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Automation Alley Recognizes Technology Leaders at Eighth Annual Awards Gala

Stempel was selected as Legend CEO (Lifetime Achievement Award) for his tireless dedication to the automotive and alternative energy industries. At General Motors for 34 years, Stempel is credited with being a member of the team that first invented the catalytic converter and developments in fuel economy and safety engineering. He became General Manager of Opel in 1978, and moved to the board of directors in 1986. In 1987, Stempel became the youngest president in General Motors' history, and was named Chairman and CEO three years later. After retiring from General Motors, Stempel became the Chairman and CEO of Energy Conversion Devices, a leader in the development of alternative energy generation and storage. He then retired from that position in 2005.

Matzick, named CEO of the Year, is responsible for Beaumont Hospitals, a $1.8 billion regional, not-for-profit health care provider that consists of three hospitals, a research institute, more than a dozen community-based medical centers, five nursing centers, home care and hospice services. Matzick has worked at Beaumont for the past 39 years, beginning as an assistant director at theRoyal Oak hospital. Under his leadership, Beaumont Hospitals and Oakland University have joined to open the first medical school inOakland County. He also was a key driver in Beaumont's success in achieving state approval to establishMichigan's first proton therapy center.

"The winners tonight reflect whatSoutheast Michigan is all about -- entrepreneurship, collaboration and greatness," said Ken Rogers, executive director. "Each is a positive force that is leading the way forSoutheast Michigan's new technological economy. Automation Alley is proud to support and recognize these individuals and companies for their continuous efforts in ensuring that the region thrives and is a great place to conduct business."

    Additional award winners include:
      -- Emerging Leader: Dilip Dubey, CEO, Netlink (Madison Heights)

      -- Automation Alley Member of the Year: Stephen Cassin, executive
         director, Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic
         Development (Mt. Clemens)

      -- Technology Company of the Year: Adaptive Materials, Inc. (Ann Arbor)

      -- Emerging Technology Company of the Year: MIST Innovations, Inc.
         (Detroit)

      -- Educational Program of the Year: Southeast Michigan Community College
         Consortium Centers of Expertise

      -- Non-Profit of the Year: Inforum (Detroit)

Winners were chosen based on submitted nomination packages that are reviewed and evaluated by a pre-selected committee.

About Automation Alley

Automation Alley is a technology business association driving the growth and image ofSoutheast Michigan's economy through a collaborative culture that focuses on workforce and business development initiatives.

Since its founding in 1999, Automation Alley has expanded to include more than 950 businesses, educational institutions and government entities, covering an eight county area and theCity of Detroit. Automation Alley promotes regional prosperity through business attraction services, exporting assistance, workforce development and technology acceleration

SOURCE Automation Alley