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-- v : zi •v;,,v-iy yf L'>t; A- ; y i * v '< 'mu durhamregion.com THE CANADIAN STATESMAN ♦ July 12,2006 ♦ Page A5 GM Canada president heading to Korea Head of GM Mexico to replace Grimaldi BY IZABELA JAROSZYNSKI Staff Writer OSHAWA -- A new face will soon be heading operations at GM Canada headquarters in Oshawa. Arturo Elias, current president of GM Mexico, is taking over from Michael Grimaldi as head of Canadian operations, operations, CEO Rick Wagoner announced on Monday. Calling both men "outstanding global global executives," Mr. Wagoner said he expects a smooth transition when Mr. _ Elias steps into the role on Aug. 1. Mr. Grimaldi, who has been at the helm of GM Canada since January 2002, is being assigned to the Republic of Korea as president and CEO of GM Daewoo. GM spokesman Stew Low said Mr. Grimaldi's time at GM Canada was marked by many achievements, including including industry awards for product quality, productivity and safety. "As president, Mr. Grimaldi helped strengthen GM Canada's product lineup and its industry-leading Canadian dealership dealership network," he added. Another achievement was the outgoing outgoing president's positive union relations and his ability to secure two successful national agreements with the Canadian Auto Workers union, Mr. Low said. Chris Buckley, president of CAW local 222, said lie will miss the good relationship relationship the union had with Mr. Grimaldi, but is looking forward to establishing a similar understanding with the new incoming president. ."I ain looking forward to meeting him and reminding him of the years of hard work our members have put into making this the best plant in North America," he said. ' Mr. Elias, who has been president of GM Mexico since March 2001, has extensive experience at GM. The 51-year old began his career with the company in 1978 as a manufacturing manufacturing engineer with Delco Electronics. He moved up through the ranks, working in New York, Brussels, Mexico and Venezuela. In 1993, Mr. Elias became managing director of GM Chile. From 1996 to 1999, he held various positions in product product development, including responsibilities responsibilities for full-size trucks at the former GM Truck Group. He worked briefly as managing director in Argentina before entering his current role in Mexico. Mr. Elias takes over the helm of GM Canada just as it is going through restructuring, with the Oshawa assembly assembly plants waiting to hear news of a product that will secure the future of plant no. 1 beyond 2008. Mr. Buckley said he does not antici pate that the change in leadership will affect the chances that Oshawa has of securing future product allocation and a flexible manufacturing plant - the announcement of which arc expected in the next few months. NEWCASTUE SEMICENTENNIAL WAS CELEBRATED FRIDAY JUNE 30™ - SUNDAY JULY 2 nd , 2006 . ' ^ • Submitted photo CLARINGTON - Resident Alice Brock was the grateful recipient of gifts cards and loving wishes recently, as she, along with friends and family, gathered at her home to celebrate her 100th birthday. Ms. Brock was especially thankful to Rev. Joe Lafave and the congregation of Trinity United Church, as well as the Municipality of Clarington. ^ & IDSMJOJM IniQmsi „ toHointmentil Dr. Karl Vermeulen , Dr. John Balenko & Assoc. 60 Liberty St. S*, Bowmanville 1905)623-7100 Durham's Newest & Largest Sklar Peppier Furnishings Store! 900 Champlain Ave., Oshawa 905-723-4561. Hours: Mon.» Tues.* Wed. 10-6, Thurs.* Fri. 10-9, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 11-5 'Civdil equal to lh» value of iho GSI will be applied, Doov not apply lo bo»l value ileint, previout tulet o< purchase!. www.sklargallery.com Exceptional Warranty Superior Construction Fast Delivery 5 N r 5 c s c "u l - ■ I I. Champlain Ave. | Weal 401 Caat sklar FURNISHINGS OSHAWA life • style • solutions