Briefcase

Lawrence to recognize ‘Caring’ businesses

The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Douglas County are seeking nominations for the “Spirit of Caring Awards.”

The awards recognize area businesses that strengthen the Lawrence community through charitable giving and promotion of volunteerism.

The Spirit of Caring Awards for 2004 will honor businesses in four categories, based on each organization’s number of employees. Winners will be determined by the amount of charitable donations and in-kind donations directed to local not-for-profit endeavors in 2004, as well as efforts by the company to promote volunteerism among its employees.

Special recognition and a trophy will be given to winners April 29, during the chamber’s Leadership Lawrence Celebration.

Businesses interested in applying for the award can obtain application forms at the United Way, 2518 Ridge Court, and the chamber, 734 Vt. Forms also are available online at www.lawrencechamber.com and at www.unitedwaydgco.org.

The entry deadline is Feb. 25.

Award

Driven KU graduate entering Hall of Fame

A Kansas University graduate who rose through the corporate ranks to lead one of the world’s leading automakers is soon to add another prominent title to his resume.

Hall of Famer.

Robert Eaton, former chairman of Chrysler Corp., will be inducted in June into the Kansas Business Hall of Fame at Emporia State University.

Upon graduating from KU in 1963 with a degree in mechanical engineering, Eaton joined General Motors’ Chevrolet Motor Division, and in 1974 was executive engineer. In 1988 he became president of General Motors Europe, where he remained until leaving the company in 1992 to join Chrysler as vice chairman and chief operating officer.

Within a year Eaton had succeeded Lee Iacocca as Chrysler’s chairman and CEO, and in 1998 he helped design the company’s $76 billion merger with Daimler-Benz AG. He retired in 2000 as chairman of DaimlerChrysler AG, and today lives in Naples, Fla.

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