ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Wednesday, February 21, 1996           TAG: 9602210035
SECTION: BUSINESS                 PAGE: B-8  EDITION: METRO 

IN BUSINESS

GM combines Pontiac, GMC units

WARREN, Mich. - General Motors Corp. said Tuesday it is combining its Pontiac and GMC marketing divisions as part of a plan to streamline its dealer network and sharpen the images of its car and truck brands.

The merger's immediate effect on customers will be minimal. About 1,600 of Pontiac's 2,870 franchised dealers already own franchises to sell GMC, the company's trucks-only brand.

Officials said the merger of GM's second- and fourth-largest marketing divisions would result in significant savings by eliminating overlapping functions, but they did not say how much.

- Associated Press

AFL-CIO could have its credit card soon

The AFL-CIO is close to a new contract for its Union Privilege affinity credit card, which could provide organized labor with about $70 million a year in new funds.

First Union Bank and Household Finance Corp. emerged Tuesday as the leading bidders for the contract, according to a document obtained by The Washington Post.

The new AFL-CIO leadership is counting on income from the deal to help finance ambitious organizing and political programs. Proceeds could exceed the AFL-CIO's current annual budget of $65 million.

- The Washington Post

Kwik Kopy Printing finishes expansion

Kwik Kopy Printing, 6363 Peters Creek Road, has added 1,000 square feet, which will triple its space for digital prepress and computer services. The prepress department can download customer files from the Internet, process them to negatives and print them.

The franchise, part of an international company based in Houston, employs 10 full- and part-time employees. Kwik Kopy produces offset printing, high-volume copy and digital color output products for regional businesses.

- Staff report

LENGTH: Short :   45 lines