March 12, 2010

Thank you for registering to be a part of Ford Motor Company's Blue Oval Connect retiree outreach initiative. If you know of other Ford retirees who would like to register for Blue Oval Connect, please send them to http://www.blueovalconnect.com/.

• Ford Product Development Chief Honored with National Academy of Engineering Award
• Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid Continue Momentum in 2010; More than 60 Percent of Buyers New to Ford Motor Company
• Ford Motor Company Donates $75,000 to the Los Angeles County Fire Department Memorial Fund
• AT&T Becomes Lead Customer for Ford Transit Connect Electric
• Ford Offers Security Features to Protect Owners' Personal Information as Cars, Internet Converge
• Video: (NBC) Ford Says Fusion Luring Customers from Other Brands
• Outside Voices: (Forbes) How GM Destroyed Its Saturn Success

Offer ends March 31. Click here for more information.

Savings Plan Administration Change – FAQs Available
The transition of the savings plan administration from Fidelity to Affiliated Computer Services, Inc (ACS) occurred Jan. 5, 2010. We have developed a list of answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) from employees and retirees. We hope you take a moment to view them on @Ford Online (http://www.at.ford.com/).

If you are a Salaried Retiree, click here to view the recent FAQs. If you are a Hourly Retiree click here to view the recent FAQs.

To visit the savings plan Web site, go to: http://www.myfordbenefits.com/ and follow the instructions to log in.

Click here to donate.

Ford, the police vehicle market leader for 15 years, specifically designed and engineered an all-new Police Interceptor to handle the rigors of police work, including industry-leading powertrain, safety and technology innovations.

Ford will also add a second Police Interceptor to the lineup, a utility vehicle to provide customers a choice of the best vehicle to suit their needs. More details will be released in the third quarter of this year.

To read the full article, click here.

Related Material:

• Next-Generation Ford Police Interceptor Web site

"Derrick is a precise, methodical engineer and a phenomenal product development leader," said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. "He has the unique ability to inspire and motivate his team to new heights of innovation and efficiency. Derrick has played a key role in our ONE Ford plan to quickly develop and deliver the products our customers want and value."

Kuzak has overall responsibility for all aspects of the company's product development globally. In this role, he leads a team responsible for efficient development and delivery of Ford's product portfolio around the world.

"I am humbled and honored to be included among such an outstanding group of engineers who have contributed so much to our lives and our profession," said Kuzak.

To read the full article, click here.

The Fusion, redesigned in 2009, saw "conquest sales," or sales to customers new to Ford, increase to 60 percent of total Fusion sales in February, up 6 percentage points from January and up 11 percentage points from the 2009 calendar year. The percentage of customers new to Ford purchasing the Fusion Hybrid reached 82 percent last month, up 12 points from January and 19 points from 2009.

Fusion competes in a segment long dominated by some of the best-selling cars in the market, including Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima. Sales of the new Fusion Hybrid account for almost 20 percent of total Fusion retail sales and more than 60 percent of Fusion Hybrid sales have been to customers coming from import brands, including Honda, Nissan and Toyota.

To read the full article, click here.

The donation stems from Ford's fundraising efforts at the Los Angeles Auto Show in December where Ford representatives and local firefighters were on hand to educate the public on fire safety and related LACOFD programs in order to raise money for the fund.

The Widows & Orphans Fund was set up by the Los Angeles County Firefighters Memorial Committee, Inc. in 2004 to provide immediate, one-time financial assistance to widows and orphans of firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty.

To read the full article, click here.

The Ford Transit Connect Electric – the all-electric version of the 2010 Ford Transit Connect, the North American Truck of the Year – will be powered by Azure Dynamics' patented Force DriveTM electric drivetrain with an advanced lithium-ion battery from Johnson Controls-Saft. The vehicle, which goes on sale later this year, has a range of up to 80 miles on a single charge and will be rechargeable using either 240-volt or standard 120-volt outlets. It has a top speed of 75 miles per hour.

To read the full article, click here.

Related Material:

• Ford Transit Connect Electric Commercial Van Helps Fleet Customers Go Completely Gas-Free
• Green Media Get Close Look at Transit Connect Electric and Taxi
• 2011 Transit Connect Electric Video
• 2011 Transit Connect Electric Photo Gallery

Protecting customers is critical as Ford moves to the forefront of in-car personal technology. Ford's popular SYNC system allows owners to connect digital media players and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones to their vehicle's entertainment system and operate them with voice commands. The mobile phone also is a gateway to a number of Internet "cloud" services through SYNC's Traffic, Directions and Information application that provides turn-by-turn directions, business searches and more.

As a result, Ford is adapting methods and technologies most often associated with the fast-paced IT world to secure its mobile device-to-car connections from unwanted entry. Think firewalls, virus protection and password-controlled access.

To read the full article, click here.

Kraft Foods has worked with Ford to meet its sales fleet vehicle needs for more than 25 years. After conducting a thorough lifecycle cost analysis of dozens of vehicles from various manufacturers, the company decided on the Fusion for its U.S. sales fleet.

"Transportation and Distribution is one of six sustainability focus areas at Kraft Foods," said John Dmochowsky, sales fleet manager, Kraft Foods. "The company has realized substantial fuel and cost savings over the last several years by switching from six- to four-cylinder engines."

Dmochowsky says one of the goals with its sales fleet program is to reduce fuel use and C02 emissions. Over the past two years, Kraft Food's U.S. sales fleet has reduced its C02 emissions by 6.5 percent.

To read the full article, click here.

Ford's new 2011 F-Series Super Duty pickup arrives at Ford dealerships in April, offering customers an all-new diesel engine. With 735 ft.-lbs. of torque and 390 horsepower in the Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke® diesel, the new Super Duty F-250 and F-350 lead the heavy duty pickup segment in towing, hauling and fuel efficiency, trumping the competition truck for truck. In addition, the new F-450 and F-550 tow and haul even more weight and have no competition. All Super Duty trucks have better fuel economy than their competitors.

More than 100 media members drove the new 2011 Super Duty last week in Arizona and their drive impressions began earlier this week. Super Duty Chief Nameplate Engineer Chris Brewer discusses Ford's new Power Stroke diesel with @Ford Online.

Q: How is bringing the Power Stroke diesel in-house going to improve customer satisfaction with the engine?
A: Power Stroke is an established brand with approximately 3 million Power Stroke diesel trucks sold since its launch in 1998. The new 6.7-liter Power Stroke was designed, engineered and built by a dedicated Ford team that put the engine and its components through a severe testing regimen, both in the lab and on the road. These tests replicate the way our Super Duty customers drive and use their trucks. Customer satisfaction and third-party accolades for current Ford powertrains, including the company's new EcoBoost and hybrid technology, provide added confidence in the new, Ford designed and built Power Stroke diesel.

Q: How stringent were the tests in the development of this new diesel engine?
A: The severe testing regimen includes 10.3 million miles of testing in the laboratory and on the road; extensive CAD and CAE testing prior to hardware tooling; thousands of hours in over-boosted, over-pressurized and overloaded conditions; 30 days running at maximum speed and boost; 2,600 engine starts at sub-zero temperatures; thermal shocking with alternating hot and frigid fluids; simulated 10-year use in arctic conditions; and field testing on torturous roads and courses. We also used data-driven analysis that incorporated warranty information, customer driving styles and road conditions.

Q: What is the fuel economy on the new diesel engine?
A: All diesel-powered F-250, F-350 and F-450 pickups have an average fuel economy improvement of 18 percent. F-350, F-450 and F-550 diesel chassis cabs achieve a fuel economy average of up to 25 percent over 2010 models.

To read the full Q&A, click here.

Related Material:

• 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty Leads Heavy-Duty Trucks in Capability, Now Fuel Economy, Too
• 2011 Super Duty Torque Fact Sheet

"ONE Ford is at the heart of everything we do," he said. "It's focused on working as one team to deliver great products that customers want all around the world. It's about building a strong, sustainable business and contributing to a better environment. So simple yet so powerful."

The New Focus was chosen as the best mid-sized hatch of Brazil, with 22.6 percent preference. The Ford Fusion, which premiered its new generation last year, was the champion in the Luxury category, with 14 percent of the votes.

To read the full article, click here.

Fiesta continued as the country's top-selling model year-to-date, ahead of the Focus.

Ford's February's car and commercial vehicle sales volumes were both up compared with the same month last year, resulting in a 15.7 percent vehicle market share for the year-to-date, according to the SMMT.

To read the full article, click here.

At a welcome dinner hosted by Ford India President and Managing Director, Michael Boneham, the journalists got a better understanding of why this new small car is already causing such a stir.

To read the full article, click here.

Unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the updated Kuga offers a new 163 PS version of the 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine, while customers who favor automatic transmission can specify the advanced PowerShift six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox for the diesel All-Wheel-Drive models.

To read the full article, click here.

Geely Needs $1.4 Billion to Save Volvo
(China Economic Review) Zhejiang Geely Holding Group will likely spend more than $1.4 billion to breath life back into Volvo Cars after acquiring the struggling Swedish automaker from Ford, Bloomberg reported. To read the full article, click here.

Ford's Electric Transit Connect Purrs for Drive On
(USA Today) After all the hype about the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt, the only electric vehicle that Drive On has actually put through its paces so far is the electric Ford Transit Connect. And we're impressed. To read the full article, click here.

Cadillac Distances Itself From GM to Escape Bankruptcy Stigma
(Bloomberg) Cadillac, the luxury brand General Motors Co. acquired in 1909, is distancing itself from the Detroit-based automaker to avoid the stigma of the parent company's $50 billion U.S.-backed bankruptcy last year. To read the full article, click here.

GM Offers 661 Dealers a Chance to Keep Businesses Open
(Detroit News) More than 600 General Motors Co. dealers seeking franchise reinstatement have been notified that they are on the automaker's list to remain open. To read the full article, click here.

Honda Odyssey Owners Report Transmission Troubles, Inconsistent Response from Maker
(Edmund's Auto Observer) Toyota vehicles are dominating headlines lately with recalls and rebuttals, but just as annoying to Honda Odyssey owners are the transmission problems they are experiencing – problems some owners believe Honda is unwilling to acknowledge or address. To read the full article, click here.

Mazda to Install Brake Override Systems in All New Models
(Bloomberg) Mazda Motor Corp., 11 percent owned by Ford Motor Co., will install brake override systems in all new models after Toyota Motor Corp. recalled more than 8 million vehicles due to reports of unintended acceleration. To read the full article, click here.

If you have an idea for a new product or technology you'd like to see on a Ford vehicle, click to the Ford New Ideas site at www.FordNewIdeas.com.

If you have a suggestion for a current Ford Motor Company product, click here to connect to the Customer Relationship Center.

Through these two sites, your ideas and comments will be directed to the appropriate teams within the company … One team, one plan, one goal … ONE Ford.

Location:
Lower Mezzanine of Ford World Headquarters

Desk hours:
Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m

The FERA desk handles discount tickets for Cedar Point, Kings Island, the North American International Auto Show, the Michigan Renaissance Festival and other events; the desk also has the Entertainment Book and Golf Michigan Play Books.

For more FERA information, click to http://www.fera.org/.

For benefit questions, please contact the NESC at 800-248-4444 or e-mail NESC@ford.com.

Atlanta Salaried Retirees
Second Tuesday of Every Month (Milton, Ga.)
The next general membership meeting will be held on the second Tuesday in April at the Ford Regional office. If you would like further information about the meeting or the Ford Metro Atlanta Salaried Retirees Club, please contact Bob Loovis at COUNTRYCOVEFARM@comcast.net.

Automatic Transmission Product Design & Engineering Retiree Breakfast Club
Second Wednesday of Every Month (Northville, Mich.)
The group meets at 9 a.m. for breakfast at Senate Coney Island off Haggerty Road just south of 6 Mile Road on the west side of the street (39430 Dun Rovin Drive). For additional information, contact Mike Carlin at OLDSEADOG@wowway.com.

Building "H" Club – Michigan Information Technology Systems Retirees
Second Thursday of Every Month (Dearborn, Mich.)
The club meets at 11:30 a.m. at Building H on Michigan Avenue. For more information, call 313-402-0044 or e-mail FLCOTE@aol.com.

Canadian Ford Alumni
Third Wednesday of Every Month (Oakville, Ontario, Canada)
The Ford Alumni is made up of retirees from Ford of Canada's Sales, Marketing, Parts, Service and Central staffs. Breaking Ford news is provided electronically to members and we have a luncheon on the third Wednesday of each month. For more information, please contact Bob Rideout at BRIDEOUT@sympaticao.ca.

Chicago Stamping Plant Salaried Retiree Club
Twice a Year (June, Dec) (Schererville, Ind.)
The group meets twice a year at Tiebel's (U.S. 30 & Hwy. 41). Spouses are welcome. For more information, contact Ray Schmelzer at RAYTIREE@aol.com.

Dearborn Assembly Plant Retirees
Third Wednesday of Every Month (Livonia, Mich.)
Dearborn Assembly Plant retirees and guests meet each month at Richard's Family Restaurant (39305 Plymouth Road). The group meets at 12:30 p.m. for lunch from the restaurant's menu and followed by announcements, jokes, camaraderie, and so forth. All Ford retirees from the area are welcomed to join us. For additional information, contact Rose at ROZLAF@aol.com.

Dearborn Assembly Retiree Breakfast Club
First Monday of Every Month (Dearborn, Mich.)
The Dearborn Assembly Plant Retiree Breakfast Club meets at 9 a.m. at the Big Boy Restaurant (13001 Michigan Avenue at Miller Road) the first Monday of every month. Everyone is welcome. For more information, contact Henry Russell Jr. at HRARJR@yahoo.com.

Dearborn Frame Plant Retirees (Southfield, Mich.)
Second Tuesday of Every Month
The group meets for breakfast and networking at L George's (26799 Greenfield Rd). For more information, contact Sandra Hutson at SKHUTSON@sbcglobal.net.

Field Accounting Department (F.A.D.)
Second Thursday of Every Other Month (Livonia, Mich.)
The F.A.D. retiree group meets on the odd months of the year on Jan., March, May, July, Sept. and Nov. We meet at G. Subo's Leather Bottle Restaurant (20300 Farmington Rd.) For more information, contact Bob Briolat at REBRIOLAT@aol.com. Spouses are always welcome.

Ford 5R55 Automatic Transmission Systems Design Retirees Group
Third Wednesday of Every Month (Livonia, Mich.)
The retiree group meets at Richard's Restaurant (39305 Plymouth Road) at 10 a.m. All are welcome to join us. For more information, contact Jeff Ebersole at EBERSOLE.JEFF@gmail.com.

Ford Air Transportation Office Retirees
First Thursday of Every Month (Taylor, Mich.)
Ford Air Transportation Office retirees meet once a month at noon for lunch at the Lakes of Taylor Restaurant (25505 Northline Road). For more information, contact Pauline Smart Bozyk at PSMARTY@att.net.

Ford of Canada Ladies' Retirees Group
Second Wednesday of Every Month (Oakville, Ontario, Canada)
The Ladies' Retirees group consists of all FOC Ladies retired from Head Office in Oakville, Regional Offices, Oakville Assembly Plant, and Bramalea Parts Distribution Centre. The Ladies meet at the Oakville Golf and Country Club for lunch. For more information, please contact Judy Killeavy at MKILLEAV@sympatico.ca.

Ford Chassis Retirees Breakfast (Livonia, Mich.)
First Monday of Every Month
The group (OLD Bldg #5 Chassis Designers, Checkers, Detailers, CAD retirees) meets at Big Boy's (37123 6 Mile Road) at 9 a.m. For more information, contact Vince Asta at VASTA1955@att.net.

Ford Dearborn Engine & Fuel Tank Retirees
First Thursday of Every Month (Taylor, Mich.)
Dearborn Engine & Fuel Tank retirees and guests meet the first Thursday of the month at the Fire Mountain Restaurant (14691 Huron), starting at 11 a.m. For more information, contact Hazel Fuller at HJFULLER@ameritech.net.

Ford Glass UAW Local 737 Retirees
Fourth Tuesday of Every Month (except Dec.) (Nashville, Tenn.)
Ford Glass UAW Local 737 retirees meet each month at 10 a.m. Business is discussed and problems are approached. The group has guest speakers, as well as guest representatives to help keep retirees informed. There also is a Retiree Banquet in October of each year. A very large gathering of old friends and a great time. All retirees of the UAW-FORD in the area are invited and welcome. For more information, contact Bill Fry at BFRY10@aol.com.

Ford Human Resources Retiree Group
Third Wednesday of Every Month (Detroit Area)
The Human Resources Retiree Group meets monthly. For more information, contact Don Hayes at DNLDHAYES@aol.com.

Ford Rouge Plant Railroad Operations Retiree Group
Last Tuesday of the Month (Dearborn, Mich.)
The Ford Rouge Plant Railroad Operations Retiree Group meets at Leon's Restaurant (23830 Michigan Ave.) at 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ford Rouge Plant Transportation Services retirees also are welcome. For more information, contact Frank Evanko at FEVANKO123@comcast.net.

Ford Rouge Transportation Retirees
First Wednesday of Every Month (Woodhaven, Mich.)
The Ford Rouge Transportation retirees meet each month for breakfast at Louie's Restaurant (I-75 and West Road) at 9 a.m. The group has been meeting since 1999. The gatherings are well attended with good conversation and discussions on the future of Ford and the auto industry. For more information, contact Leo R. (Dick) Esper at DMESPER@chartermi.net.

Ford Technical Illustration and Graphics Retirees – EEE, Bldg. 3, FMCC, WHQ (Northville, Mich.)
First Monday of Every Month
The group meets for lunch at 11:30 a.m. at George's Senate Coney Island Restaurant (39430 Dun Rovin Drive – first traffic light south of Six Mile Rd., on Haggerty Rd.). For more information, please contact Grant Beard at GBEARD3741@aol.com.

Ford Tool and Die Skilled Trades Retirees
First Wednesday of the Month (Mar, June, Sept and Dec) (Dearborn, Mich.)
Ford Tool and Die Skilled Trades Retirees meet at 10 a.m. at Local 600 (10550 Dix Avenue), with coffee and donuts served at 9:30 a.m. Ladies always welcome. For more information, contact Bud Lusk at BVLTAL@aol.com.

Frame Plant Survivors Salaried Retirees
Third Wednesday of Every Month (Dearborn, Mich.)
The Frame Plant Survivors Salaried Retirees meet at 11 a.m. at the Dearborn Hills Golf Course (1300 S. Telegraph Road). For more information, contact Bob Grodus at 248-682-0422 or RGRODUS@aol.com.

FRAW (Ford Rawsonville Area Women) Retirees
First Thursday of Every Month (Ypsilanti, Mich.)
The retiree group is comprised of females that formerly worked at the Rawsonville Plant. The group meets at Haab's Restaurant (18 West Michigan Ave.) at 1 p.m. If anyone would like to be included on the group's mailing list or is interested in more information, please contact Rhonda Colthorp at RCOLTHORP@peoplepc.com.

Indianapolis Ford Retirees
First Monday of Every Month (Indianapolis, Ind.)
The Indianapolis retirees meet the first Monday of each month with the exception of September which will be on the Sept. 14 this year due to the Labor Day holiday. For more information, contact Joe Hendricks at JOE_HENDRICKS_742@comcast.net.

Kansas City Ford Salaried Retiree Club
Fourth Wednesday of the Month (Jan, Mar, May and Sep) (Kansas City, Mo.)
If you are a retired salaried Ford employee in the Kansas City area and would like to join our club, we welcome you. We have great food, select common topic of interest to present to the membership and social time filled with laughter and smiles as we greet old friends and coworkers. If this interests you or if you would like more information, contact Johnny Caldwell at 816-455-4023 or JONCAL@swbell.net.

Lorain Local 425 Retirees
Third Thursday of Every Month (Lorain, Ohio)
The Local 425 Retirees meet at the Union Hall (5300 Baumhart Rd.) at 9:30 a.m. Activities include guest speakers and members doing all kinds of trips. Come meet old friends. Spouses are always welcome to attend. For more information, contact George at WALKER4471@yahoo.com.

Maumee Ford Retirees
Second Tuesday of Every Month (Maumee, Ohio)
The Maumee Ford Retirees meet at the Region 2B Union Hall (1691 Woodlands Dr.) at 10 a.m. For more information, contact BBIRR@bex.net or 1892UAWRETIREES@gmail.com.

Nebraska – Iowa Ford Retirees (Omaha, Neb.)
Wednesdays Every Week
NIFTY (NE.-IA. Ford Together Yet) retirees and guests meet at 9 a.m. at the Summer Kitchen (130th West Maple Road). The group orders from the menu and they share fun, camaraderie and information. For more info, contact Claudia Preddy at CLAUDIAEPWORTH@cox.net.

Norfolk Ford Assembly Plant Retirees
First Monday of Every Month (Chesapeake, Va.)
The Norfolk Assembly Plant Retirees meet at Shoney's (721 Battlefield Blvd. N) starting at 7 a.m. All Ford Motor Company retirees and former employees in the area are welcome. For more information, contact Theron Koon at TEKOON@cox.net

PDC/Body Engineering Illustration Retirees
First and Third Tuesday of Every Month (Canton, Mich.)
PDC/Body Engineering Illustration Retirees meet twice a month at the 4 Friends Bar & Grill (44282 Warren Road; on the North side of Warren Road nestled in a small strip mall just east of Sheldon Road) at 1 p.m. The group mainly consists of illustrators who produced manuals that instructed assembly plants how to assemble Ford car and trucks. Anyone who ever had dealings with our unique artistic provisions etc. are more than welcomed to join the group and enjoy stepping on a path down memory lane! For more information please contact Al McDonald at COOKY015@earthlink.net.

Plant Engineering Office Retirees
Second Tuesday of Every Month (Livonia, Mich.)
The Plant Engineering Office retirees meet at 11:30 a.m. for lunch at the Elks Lodge (31117 Plymouth Road). All retirees, associates and friends are invited to attend. This group has been in existence since 1993. For more information, contact Russ Van Zanten at 734-728-7308 or RUSS514@comcast.net.

Product Development, Body Design and Engineering Retirees
First Wednesday of Every Month (Lincoln Park, Mich.)
The group meets at 11 a.m. at the Robert Jones K of C Hall (25160 W. Outer Drive (Dix at I-75)). For more information, contact Jim White at JWHITE13453@gmail.com.

Research Laboratory Retiree Brunch Club
First Monday of Every Month (Ann Arbor, Mich.)
The group meets at 10 a.m. for brunch at Flim Flam (2707 Plymouth Rd). For additional information please contact Mohammad Haghgooie at RAMMGB@sbcglobal.net.

UAW Eastern Carolina Retirees
Second Wednesday of Every Month (Little River, S.C.)
The UAW Eastern Carolina Retiree Council invites retirees to join them for a monthly meeting at the Little River S.C. V.F.W. Hall (111 Highway 57 North). For more information, contact Bob Artus at 803-481-3622.

Van Dyke Plant Retiree Luncheon Club (Sterling Heights, Mich.)
First Tuesday of Every Month
The group meets for its monthly luncheon at noon at various local eateries. Although the group consists of mostly salaried retirees, all are welcome. For more information, monthly notices and reminders, contact Allan Yee at ALLAN.YEE@att.net.

March 31:
Cleveland Engine and Casting Plants Salaried Retiree Club Luncheon (Olmsted Township, OH)
The Ford Salary Retiree Club is taking a trip to Seneca Allegheny Casino, New York. It is $30 per person and upon arrival you will be offered $20 in gambling cash and $5 to buy your lunch. Bus leaves CEP#1 hourly lot (5600 Henry Ford Blvd., also known an Engle Road) promptly at 7 a.m. and will be returning no later than 10 p.m. Snacks and beverages will be provided on the bus. Be sure to bring a valid driver's license or picture ID and if you have one, bring a Casino-issued ID. For more information, contact Mary Kay Dessoffy at FORDRETIREES@yahoo.com.

April 14:
Dearborn/Allen Park Retired Ford Cafeteria Employees (Dearborn, Mich.)
The retirees of Ford Motor Company that have worked in the cafeterias in the Dearborn/Allen Park area are going to meet at Liberati's (6451 Miller Road) at 6 p.m. For more information, contact Judy Hernandez at JUDY42KAY@aol.com.

May 26:
Cleveland Engine and Casting Plants Salaried Retiree Club Luncheon (Olmsted Township, OH)
The Ford Salary Retiree Club meets 3-4 times a year for luncheons, which are held at the German American Cultural Center (7370 Columbia Road). There is a $10 fee and they require a reservation, which must be received two weeks before the event. To reserve, send checks made to the Ford Salary Retiree Club at the following address: P.O. Box 566, North Olmsted, OH 44070. For more information, contact Mary Kay Dessoffy at FORDRETIREES@yahoo.com.

August 27 - 28:
Chicago Stamping Reunion (Wildersville, Tenn.)
This year's Chicago Stamping Reunion will be held at Natchez Trace State Park (24845 Natchez Trace Road). For more information, contact (Ace) Dempsay at ADEMPSAY@frontiernet.net or call 931-260-0427.

May 30 - 31:
SAAC-MCR 35th annual Show and Go (Dearborn, Mich.)
On May 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (show and swap meet) will take place at Ford World Headquarters SE lot (Southfield Freeway and Michigan Ave.)and on May 31 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ("Go" track event) will take place at the Waterford Hills Road Race Course (4770 Waterford Road, Clarkston, MI). For more information, click to http://www.saac-mcr.net/ or contact Jim Binder at SASGROUP@comcast.net

Each week we will highlight various special offers from a number of outside companies all offering valuable deals exclusive to Ford employees, retirees and contract personnel. Discounts are made available to you from a wide array of businesses ranging from clothing, accessories and consumer electronics to financial services, travel and entertainment. Our new Special Offers section makes it easy for you to shop around for the best prices.

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Click here to view your coupon.

Ford employees, retirees and contract personnel receive up to 10% off HP and Compaq consumer products, accessories and supplies by becoming a member of the HP Employee Purchase Program. Additional discounts are offered throughout the store including mail-in and instant rebates, coupons and exclusive EPP offers on a range of HP products, including Notebook and Desktop PCs, printers, print supplies, accessories and more.

If you'd like to join, visit the HP Home & Home Office Store at www.hpshopping.com/epp and register using the Ford company code: 3673. Or, click here to check out the specials for the month.

Pringle Homebuilding Group's Florida Lifestyle Preview Program invites you to experience a taste of Central Florida living in one of its spectacular master-planned communities.

Its Lifestyle Preview Program lets qualified visitors learn more about Pringle's Communities while indulging in a three-day, two-night stay in one of its guest homes or Pringle's Bed and Breakfast partners. To see if you qualify to participate in the preview program, call at 1-800-325-4471, or click here to submit your information and have a representative contact you to answer your questions.