Merry Christmas, My Fellow Camaro and Firebird Enthusiasts!

Well, for the first time in nearly 48 years, I was finally rendered ‘speechless.’ (and for those of you who know me well, I always have something to say about everything!) My family and I exchange Christmas Gifts at midnight on Christmas Eve. There was a very special gift waiting for me this year….one that I shall treasure forever.

Imagine my surprise when I unwrapped a VERY thick album stuffed full of letters from my fellow Camaro Enthusiasts thanking me for the ‘job’ I do for Camaro. An even bigger surprise is that you feel that this is a job! My friends, I am honored and humbled to be doing the job I’m doing. As the letter my mother enclosed said “ From the time you were two years old, we knew you were destined to be involved in the automobile industry in a big way.”

I cannot imagine a job I’d rather do. Yes, it has had its rough moments. September 25th was probably the hardest day of my professional career when I had to announce that Ste. Therese would close, that those great men and women who build our Camaro and Firebird would be retired, moved, or “transitioned” – and that Camaro would go on “hiatus.” And yes, the Financial Meetings and Legal Staff Meetings are sometimes nearly unbearable. But the best part of this job is to have the privilege of travelling across the United States and Canada to spend time with the people who really count…..you, the Camaro Enthusiasts….who have made this wonderful car called “Camaro” into a lifestyle.

I have a tradition from my college days. On Christmas and on my birthday every year, I “take stock” of where I’ve been and where I’m going….I always wonder what the next year will bring. In my wildest dreams, I would never have imagined that I would get to work on the car that I have so dearly loved since September 29, 1966. In fact, when I was promoted to Assistant Brand Manager – Camaro on the Camaro/Corvette Brand Team, I dedicated the rest of my career to the memory of my Father, Dale Settlemire, who was a Chevy Dealer for many years. What I did not realize at that time is that I would meet so many wonderful friends.…and to this point, I am speechless.

My tear ducts got a good “Christmas cleaning-out” as I read through the letters. I also ‘sensed” my Dad giving me ‘high fives’ from the great Chevy Showroom in the sky.

My friends, I do not believe there is a happier guy on earth right now. Nor is there someone more humbled and honored that you would take the time to write such nice letters. My commitment to you? I will NEVER let General Motors or Chevrolet forget the Camaro. (not that they would ever forget it in the first place!) As long as I am around, I will remain (as Johnny Hunkins, Editor of GM HiTech Performance recently described me) “the Energizer Bunny of the Camaro.”

From the bottom of my Chevy-Bowtie-shaped heart, I thank each of you for your kindness. May the new year bring each of you health, happiness, and prosperity. And may our country remain the best ever.

Your Camaro Comrade,

[ 25 December 2001: Message edited by: Doug Harden, Pres CICC ]

Now I know one of the big reasons there is such enthusiasm.

As Dan said, I didn't realize the family I became part of when I bought an SS....and what a family it is. And most of it is beacause of you...You don't see us as customers, you see us as FRIENDS! And this is what makes the F-Bod family so close, right from the top to us at the bottom. I have never met you, but have heard NOTHING but good things....and now believe it all.

At the very least, at Bowling Green, were we're going to break that 1000 F-Body in attendance mark.

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Originally posted by Mike F - SSOA F99 3913:
..and we'll see you this coming year.

At the very least, at Bowling Green, were we're going to break that 1000 F-Body in attendance mark.

Mike
(99HOSS)& (PF Flyer)

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Originally posted by DanA_F99_1977:

Indeed, that is our way of showing you Scott. I have a hard time attending these events, but I have committed to Bowling Green, just for you!!

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Best wishes for the new year from one of your Canadian family.

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Originally posted by Joey Red:
Merry Christmas Fbodfatha! I hope mom got that pic of you when you opened the book.

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Originally posted by Joey Red:
Merry Christmas Fbodfatha! I hope mom got that pic of you when you opened the book.

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