Winter Update

Back in autumn, I remember reading in travel guides about the images of “snow covered landscapes” and several different options of winter activities in Michigan, such as snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, etc. I somehow liked the idea of living in this winter wonderland! As it turns out, it has been a very mild winter so far, which means I haven’t had to scrape snow off my car every day! Although it seems I have spoke too soon in this case, we are actually expecting 6-10 inches of snow by tomorrow morning and even more snow throughout the week!

After speaking with family and friends from Germany, it made me feel more fortunate during this last month, since they are nearly at the end of their patience, in the middle of a snow storm. Extreme temperatures have been observed all over the world, in places like China, Korea and India. In the U.S., Washington D.C. is near to setting the record for all-time snowfall this winter, snow that would probably be more appreciated in Vancouver!

With all of the weather irregularities, the concerns of global warming are brought back to everyone’s mind - although it seems to be contrasting! This is at least one advantage of the cold!

Certainly, not having had much snow so far doesn’t mean that I have not experienced cold temperatures. Over Christmas I spent three days in Chicago with my boyfriend. The city forced me to buy a new coat as soon as I arrived, but once I was well bundled up, I very much enjoyed my stay in ‘The Windy City’. We went on sightseeing trips, to museums, shopping and watched people ice skating in Millenium Park. I would love to go back some day!

Another impressive experience I have had, has definitely been our visit to Niagara Falls, on our way to Toronto on New Year's Eve. Seeing all the powerful water crashing down I didn’t even care about the cold rain we were standing in. Also, Toronto is a wonderful city and I had a great time, despite the extremely cold temperature. After several cups of hot coffee, we managed to see everything we had planned by walking! I am delighted with the diversity we experienced in Toronto and its architectural highlights.



So, whatever temperature, I am prepared and I am even still hoping for a little bit more snow as long as I am here…And remember, there is no bad weather, just bad clothing!

Julia

Tata Nano - A Small Car with a Big Future

Tata Technologies unveils the Tata Nano, designed as 'World's cheapest car'. The people's car from Tata Motors is not a question. It is the answer.

Can you imagine a brand-new car for $2,500? No, it’s not a motorbike or a scooter… it is the world’s cheapest production car, the Tata Nano. On Thursday, January, 14 a mini Indian car was unveiled to North America. The auto market has changed. It is a global trend that today’s demand is leaning more towards mini cars. It is time to be efficient. It is time for the Tata Nano.

At the Detroit Science Center, Kerry Hokett and I welcomed over 50 journalists that took part at Tata Technologies’ media briefing. As I looked around the room, I saw cameras flashing, video cameras rolling, people posing around the car, smiling Tata Technologies team eager to help and of course the small Tata Nano was the center of attention. But that was later...

First, entering the hall, we saw a small car’s silhouette under a gray cover. Marty Habalewsky was talking to Warren Harris, Tata Technologies’ President and COO and introduced us to the Tata Technologies management. Marty was very enthusiastic.

As my first event in the U.S., I was a bit nervous but Marty assured me that everything was running smoothly. Kerry and I greeted journalists at the registration desk with press kits and a friendly smile. Larry Weis came soon to greet journalists at the media briefing. It was a friendly atmosphere and we felt the overall reaction to the mini car was positive.


Alina

Hello Detroit!

Dear AutoCom Team,
Dear All,

Six months ago I was sitting in the lobby at the Sheraton Frankfurt hotel in Germany, waiting for an interview with Larry. I ordered a fresh strawberry juice that for some reason had a blue coloring and strongly resembled a cocktail. I realized that it looked like I was drinking a cocktail, relaxing before the interview at 1:00 pm. In that connection, I was thinking about the importance of the first impression…Good thing I can laugh at myself!

And here I am. My name is Alina Kharchenko and I am a new intern for the next six months; I am 25 years old and come from Ukraine. Currently, I am pursuing a master’s degree in International Business at Nuremberg University, Germany. Regarding my work experience on the field of marketing and PR, I interned at Bosch Security Systems, Munich Area, at the department for Marketing and Communication. I took part in several projects covering Europe, South Africa and Asia. Automotive background is also present in my work biography, as I served at Bosch Gasoline Systems, a developer and manufacturer of modern gasoline-engine systems, on the field of human resource management. I am very excited about the opportunity to gain a valuable experience at AutoCom and to get to know the way of doing business in the U.S!

Thus, I am happy to be in Detroit, the birthplace of the American car industry. The city of the Big Three. The city of contrasts. The city that has gained its world fame not only through the assembly line developed by Ford Motor Company, Greenfield Village, the GM Renaissance Center, but also - causing by that auto industry decline - through hundreds of abandoned houses, empty factories and ruined skyscrapers. The city that is often called the Industrial Ghost.

I believe the future of Detroit and its suburbs depends on such small companies, like AutoCom, that help keep people employed. Although, if corporations and the U.S. government would consolidate their efforts in revitalization of industrial policy, maybe, then one could really say dreams made, dreams lost and dreams built again?

Alina

Jack inducted into PRSA Detroit Chapter Hall of Fame!

Hi everyone!

Last night we went to the PRSA Detroit Chapter’s annual meeting. During the meeting was a ceremony for Jack Harned’s induction into the Hall of Fame.


The meeting was downtown at the beautiful DTE Energy building. We had a great time networking with fellow colleagues in the PR industry and catching up with previous AutoCom employees.


After dinner, Marty gave a great introduction to Jack. Jack’s speech was absolutely wonderful! Everyone loved it! He talked about some of his past experiences from his hometown newspaper to working with GM and NASA. It seemed that everyone loved hearing his stories as much as we do at our Friday lunches!


It’s great to know that Jack’s peers recognize all of his hard work. He has accomplished and seen so much, he truly deserves this award.


From all of us at AutoCom: Congrats, Jack! We are all so proud of you!

Leave some comments for Jack and keep an eye out for pictures, coming soon, at AutoCom's Facebook page!


Until next time,
Julia, Kerry and Tedi

Finally in Michigan

Hello Everyone!

Now it’s my turn to introduce myself! My name is Julia Kattau and I am the second new intern at AutoCom Associates.

Like many former interns, I am also from Germany. I grew up near Bremen and I have lived in Bavaria for the past few years, which is a great contrast to my northern home. I am studying “International Cultural and Business Studies” at the University of Passau and will finish the program next spring!

This is my first trip to Michigan, although not my first time in the US, because I have already spent some time here for vacations. Obtaining a six-month internship is a much better opportunity than I ever thought I would encounter and I feel very fortunate. Prior to joining AutoCom, I interned at an advertising agency near Munich and in two film production companies in Hamburg and Bremen. So this is my first glimpse within the PR-business and after my first two weeks I can definitely say that I am really looking forward to learning more about it!

The first days after my arrival flew past, as I had to settle down in my new home, search for a car (which was an interesting experience), applying for a social security card and so on… In the meantime, I am already feeling very comfortable, especially because everyone at AutoCom is so kind and always most helpful! To everyone at AutoCom: Thank you very much for welcoming me so friendly to your team!

I can hardly wait to see what the next months will bring! I will keep you up to date with my experiences in public relations as an account assistant, as well as with my other adventures in America!

Julia