Posted on 10/01/2003 7:34:44 PM PDT by jonatron
NEW YORK, Oct. 1 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Ford Motor Company will be honored for its corporate commitment to equal rights and diversity by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) at the 8th Annual GLAAD Fairness Awards Luncheon in New York City on Oct. 15.
The GLAAD Fairness Awards recognize long-term commitments made in the vital area of equal rights. These awards honor institutions and individuals, from the profit and non-profit sectors, who have taken active, front-line positions in the drive for fair, accurate and inclusive representation of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) individuals.
"Ford Motor Company is proud of its commitment to its diverse employees, suppliers, dealers and customers, which include gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals," said Jan Valentic, vice president, Global Marketing, Ford Motor Company, who will be accepting the award. "Our philosophy of inclusion is evident in our corporate policies, benefits, and employee programs and now through our marketing efforts. Our unparalleled study of the GLBT market has helped us ensure that our efforts are connected to the consumer marketplace in a meaningful way."
As one of the first companies to adopt a non-discrimination employment policy inclusive of lesbians and gays and to offer comprehensive same-sex domestic partner benefits, Ford Motor Company has set the standard in corporate responsibility. The company further fosters diversity in the workplace by supporting GLOBE, the first GLBT employee resource group to be officially recognized by a major automobile manufacturer.
Last year, Ford's Global Marketing organization conducted an in-depth study of the GLBT market, with the help of Washington-based Witeck-Combs Communications, Inc. As a result, Ford Motor Company developed innovative marketing and advertising campaigns for its Jaguar and Volvo brands.
This year, Jaguar North America and Volvo Cars North America, LLC launched integrated campaigns to reach out to GLBT customers, featuring tailored print advertising and marketing programs. Along with Land Rover, Jaguar also has been a national sponsor of GLAAD.
"In recent years, Jaguar has targeted gay consumers on a smaller scale and found the brand very appealing to this segment," said George Ayres, vice president, Marketing, Jaguar North America. "We look forward to expanding our outreach by establishing more of a presence in this community and earning a high measure of brand loyalty."
Ford's study also showed opportunity for the Volvo brand. "At Volvo, diversity is a big part of who we are and all that we do," said Thomas Andersson, executive vice president, Marketing, Volvo Cars North America. "All consumers appreciate marketing efforts that speak to them personally and directly. Our ads emphasize Volvo quality, attractive styling and safety, which are attributes of universal appeal."
"The people at Ford Motor Company understand that fairness and inclusion, whether they guide employee relations or marketing campaigns, have a direct and immeasurable impact on the lives of real people," said Joan M. Garry, executive director, GLAAD. "We're proud to honor Ford Motor Company not only for their commitment to their gay and lesbian employees, but also for their dedication to a corporate culture that embraces and harnesses the power of diversity."
Ford Motor Company has a rich history in diversity, starting with Henry Ford's unmatched support of a diverse workforce at the beginnings of the company, added Valentic. "Our new marketing programs are more examples of how the company continues to strive for leadership in diversity, including an industry-first diversity marketing program," said Valentic.
Print ads for the Jaguar and Volvo campaigns were created by Prime Access Inc. of New York City, and are running primarily in national GLBT publications.
| Thank you very much! |
| Thank you very much! |
| That's the nicest thing that anyone's ever done for me. |
| It isn't every day |
| good fortune comes me way! |
| I never thought the future would be fun for me! |
| And if I had a bugle |
| I would blow it to add a sort |
| o' how's your father's touch. |
| But since I left me bugle at home |
| I simply have to say |
| Thank you very, very, very much! |
| Thank you very, very, very much! |
Too bad that Ford hasn't made a corporate commitment to quality and longevity.
A friend bought a Contour, drove it slightly more than 36,000 miles... about 36,900 I think - the fuel pump went out. The dealer refused to cover it, since it was only covered to 36,000 miles.
What kind of company sells a car where the fuel pump only lasts 37,000 miles?
But thank goodness they hire black lesbian pipe-fitters ...
D
I wonder what 'Job 1' is nowadays?
It disgusts me to know that Jeep is now owned by Germans, then I saw them demolish the Jeep factory in Toledo, Ohio.
Henry Ford would be pleased.
I drive a GM vehicle.
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