For Immediate Release

DETROIT, July 22, 2004 - AAA Michigan, DTE Energy, Oakland University, Skidmore Inc. and Wayne State University received top honors at the IABC/Detroit's recent Renaissance Awards ceremony. IABC/Detroit's annual Renaissance Awards competition honors the Motor City area's best communications efforts in more than 50 categories which are divided in eight disciplines Ð communication management including internal and external communication; writing; art/design; print communication; direct mail/advertising; and communication technology which includes electronic and interactive.

The competition includes a "Best in Show" award for the best entry within a category. In addition, IABC presented a new award for the best of the best in Communications Management -- the "President's Award." Entries earning Awards of Excellence in the Communications Management categories received consideration for this award.

2004 President's Award winner
Communications Management: DTE Energy Media Relations Team, Blackout 2003

The judges said, "This is a solid communication plan, implemented in the midst of a major crisis that was also challenging their own operations. It's also a great example of quick thinking. It was essential to respond quickly because of the fear that the blackout was due to terrorism. This was a prime example of using your CEO to allay customer concerns. DTE Energy showed it had a solid plan that worked well in a time of crisis."

2004 Best of Show Winners
Writing: Jim Rink, AAA Michigan for "Passenger Limits" press release The judges said, "This is a solid effort that puts a human face on the organization's viewpoint. The writing is fresh, interesting and impactful."

Art/design: Oakland University for "Pushing the Boundaries" a special print communication.

The judges said: "The strength of this piece is in the images. The quality of the photography is very important to the success of the piece. We were impressed with the choice of colors, which move away from primary colors to give the entry a humanistic effect. Everything works hereÑfrom the paper to the color choices to the images themselves."

Print Communication: Wayne State University for "the President's Report" Annual Report 4-color

The judges said, "This is a wonderful way to get across a lot of information in an easy, accessible way. It is a beautiful publication that makes learning about the university interesting and exciting, while getting the desired result of helping to increase enrollment." Direct mail and advertising: Skidmore, Inc for the "DSO Season Brochures" "This campaign was very successful at reaching new audiences for the DSO's jazz programs. The new, bold graphics were effective in recruiting younger audiences. The color palette is beautiful, and the entire piece is energizing and inviting."

Communication technology: Wayne State University for "a Whole New Experience," an interactive electronic presentation

The judges said, "This program captured the language, lifestyle and values of students, while at the same time addressing the concerns of parents. It gave the audience more than they expected, while at the same time, it was a great value for the organization, which had a limited budget. It made us want to experience dorm life (again)."

In 2004, IABC/Detroit added new categories to recognize communication management and technical skills. These categories are: overall corporate communications strategy, benefits communication, integrated communications strategy, advertorial writing, photo essay, organizational identity/logos, radio broadcast advertising, television broadcast advertising, film/video production, and interactive electronic presentations.

The following organizations sponsored this year's Renaissance Awards Ð Fred Ferris and Associates, LLC, General Motors, JCI Design, RJ Bauer Studio, The Creative Group, The Turgeon Group and Unisource.

IABC/Detroit, one of the largest chapters of the 13,000 member International Association of Business Communicators has more that 250 professional communicators. The chapter, which includes members in Michigan, Ohio and Canada, holds monthly professional development programs; sponsors workshops; offers job referral services, informative publications, award programs, accreditation programs, and the opportunity to meet and network with other communicators. For information on membership, visit www.iabc.com. Additional information on the chapter and its free electronic job referral service for employers is available at www.iabcdetroit.com or by calling IABC/Detroit's Executive Secretary Nancy Skidmore at 248-546-5490.