Commerce Students Attract Attention of Mercedes-Benz Canada

Posted October 23, 2002


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 23, 2002 2002-10-12-CO

COMMERCE STUDENTS ATTRACT ATTENTION OF MERCEDES-BENZ CANADA

The U of S College of Commerce has been chosen to prepare a national
marketing strategy for the 2003 line of Mercedes-Benz luxury vehicles. The
winning strategy will be presented tonight at a gala hosted by Elite Motor
Cars Ltd. (Saskatoon's Mercedes-Benz dealership).

The U of S was chosen to compete in the Mercedes International Luxury Brand
Management Competition sponsored by Mercedes-Benz Canada and Elite Motors.

"We selected the University of Saskatchewan based on their past
international successes and we plan to use concepts from the winning
strategy in our provincial marketing campaign. The rest of their creative
ideas will be further considered by Mercedes-Benz," said Elite Motors dealer
principal Dr. Srini Chary.

"This caliber of corporate sponsors, Mercedes-Benz Canada and Elite Motors,
provides our students with the opportunity to enhance their personal and
career development assisting them with their transition into industry," said
College of Commerce Dean, Lynne Pearson. "Being selected for this
competition reflects the creativity and spirit of the students in our
College."

Students were broken into groups to compete on the project. The winning
team's members are Sara Gordon, Blair Voth, Katherane Lautner, Deneille
Dewar, Jacqueline Duckering, Cory Strohan and Ian Litzenberger along with
faculty advisor Ayten Archer.

The winning team devoted over 100 hours to the design of a marketing
strategy and ad campaign. They conducted market research, developed a
television ad, and created four print advertisements, presenting the
campaign in a 15-minute video.

"For groups of students to work 'hands-on' alongside an internationally
renowned company like Mercedes-Benz is absolutely invaluable," says student
Cory Strohan. "I think it's a really great way to bridge the gap between
academic theory and real world experience."

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For additional information, please contact:
Ayten Archer
Faculty Advisor
College of Commerce
University of Saskatchewan
Phone (306) 966-8424
archer@commerce.usask.ca