Our roundup of the latest news from metro Detroit and Michigan businesses as well as announcements from government agencies. To share a business or nonprofit story, please send us a message.
Dodge Plans to Send Current Charger and Challenger Off in Style
The Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger, in their current form, are coming to an end, and the Dodge brand of Stellantis in Auburn Hills is seizing the opportunity to celebrate by paying homage to the muscle car pair with seven special models for the 2023 model year.
Dodge also is planning the return of a rainbow of heritage colors, an expansion of SRT Jailbreak models, a commemorative “Last Call” underhood plaque for all 2023 Charger and Challenger vehicles, and a new, customer-focused vehicle allocation process.
“We are celebrating the end of an era — and the start of a bright new electrified future — by staying true to our brand,” says Tim Kuniskis, CEO of the Dodge brand for chief Stellantis. “At Dodge, we never lift, and the brand will mark the last of our iconic Charger and Challenger nameplates in their current form in the same way that got us here, with a passion both for our products and our enthusiasts that drives us to create as much uniqueness in the muscle car community and marketplace as possible.”
Dodge says it will pay tribute to the long and legendary history of the Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger by introducing seven heritage-influenced models for the 2023 model year. The models were teased and displayed under full vehicle covers at M1 Concourse in Pontiac during the first day of the three-day Dodge Speed Week event, which featured announcements and reveals of current Dodge products.
Each model will share a connection to an iconic Dodge model from the past, reaching back to the dawn of the muscle-car era in the 1960s and 1970s. Graphics featured on each vehicle cover offer hints to the secret identities of the models displayed at M1 Concourse.
Details and specific information on six of the vehicles will be released later this year. The new models will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis at top-selling Dodge dealerships, with a list of dealerships to be shared on DodgeGarage.com.
The seventh and final 2023 Dodge model will be the very last of its kind and will be revealed at the 2022 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, scheduled for Nov. 1-4.
Dodge brand also will celebrate its 2023 model lineup by bringing back three beloved heritage exterior colors: B5 Blue, Plum Crazy purple, and Sublime green. One popular modern color, Destroyer Grey, also returns to the fold. Charger and Challenger each will offer 14 total 2023 exterior color options. 2023 Charger and Challenger R/T models also will feature new “345” fender badging, a callout to the 345-cubic-inch HEMI® engine under the hood.
All 2023 Dodge Charger and Challenger models will carry a special commemorative “Last Call” underhood plaque, making every 2023 Charger and Challenger a true collector’s vehicle. The brushed aluminum underhood “Last Call” plaque features the vehicle name and a vehicle silhouette, as well as “Designed in Auburn Hills” and “Assembled in Brampton” to proclaim each vehicle’s origin.
The brand is also expanding the reach of its popular SRT Jailbreak models, which were introduced earlier this year for the Dodge Charger and Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody, unlocking color combination ordering restrictions and exclusive content. For 2023 model year, Jailbreak models will also be available for the 717-horsepower Challenger and Charger SRT Hellcat, providing even more owners the option of building their own one-of-a-kind muscle car.
Dodge says it’s taking a new approach to getting the Charger and Challenger in the hands of its enthusiasts. The entire 2023 Charger and Challenger model-year run will be allocated to dealerships all at once, helping customers identify and secure their cars more easily.
DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital Offering Robot-assist Lung Biopsy Option
DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital in Commerce Township is offering patients a new, minimally invasive option for lung biopsy.
Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital is using a robotic-assisted platform for bronchoscopic biopsy of the lung. This method allows for advanced maneuverability and navigation through narrow airways to nodules far into the peripheral lung. A team from the Charach Cancer Treatment Center at the hospital has successfully performed the procedure.
“We’re pleased to be able to offer this novel, minimally invasive technology to our patients,” says Dr. Lawrence MacDonald, chief of pulmonary medicine at Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital. “This tool allows us to reach areas in the periphery of the lung that were not accessible before, allowing patients to receive an earlier definitive diagnosis and treatment plan, which can give them a better chance of a successful outcome.”
This new method has an ultra-thin, easily controllable catheter that can move 180 degrees in all directions. Doctors can use the catheter to navigate through the lung to reach nodules in any airway segment. The robot’s flexible biopsy needle also can pass through very tight bends via the catheter to collect tissue in the peripheral lung, enabling a more precise biopsy and a safer experience for patients.
Great Lakes Women’s Business Council Planning 22nd Conference
Registration is open for the virtual 22nd Great Lakes Women’s Business Council Women’s Business Conference, Sept. 27-28, at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi is now open.
The theme of this year’s event is Gather Again! Organizers say it’s “perfect for business leaders, female founders, WBEs, leadership, executives, and women ready to take their business to the next level.”
It conference will provide resources, including workshops, a keynote session, coaching labs led by industry experts, procurement opportunities through WEmatch 1:1 meetings with corporate buyers seeking commodities, and breakout room networking, so attendees can build business relationships.
For more information, visit here. To register, visit here.
Henry Ford Health Increases Breast Cancer Screenings in Underserved Areas
The breast cancer team at Henry Ford Health increased breast cancer screenings 17 percent among African American women and 35 percent among Hispanic women in 2021.
The increases came through Henry Ford’s participation in the Return to Screening study, an effort led by the American College of Surgeons in collaboration with the American Cancer Society aimed at encouraging patients to resume their appropriate routine cancer screenings and follow up care, which declined significantly following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.
The Return to Screening study enrolled 748 accredited cancer programs in the United States, and each of the participating sites was encouraged to use evidence-based interventions known to be effective in raising screening rates. At Henry Ford, efforts were focused on breast cancer screenings among African American and Hispanic women between the ages of 40 and 75.
“African American and Hispanic women between the ages of 40 and 75 have generally had lower mammography rates than other groups, even before the pandemic started,” says Dr. Jessica Bensenhaver, director of the breast cancer program at Henry Ford Health. “Getting the appropriate recommended routine cancer screenings is an important part of protecting your health. If screenings are missed, it can lead to cancer being detected at a later stage, which may be more challenging to treat.”
As part of this initiative, Henry Ford hosted virtual focus groups with community members to help identify the barriers preventing people from getting their routine breast cancer screenings.
To help promote education about screening, nurses provided educational presentations to local congregations in southeast Michigan. The presentations described what to expect during a mammogram, addressed common fears and myths about cancer screening, and provided information on financial and transportation resources for those in need.
Additionally, bookmarks were distributed to community groups and clinics, which provided education on breast cancer risk factors, why screening matters, when it is needed, and breast cancer warning signs. Henry Ford and the American Cancer Society also hosted specific “Make Time for a Mammogram” days throughout 2021 to make it easy for women ages 40 and older to plan for and schedule a mammogram.
For more information, visit here.
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Brings Back Soirée on the Greenway Fundraiser
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s Soirée on the Greenway fundraiser returns on September 30 from 6-10 pm for a masquerade under the stars, and for the first time, the popular event will serve as an exclusive preview to the Detroit Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally. Hosted at the Dequindre Cut Freight Yard, Soirée will give guests the chance to beat the Harvest Fest crowds and sample a lineup of specially-curated delicious eats and drinks.
Soirée guests are asked to don their masquerade masks and costumes as the Freight Yard is transformed into a mysterious night-circus with incredible food and refreshments, surprise live performances, carnival games, fall-themed activities and the unveiling of a new mural along the greenway. The first Soirée guests will receive complimentary one-of-a-kind masks created by local artists. Soirée is a 21-and-over event.
Soirée on the Greenway is the only time of year that new art is unveiled along the Dequindre Cut Greenway. This year’s featured artist is nationally-acclaimed artist Ivan Montoya, who will create an original mural that will be an immersive experience for anyone traveling down the Cut. Artists featured during previous Soirée events include Sidney James, Senghor Reid and Freddy Diaz.
This year marks the eighth annual Soirée on the Greenway, which is presented by Citizens for the third year. “Citizens is proud to return as presenting sponsor of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s Soirée on the Greenway,” said Yasmeen Jasey, Michigan Market Executive, Citizens. “The Conservancy strengthens the greater Detroit community through the continued transformation of the Detroit Riverfront into a world-class destination, and we are thrilled to support this essential work.”
There will be delectable eats for everyone to enjoy as Soirée features 10 of the most popular food trucks from 2021 Harvest Fest. Food Trucks include Real Taco Express, Hog Heaven, Vegan Nova, Big Bo’s, the Drunken Rooster, Andre’s Louisiana Seafood, Meltdown Creamery, and more.
The Dequindre Cut Freight Yard will be transformed into the mysterious Cirque De Freight Yard, featuring circus performers, live music, and interactive fall experiences. Soirée will also feature performances from the Motley Misfits, a Michigan-based circus-style troupe including fire dancers, unicycle riders and stilt walkers. Additionally, guests can take a look into their futures with tarot card and crystal ball readings from Royal Oak Psychic, create their own intentional candles with Eastern Market Discount Candles, and enjoy old-style carnival games at the Cirque de Freight Yard Arcade.
The pedal-powered animal bikes by Detroit artist Juan Martinez, which have always been a big hit with guests at past Soirée events, will return. The bikes include a life-sized rhino, bison and a 20-foot pangolin, each of which will be available for guests to ride up and down the Cut throughout the evening.
The evening’s theme of interesting and eclectic things to see and do continues at 7 p.m. during what will surely be a memorable and bizarre musical performance from the Aston Neighborhood Pleasure Club, accompanied by Flames N’ Dames fire dancers.
The Dequindre Cut Freight Yard is located between Division Street and the Wilkins Street Plaza along the Dequindre Cut. Parking is available in nearby lots and on neighboring streets. For guests who choose to bike to the event, Wheelhouse Detroit will operate a complimentary bike valet service.
Soirée is one of the Conservancy’s most important fundraisers, providing much needed financial support to the nonprofit organization, which serves as the perpetual steward of the public spaces along the riverfront.
“Soirée has evolved to become one of our most anticipated and successful events,” said Mark Wallace, president and CEO of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. “Every year guests to Soirée are treated to one of the most creative, fun and unique events in town, and this year will be no exception. We have a few tricks up our sleeves and several surprises planned for our guests.”
VIP tables are $500 and include a reserved table, four VIP tickets, unlimited access to food trucks and refreshments and a souvenir masquerade mask. Main Event tickets are $75 and include three meal and drink vouchers, live musical entertainment, fall activities and more. Each Soirée contribution supports the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s mission to create a world-class gathering place for all. For more info, visit: https://detroitriverfront.org/soiree
Sponsorships for Soirée are still available as well and include Food Truck Sponsors ($5,000), Dequindre Cut Partners ($2,500) and Soiree Partners ($1,000). For more information, contact Sarah Couyoumjian at 313.566.8215.
U.S. Petcoke, Grain Continue to Pace Great Lakes-Seaway shipping
Buoyed by strong exports of U.S. petcoke and grain, overall cargo shipments via the St. Lawrence Seaway reached 3.8 million metric tons in July. Total cargo shipments for the season hit 15.7 million metric tons through July, down 7.65 percent compared to the same time period in 2021.
Year-to-date shipments of petcoke, which is being used for cement production in Europe, reached more than 1 million metric tons at the end of July, an increase of 46 percent over last year. Meanwhile, U.S. grain shipments via the Great Lakes-Seaway system totaled 511,000 metric tons from March 22 through July 31, an increase of 37 percent over the same timeframe in 2021. Much of the increase can be attributed to exports of corn and soybeans.
Bruce Burrows, president and CEO of the Chamber of Marine Commerce, says U.S. grain continues to be sent to Europe and North Africa due, in part, to the disruption of trade patterns caused by the Ukraine-Russia war.
“International and cross-border trade has been a major driver of U.S. Great Lakes-Seaway port volumes during the first half of the shipping season,” Burrows says. “With the new harvests coming through soon, we expect U.S. grain exports through the St. Lawrence Seaway to remain strong as we head into the autumn.”
July was a busy month for the Port of Monroe, which began exporting wind tower sections to the Port of Oswego. The project, involving a partnership with terminal operator DRM, Monroe-based wind tower manufacturer Ventower Industries and Michigan tug operator Ashton Marine Corp., should be completed late this summer. In addition, the Port of Monroe welcomed a new Manitowoc crawler crane, which will used to load tower sections. The crane was acquired with funding through the Marine Highway program.
The Port of Toledo reports another positive month with cargo shipments hitting nearly 6 million tons through the end of July. That’s almost 20 percent above the shipping totals for the same time period a year ago. Grain, iron ore, coal, general cargo, and dry bulk are all trending upward.
Deadline Looms for Motown Museum’s Amplify the Sound of Detroit
Applications for Motown Museum’s Amplify the Sound of Detroit officially close on Friday, Sept. 2 at 9 p.m.
Participants will take part in three months of artist development to win the title of Amplify Sound of Detroit Artist of the Year and the grand prize, which includes $5,000, studio time, performance opportunities, and professional coaching from music industry executives.
Amplify the Sound of Detroit is a signature program of Hitsville NEXT — Motown Museum’s community platform where people can “thrive as thinkers, creators and entrepreneurs. In collaboration with Motown Records.”
This program is designed to nurture and provide growth opportunities for aspiring talent through master classes with music industry executives and legendary Motown alumni, vocal coaching, live performance development, professional styling, media training, and more.
Amplify the Sound of Detroit is open to solo vocalists and vocal groups from Metro Detroit ages 16+. Interested artists can apply by visiting here.