MIDLAND, Mich. — Joseph Lescota, chair of the Automotive Marketing department at Northwood University, has announced the selection of Brandon Postema for general chair of the 2010 Northwood University International Auto Show (NUIAS) and James Hannah for vice chair. Northwood University students will host the 47th annual NUIAS Oct. 15-17. The Auto Show is held on the Michigan Campus of Northwood University located at 4000 Whiting Drive in Midland. This year's theme is "Electrify the Drive: Sparking a Global Revolution."

Postema is currently a senior pursuing a dual major in aftermarket management and management. He is the son of Brian and Lynn Postema of Alto, Mich., and is a graduate of Caledonia High School. While attending high school, Postema was an active member of DECA, taking home both district and state medals for three straight years. He also played soccer for four years and ran track for three. Currently, Postema is involved in many on-campus activities, including The Automotive Group (TAG) and College DECA, and he's also a member of the executive board of the Northwood Chapter of Delta Mu Delta National Honor Society in Business Administration. Postema's previous Northwood University International Auto Show experience includes being a team member of Infiniti in 2007, captain of Performance and Customs in 2008, which won the Best Aftermarket Award, and Specialty Chair and Heavy Truck Chair for the 2009 Auto Show. Postema looks forward to completing his final year at Northwood and plans on working in the aftermarket business after graduation.

Postema shares why he is so passionate about the show.

"I love how you get thrown into a real-world situation, where you have a leadership role within the company and the success of the show directly depends on you and your team," he said. "Also, the hands-on experience that you gain by participating in any level of the show is phenomenal. We have over 700 students working on every aspect of the show. A student can be a member of a team such as Chevy, they can make and sell food or design and sell the magazine for the Auto Show. You can't get a better resume builder than this, especially for James and me. How many people can say that they were in charge of the largest outdoor new car Auto Show in North America?"

Hannah is a senior and an entrepreneurship/economics/management major from Algonquin, Ill. He is the son of James and Debbie Smith and a graduate of Dundee Crown High School. Hannah was a member of the track team for two years and a member of several clubs. His hobbies include traveling and being involved in outdoor activities. At Northwood, he was an active member of the Entrepreneurship Society for two years. His Auto Show experience includes being a team member of Maybach in 2007, captain of Team Smart in 2008 and captain of Team Volvo/GMC Heavy Truck in 2009. Upon graduation, Hannah would like to move to Chicago and enter the corporate real estate market.

The vice chair is picked by the general chair through an interview process. Postema said, "(Hannah) was just the best guy for the job. I had always thought that James was a quieter guy, but in the interview he showed how he really wanted the job and, more importantly, showed why he deserved the position. He is a go-getter and has no problem making calls to get contacts for the show."

Hannah also is in charge of the VIP Panel this year.
 
The students that run the show are well aware of the tough times this year has brought to the industry; they have felt it as well but will not let the show suffer.

"I believe that the worst of the automotive times is behind us. Companies are being profitable again but they are just very unsure of what is going to happen next. Our job is to convince them that our show is a valuable investment so that they will invest their time, money and cars needed for the show," Postema said.

For more information or an updated list of activities, call (989) 837-4423 or visit the 2010 Northwood University International Auto Show website.