speakers and many new members. We look forward to a great 2024!