On January 12, 2010, the 14th Annual Urban Wheel Awards (UWA) will bring together top government officials and automotive executives with minority suppliers and dealers to connect job creation with the stimulation of minority business development.

The delightfully effervescent film and television actress LisaRaye, also known as “Neesee James” from the CW Network’s television series All of Us, will host the event at the Sound Board Theater in the MotorCity Casino Hotel, 2901 Grand River Avenue in Detroit.

Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com, or by phoning 800-745-3000.

Held during Press Week of the North American International Auto Show, the theme for this year’s Urban Wheel Awards program is “Stimulating Minority Business Development.” To raise awareness of the importance of this topic, top government officials and Detroit politicians will present awards to automotive companies and suppliers. Unlike many other auto show events, the multicultural makeup of the attendees accurately mirror the demographics of the United States.

“It is important for the auto industry to recognize that its recovery is based on the inclusion of all people who buy their cars,” said Randi Payton, president and CEO of On Wheels Media, Inc. “The cultural diversity of the Urban Wheel Awards reflect the nation’s future and is a vital part of the North American International Auto Show.”
 
This gala provides an opportunity for government officials to connect with small and minority businesses, and for manufacturers, suppliers and dealers to meet representatives of various governmental agencies. The Urban Wheel Awards event will shine the spotlight on the importance of stimulating small and minority businesses vital to our economic recovery.  Through fueling these businesses, jobs are created and more people acquire the means to purchase new vehicles, thus helping revitalize the automotive industry. 
 
This year’s awards include:
·     2010 Urban Car, Truck and Green Vehicle of The Year. 
·     Lifetime Achievement awards and the Urban Wheel Pioneer award.
·     Diversity Leadership, Advanced Vehicle Technology, and Stimulating Minority Business Development awards - presented to bring the auto industry and government together in a positive setting.
 
Lifetime Achievement honorees include Susan Au Allen, president of the US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce; Juanita Doby, VP of Diversity and HR at Volvo Cars North America; Irma Elder, philanthropist and auto dealer; and Rod Gillum, General Motors, vice president, Corporate Responsibility and Diversity (retired).

The Pioneer Award will be presented to Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. for his tireless advocacy of minority supplier/dealer development in the auto industry, and for engendering the establishment of the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers.

The evening will begin with a Green Carpet VIP reception at 5:00 p.m. with awards presented at 7:00 p.m.  Video highlights of the awardees and their amazing contributions will precede the announcement of each award.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Edward Davis Education Foundation (EDEF), a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization established by On Wheels Media, Inc.  The mission of EDEF is to provide scholarships, internships and mentoring to students pursuing careers in the automotive industry and communications.

The 14th Annual Urban Wheel Awards gala, hosted by On Wheels Media, Inc.  will begin with a VIP reception and Green Carpet at 5:00 p.m. on January 12, 2010 at the Sound Board Theater, Motor City Casino Hotel, 2901 Grand River Avenue in Detroit.

The awards program begins at 7:00 p.m.