It has been a rough year or so for U.S. domestic automakers like GM as they restructure, but all is not always so gloomy. A couple days ago I got this press release stating GM has won an award from the U.S. State Department for their CSR work in Colombia. If anyone has any more information on GM's work in Columbia, we'd be interested in hearing about it. Here's a bit from that release:

At a ceremony in Washington, DC, general motors corporation today received the Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE) from U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. GM was recognized for its extensive corporate social responsibility programs in Colombia, which contribute to the quality of life of people in need, in particular those who have been affected by violent conflict in Colombia.

The award was accepted by GM Vice Chairman Robert A. Lutz.

"General Motors has a long history of commitment to community wherever it does business, and we remain dedicated to maintaining our track record of strong social responsibility," said Mr. Lutz. "Our people in Colombia have worked very hard and deserve this honor."

The ACE, the Secretary of State's Award for Corporate Excellence, was established by the State Department in 1999, and recognizes the important role U.S. businesses play abroad as good corporate citizens.

GM Colombia has been contributing to the peace building process for six years through its support of a non profit organization dedicated to human development and job training for young people, especially those who have been demobilized from the paramilitary forces or displaced due to Colombian conflict.

GM Colombia employees are also involved in the community through the General Motors Volunteer Plus International Program, which encourages employees to donate time helping non profit organizations.

In other bright GM news, their third quarter loss wasn't as large as was suggested, as well as a surprise October sales rise.