BCoventry

Bruce Coventry
Closing Reception
May 29, 2004

· Good evening.

· I’m honored to be here and to have this opportunity to speak with you.

· You know, I think we can all agree that no matter what product you’re marketing… whether it’s as tangible as a car or as intangible as an idea… it’s the unique balance of power and beauty that establishes and sustains an emotional, intellectual and spiritual connection with your audience.

· Of course, being an executive from the automotive industry, I can tell you from long experience that when it comes to cars and trucks, power and beauty are an awesome combination in the marketplace.

· Now…if I could only figure out how to harness the power and beauty in this room…

· I suspect that would sustain DaimlerChrysler’s success for the next 2…maybe 3…hundred years.

· If anyone has a good idea about how I might be able to do that, feel free to give me a call.

· In the meantime, I’m truly happy to be affiliated with a company that has your agenda on its agenda.

· In many ways we’re all partners on the front lines of a very exciting, yet challenging evolution to a more global economy.

· How do we create a more robust economic engine while sustaining social, political and environmental balance?

· How do we pursue individual interest while enhancing life for every individual?

· I was inspired by an article I read recently about globalization…one of about a billion we could read in a given week…but this one had a wonderfully positive vision about the current state of globalization’s evolution.

· The article suggested that we’re “witnessing a shift from an ethic of justice – cold and technocratic – to an ethic of care – warm and socially fair.”

· And that the primary reason for this shift was the increasing leadership role of women in government, in business and in social movements.

· Another quote may explain the essence of what the article was arguing:

o “Women have adapted to the new world…men tend to still be focused on changing the world – and fighting yesterday’s battles.”

· (My wife enjoyed that one, by the way.)

· This global phenomenon is not without precedent.

· For instance, in American society, as in so many others, women have historically played major roles leading and activating economic, political and social reforms that benefited the larger society.

· So it shouldn’t surprise any of us, then, that this role is now taking shape on a global scale.

· So please… consider DaimlerChrysler a friend, an ally and an attentive student in the pursuit of a global economy that is robust, inclusive and sustainable….based on an ethic of care.

· We’re learning…and we’re proud of our accomplishments to create a more sustainable society.

· For instance…the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS presented its 2002 Business Award for Excellence in the Workplace to our Chairman, Juergen Schrempp, in recognition of our South African affiliate company’s solid record of achievement in addressing the rapid spread of the epidemic in its region.

· In addition, the DaimlerChrysler Foundation helped to build three hospitals in Mexico where more than 5,000 low-income people can receive access to quality health care.

· And in South America, our "Pará Project" stands as an outstanding example of sustainable development…

providing environmentally-friendly natural fiber materials for our products
while providing a regular income for some 5,200 people
improving living conditions
stemming deforestation
and bringing new life to once deserted regions.

· We’re proud of these programs.

· They demonstrate our strong belief that corporations working with governments, NGOs and other partners can bring and steward a more sustainable world.

· It’s a long journey…but we’re getting there…

· We’re just so happy that we have friends and partners like all of you along with us to help point the way.

· Thank you for joining us…have a great night!

Any Questions & Comments, contact GlobeWomen at summit@globewomen.com. Or, write to us:

Globewomen, Inc./ 666 11th St. NW, Ste. 700/ Washington, DC 20001/ USA

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