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GM Alumni — The Grassroots Difference
Susan Waun
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 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!”
Posted by Editor on December 26, 2006 11:51 AM
Comments
Buick Enclave is targeting to compete the luxury market of SUV and CUV. Before they roll out this vehicle mamangement at Buick should serioulsy consider the price. The target price range for Buick is quite close to the price of Acura and Infiniti SUV. This will be a point of failure. Consider this, why would a consmuer spend $40K on a Buick when he can own an Acura or Infiniti for same price. Unless Buick is $8,000 cheaper then the established & well reputed competitors the company will not succeed in penetrating this class. Advise would be for Buick to roll out Enclave priced $5,000 less then competitors plus throw-in a $3,000 rebate (total $8,000 less then competitors). Later as the company makes big sales, company can always remove the $3k rebate.
Posted by: Price Right Enclave on December 26, 2006 1:25 PM
I have owned a 72 Corvette for 34 years, 200,000 miles and a 96 Astro Van for 11 years, 114,000 no major problems, why do I keep hearing about foreign quality.TG
Posted by: Truman Gamble on January 5, 2007 5:37 PM
PLEASE TELL RICK; NO MORE CADILLAC TRUCKS !
LETS GET THAT DIVISON BACK TO BUILDING REAL CARS.
THANKS,
C/C HENRY LELAND
Posted by: BILL BEAN on January 5, 2007 10:20 PM
as a retiree,let me say just two things.styling,and quiet,maybe three things,shh.
Posted by: walter szczepanski on January 6, 2007 4:27 AM
I'd really like to see GM run ads everywhere about the fact that their products have great quality and gas milage.
Posted by: Bill Hawkins Local 735 retiree on January 6, 2007 11:26 AM
Just a quick note to thank Susan Waun for the comments about GM retirees and our GM clubs. If you would like to see what one of the largest GM clubs is all about just visit www.overthehillcarpeople.com .
Posted by: Jack Dickinson on January 6, 2007 3:47 PM
I am a retired GM photographer. Needless to say I could write a book.
Posted by: Ray Koson on January 7, 2007 9:20 AM
Why don't we have a club in Bristol, CT? I hardly ever see my fellow employees. I don't have their addresses so I have no way to contact any of them.
Posted by: Eugene DuHaime on January 8, 2007 9:09 AM
I have a 2002 Pontiac Montana with 131,000 miles. They only thing I have done to this vehicle is replace tires 2 times and change the oil every 3000 miles. This is a very reliable vehicle and I still enjoy driving it. The gas milage is still around 26 MPG. This is very good considering the cost of gas today.
Posted by: Tom Brady on January 8, 2007 2:13 PM
What a great company we worked for.GM did not bail on their retirees healthcare like Ford and Chrysler where they nolonger have healthcare at age 65.I'm glad I choose to give 30yrs of my life to them.
Posted by: Marsha Niles on January 8, 2007 5:19 PM
I am proud to say I worked 34 years for GM> I have a 95 GMC truck. It has 198,000miles on it and still looks new! this truck has hauled and pulled everything everywhere! I now own a small landscaping business. So-- Bring it on Toyota.
Posted by: Pete Granger on January 9, 2007 9:50 AM
My husband and I retired from GM in 1991 and have enjoyed evry minute of it. Our family(kids, grandkids and relatives) are staunch GM owners. We try to influence everyone we meet. Our main car is a 2003 Chevy Impala which we have never had back to the garage except for oil changes.It also gets 30 MPG on road trips. We love it. I will agree with Walter as my only complaint is the road noise . GM needs to work on inner quiet.
Posted by: Johnnie Partridge on January 9, 2007 7:27 PM
I enjoyed Truman Gamble's post about his '72 Corvette on 5 Jan'07! I've known Truman for about 40+ years now-He still comes by my house in that Vette! It still looks like brand new! It's still 100% ORIGINAL!!! We were the original members of the St. Louis Corvette Club! I still have both my 1970/454 and my 1971/454 Vettes and have had no problems with either! Also my 1990 Suburban 2500/454 is still going STRONG! SO MUCH for FORIEGN QUALITY!!!!!
Posted by: Ken Higgins Jr. on January 10, 2007 8:17 PM
three cheers for Susan.
Posted by: Truman Gamble on January 12, 2007 5:50 PM
I have a 2002 Chevy Impala and a 2003 Chevy Silverado.
These 2 Autos look and run great.
Posted by: Raymond Parady on January 16, 2007 10:19 AM
Kudus to Susan for setting up this blog. Thanks! Let's get the word out on this blog. It's a great way to build the network of GM alumni (that's a better description of us than "retiree"). Many of us are very active in our communities and can (and do) help promote the company and the cars and trucks.
Posted by: Fred Schaafsma on January 24, 2007 9:53 PM
Just wondering why I'm not seeing the GM Goodwrench logo on Kevin Harvick's 29 car this year and also no ACDelco logos on any cars. What's up with this?
Posted by: Carl Kopczyk on March 17, 2007 12:00 PM
Why does GMAC require you to purchase Car Insurance from GMAC and not a certified Independant Agent to qualify for the discount if you have ON-STAR and drive less than 15000 miles a year?
Posted by: Jim on November 15, 2007 7:38 AM
Retired from Design I will add my comments of love for one of the greatest companies to work for. I drive a 95 Jimmy and it looks and drives just like new. I live in my RV now traveling North America, so this blog is the closest thing I have to a GM club to belong to. Thanks, and thanks for your kind words about us.
Posted by: Mary Campbell on February 3, 2008 10:44 AM
Great article! GM alumni are a diverse and talented community. Many are enjoying relaxing or using their vast experience to discover second careers.
Posted by: LifeAfterGM.com on May 8, 2008 5:12 PM
Even though the price of diesel is outrageous right now, we are still proud of our '02 HD Silvarado! It has over 150,000 miles on it & except for a few little bumps & scratches.....it is a fantastically well made truck!! Lives up to its name, HEAVY DUTY!!
Posted by: Rick & Pat Casey on May 23, 2008 1:50 AM
