2011 North American International Auto Show :: Detroit's Auto Show :: 15th Annual Urban Wheel Awards Promotes Green Technology Event Includes Green Car Show and Technology Exhibit

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15th Annual Urban Wheel Awards Promotes Green Technology Event Includes Green Car Show and Technology Exhibit

NASCAR Trailblazer Max Siegel to Receive Pioneer Award at 15th Annual Urban Wheel Awards

Photo credit: Decisive Magazine

Green Car Show & Technology Exhibit ad

Photo credit: Decisive Magazine

15th Annual Urban Wheel Awards ad

DETROIT -- The 15th Annual Urban Wheel Awards, held in conjunction with the North American International Auto Show, will host its first annual Green Car Show and Technology Exhibit on Sunday, January 9th, 2011, at the Motor City Casino Hotel in Detroit. This year's event will celebrate 15 years of emerging diversity in the automotive industry and promote green technology to people of color.

"The Urban Wheel Awards is a unique, star-studded event and an exciting highlight to the nation's largest auto show." says Randi Payton, president and CEO of Decisive Media, the best source for cultural and consumer news, and organizers of the event. "Now, in addition to promoting multiculturalism in the automotive industry, we're also promoting environmentally-friendly technology to the multi-cultural community."

The Urban Wheel Awards brings together celebrities, automotive executives, international media, government representatives and the multi-cultural community to celebrate diversity in the automotive industry.

According to RL Polk,consumers in the multicultural market purchase one-quarter of new vehicles annually. The Urban Wheel Awards promotes awareness of their inclusion and honors the companies and individuals who have made progress toward embracing this reality.

The Green Car Show exhibit will showcase a collection of efficient- and alternatively-fueled vehicles, as well as the newest hybrids and clean diesel automobiles. It will also feature plug-in hybrids, fuel-cell, biodiesel, electric, and other advanced technologies. Experts will be on hand to provide explanations and demonstrations of these technologies.

Eco-friendly organizations are encouraged to participate by showcasing their innovative approaches to reducing the carbon footprint alongside major automotive manufacturers and suppliers.

"We are reaching out to automotive-related companies who are dedicated to environmentally-friendly ways to save our planet," Payton says. "This is a premier opportunity for them to show their innovations to major automakers, high ranking auto executives and environmentally savvy consumers and to broaden their base to minority audiences."

The day's activities will begin with the Green Car Show at 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by a celebrity Green Carpet and VIP reception at 5 p.m. The Urban Wheel Awards, which begins at 7 p.m. will honor four companies for leadership in environmental and fuel-efficient technologies. Winners of the Urban Car, Urban Truck and Urban Green Vehicle of the Year will also be honored along with the Minority Supplier and Dealer of the Year, Lifetime Achievement and the Urban Pioneer of the Year.

The day-long event is expected to attract more than 2,000 attendees looking to learn more about new environmentally progressive automotive technologies and participate in celebrating multiculturalism in the automotive industry.

NASCAR Trailblazer Max Siegel to Receive Pioneer Award at 15th Annual Urban Wheel Awards Held in Conjunction with the North America International Auto Show

DETROIT -- Max Siegel, a groundbreaker for African Americans in the motorsports industry, will receive the Pioneer Award at the 15th Annual Urban Wheel Awards, at 7 pm on Sunday, January 9th at the MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit.

As NASCAR'S highest-ranking African-American executive, Siegel oversaw the entire DEI organization including competition, marketing, sales, sponsorships and distribution for all DEI's properties including motorsports teams, licensing, promotion, business development and the Dale Earnhardt Foundation.

"Siegel embodies all of the attributes of an automotive urban pioneer," said Randi Payton, president and CEO of Decisive Media, the best source for cultural and consumer news, and organizers of the Urban Wheel Awards. "After successfully taking the reins of a major motorsports conglomerate, he is continuing to blaze a trail by reaching out to include more minorities in the sport."

In 2009, Siegel formed the 909 Group, a marketing firm catering to companies and individuals in the sports and entertainment industries. NASCAR retained the firm to administer the motorsports industry-wide "Drive for Diversity" initiative, aimed at developing and introducing minority and female drivers and crew members to competitive NASCAR opportunities.

Seeking to bring more credibility to NASCAR'S diversity program, Siegel developed the competition reality show, Changing Lanes
for BET. The show, chronicles his search for the next generation of women and minority racing drivers. Siegel's Revolution Racing coaches, mentors and develops drivers so they may one day enjoy the same success as the pioneers of the NASCAR industry.

"Motorsports have long been my passion and it is indeed an honor to receive such an award for something I truly enjoy doing," said Siegel. "I look forward to being a part of the Urban Wheel Awards and using the platform to advance the goal of including more minorities in the industry.

EMERGING DIVERSITY EDUCATION FUND SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
Presented at the 15th Annual Urban Wheel Awards

DETROIT -- The deadline for Emerging Diversity Education Fund (EDEF) scholarships is fast approaching. Students who are interested in obtaining a scholarship can go to www.decisivemagazine.com to access the application. The scholarships range from $1,000 to $2,500 each; the deadline to submit applications is December 17, 2010, and will be awarded at the 15th Annual Urban Wheel Awards, on January 9, 2011, during the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, MI.

“Each year, we award scholarships to deserving students who are pursuing careers in communications, and the automotive industry,” says Randi Payton, President of EDEF. “This year, we look to do even more as we honor the outstanding contributions companies and individuals in the automotive industry – during our annual Urban Wheel Awards ceremony.”

A 501 (c ) (3) organization that was established in 1988, the Emerging Diversity Education Fund (formerly the Edward David Education Fund) provides mentoring, internships and scholarships to youth pursuing careers in communications, engineering, green professions and media. Since the organization’s inception, more than 350 students have received scholarships and internships totaling more than $500,000. The organization also promotes diversity in various industries, including: automotive, entertainment, green, and technology, to name a few.

The 15th Annual Urban Wheel Awards will be hosted by CBS News Analyst Jamal Simmons and presenters will include top Auto Executives, national celebrities and news personalities. Students who are interested in careers in the Green field should also attend the Green Car and Technology Show, which begins at 10:00 .am. The Green Carpet and V.I.P. reception will begin at 5:00 p.m., Awards at 7:00pm, followed by an AfterGlow sponsored by General Motors and OnStar.

Auto Industry Leaders Selected to Receive Lifetime Achievement Awards at 15th Annual Urban Wheel Awards

DETROIT -- Rodney O'Neal, Chief Executive Officer and President, Delphi, Frank Venegas, Jr. Chairman and CEO, The Ideal Group, and Andra Rush, President and CEO, Rush Trucking were selected by Decisive Media to receive Lifetime Awards, at the 15th Annual Urban Wheel Awards, which is held in conjunction with the North American International Auto Show. The star-studded event will take place on Sunday, January 9th, beginning at 7 pm, at the Soundboard Theater, located in the MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit.


Rodney O'Neal, Chief Executive Officer and President, Delphi Rodney O'Neal was named chief executive officer and president of Delphi in January 2007. Delphi, a leading global supplier for electronics and technologies for automotive, commercial vehicle and other market segments. O’Neal oversees a company that operates major technical centers, manufacturing sites and customer support facilities in 30 countries and delivers real-world innovations that make products smarter and safer as well as more powerful and efficient.	Frank Venegas, Jr. Chairman and CEO, The Ideal Group, Inc. Frank Venegas, an entrepreneurial business leader, inspires The Ideal Group companies and their leadership to succeed in today’s global economy. Ideal places high value on collaborative customer-focused teams employing solid and ethical business practices, building community wealth and service to community.	Andra Rush, President and CEO of Rush Group Andra Rush, a Native American, is the founder (1984), President, and CEO of Rush Group, LLC. Today, Rush Group, LLC is one of the largest Native American – Owned in the USA. Corporate headquarters are in Wayne, Michigan, additional facilities are located in Atlanta, Louisville, Chicago, St. Louis and Ontario. The Rush Group, LLC has expanded to form a joint venture, Dakkota Integrated Systems LLC., with Intier Automotive, a subsidiary of the Canadian firm Magna International. Dakkota produces interior systems for the General Motors - Lansing-Grand River plant.


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