Don Winkler, Chairman and CEO of Ford Motor Credit Company, today, honored Barbara Bush with his Visionary Award, a beautiful crystal sculpture of an eagle in flight which honors individuals who through their vision and commitment have been able to achieve extraordinary success in their life goals.

Mrs. Bush was honored for her steadfast drive to improve the level of literacy in this country. The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy helps in the fight against illiteracy by giving grants to family literacy projects around the country, awarding more the six million dollars to 204 programs in 42 states. Her lifetime work has literally lifted hundreds of thousands of people from the despair of being unable to read.

“The impact of Mrs. Bush’s efforts go beyond giving the gift of reading,” commented Mr. Winkler, “ Her vision to fight illiteracy is also a gift to a person’s self esteem, emotional health and more stable family life. We are so pleased to honor and recognize that vision today.” Previous recipients of the Visionary Award include Colin Powell, Peter Drucker and John McCoy.

The award by Ford Credit's CEO is given to leaders in business, government and humanitarian areas for their outstanding contribution to leadership.Said Winkler, "The most important gift a manager can give is that of vision. Mrs. Bush's ability to lead the national cause for literacy is truly the work of a visionary leader."

The Award was presented at a Ford Credit Partners in Quality Meeting, which recognizes the contributions of the most successful car dealers around the country. Mrs. Bush gave the keynote at the meeting, which focused on the many aspects of effective leadership.

When promoting literacy Mrs. Bush stresses, “The house is the child’s first school and the parents are the child’s first teachers.”

Ford Credit is the world’s largest automotive finance company, providing vehicle financing to more than nine million customers and automotive dealers in 36 countries. A wholly owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company, Ford Credit is a recognized leader for technological innovation, customer service, quality, profitability and commitment to the communities in which it operates.

For further information on the Visionary Award and the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy check, www.cyberwink.com and www.barbarabushfoundation.com.