By Susan Waun
Manager, Retiree Communications
After a recent dinner meeting with some GM retirees, a couple of my young and hip colleagues exclaimed with bright smiling faces — almost in disbelief — that they had no idea what a blast our retirees are. I threw my hands up in the air and said “I know! I know!” Instead of rushing home that night, we lingered and shared the stories, GM history and facts we had eagerly learned from our GM alumni that evening.
I fear my colleagues are not alone in not knowing our retirees. So, let me introduce you to our very own slice of Americana.
At about 465,000 strong, there are more than three times as many GM retirees as there are active employees. Amazingly, we have retirees in nearly every major Zip code in the U.S. From coast to coast, they are truly our support network on a grassroots level. They come from small towns, big cities and foreign countries and represent a wide variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds. Many can speak another language or two, either based on their heritage or as a skill they picked up along the way on an international assignment. They are dedicated volunteers, adventurers and thrill seekers.
And they care about GM.
When I visit retiree clubs with colleagues from Healthcare, Benefits and GM Family First, I often hear very positive comments about how great it was to work for GM and how it was like a family. We are more often greeted with a warm hug than with a handshake. Forget the standard GM safety protocol spiel that we employees hear before every meeting — formal retiree club meetings more often start with the Pledge of Allegiance.
While meetings are often held at nice restaurants or sunny golf clubs, there was one meeting this year took me back in time. At this particular meeting, the tables surrounded a dance floor and live organ music bounced out traditional polkas. Even though it made me think of Lawrence Welk and bubble machines, I have to admit I wanted to join the crowd having fun on that dance floor. Maybe next year.
But make no mistake — our retirees are sharp! One must study up before presenting on any GM-related topic to this group, as they just might know more than you do, and they will call you on it.
I want my fellow employees to know that our retirees continue to play a key role in the GM story. Not only do they faithfully buy our cars and trucks, but they are out there coast to coast influencing their friends and family to do the same - and it makes a difference.
Bottom line — our retirees would be the envy of any university alumni director, bar none.
I hope my introduction will encourage our retirees to participate in this blog ( http://fyi.gmblogs.com/2006/12/ )and share their memories, stories and adventures, or perhaps write about a notable fellow GM retiree. When my colleagues see how dedicated and remarkable our retirees are, I’ll keep throwing my hands up in the air saying “I know, I know!”
If you have questions for Susan, please E-Mail them to spoacdc1@aol.com and we will follow to get the best information we can.
Posted by Editor on December 26, 2006 11:51 AM
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