FORD’S TONY BROWN RECEIVES MICHIGAN CHRONICLE’S 2009 LEGACY IN MOTION EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR AWARD

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 15, 2009 – The Michigan Chronicle has named Tony Brown, group vice president, Ford Motor Company Global Purchasing, as the winner of its 2009 Legacy in Motion Executive of the Year Award.

Now in its fourth year, the Legacy in Motion award honors individuals, families, and organizations that have made significant contributions to southeastern Michigan’s economic growth, social change and overall development.

"The Legacy in Motion award was created to honor our local citizens who display the highest level of leadership, whose commitment to excellence is empowering, and whose achievements are unparalleled," said Sam Logan, publisher, Michigan Chronicle. "Tony Brown consistently demonstrates the desire to serve, learn, and teach. He continues to impact the business arena, as well as the community at large, and is recognized as a leader and goal setter who welcomes responsibility."

Judge Damon Keith, United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, presented Brown with the award during a ceremony at The Westin Book Cadillac Hotel on Saturday evening.

Brown oversees a global purchasing organization that buys $90 billion of goods and services annually. He thanked the Michigan Chronicle for recognizing work at Ford to open up opportunities for deserving groups. "At Ford we take seriously our responsibility to develop a supply base that reflects the diversity of our customer base. The challenging economic climate has made things particularly difficult for minority- and women-owned suppliers. That’s why it is more important than ever to make sure these businesses have the tools they need to meet the current challenges so they can thrive when the economy recovers," said Brown.

"The Michigan Chronicle has been a pillar of the Detroit community for more than 70 years," Brown said. "Since its inception, the newspaper has provided leadership and a voice for those whose issues and concerns would otherwise not be heard. We at Ford are committed to continue working with the Michigan Chronicle to spur innovation and change," said Brown.

In addition to Executive of the Year, other categories included: Contemporary Pioneer, Family Spirit, Community Service, Company of the Year, Newsmaker of the Year and the Sam Logan Lifetime Achievement award. Past recipients include U.S. Congressman John Conyers; Michael, Marian, and Christopher Ilitch, Ilitch Holdings, Inc.; and Cynthia Pasky, founder and CEO, Strategic Staffing Solutions.

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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 200,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.