Monroe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram
15160 S. Dixie Hwy (S. Monroe St.) Monroe, MI 48161Sales: (888) 698-9905
- Service: (734) 242-8458
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News and Upcoming Events
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JANUARY 2012 - CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Jan. 1 Happy New Year 2012!!!
Through Jan. 8 The Egypt Experience: Secrets of the Tomb Toledo Museum of Art Spanning more than 3,000 years of history and one of the world's greatest civilizations. 2445 Monroe St., Toledo, OH. Call 800.644.6862 or visit www.toledomuseum.org
Jan. 13 Two and a Half Comics La-Z-Boy Center, Meyer Theater Featuring Bart Rockett and Scott Wood. Monroe County Community College campus, 1555 Raisinville Rd., Monroe, MI. Call 734.384.4272 or visit www.monroeccc.edu/theater
Jan. 14 Peter Noone and Herman's Hermits Stranahan Theater, Toledo The British Invasion included the Hermits' "I'm Henry the 8th, I am". 4645 Heatherdowns Rd., Toledo, OH. Call 419.246.8000 or visit
Jan. 20 Mitch Seekins Sings the Great Tony Bennett River Raisin Centre for the Arts With a vocalist and pianist accompanying, the songs of Tony Bennett come alive. 114 S. Monroe St., Monroe, MI. Call 734.242.7722 or visit
Jan. 21 199th Anniversary of the Battle of the River Raisin River Raisin National Battlefield Park, 1043 E. Elm Ave., Monroe, MI.
Jan. 27 'Til Death Do Us Part: Late Nite Catechism 3 La-Z-Boy Center, Meyer Theater Monroe County Community College campus, 1555 Raisinville Rd., Monroe, MI. Call 734.384.4272 or visit www.monroeccc.edu/theater FEBRUARY 2011 - CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Feb. 10 Franc D'Ambrosio's Broadway River Raisin Centre for the Arts Award-winning and the world's longest running "Phantom" of the opera comes to Monroe. 114 S. Monroe St., Monroe, MI. Call 734.242.7722 or visit www.riverraisincentre.org
Feb. 10 Atlanta Rhythm Section La-Z-Boy Center, Meyer Theater Southern rock. Monroe County Community College campus, 1555 Raisinville Rd., Monroe, MI. Call 734.384.4272 or visit www.monroeccc.edu/theater
Feb. 18 Collin Raye La-Z-Boy Center, Meyer Theater One of the hit-makers of the 1990's. Monroe County Community College campus, 1555 Raisinville Rd., Monroe, MI. Call 734.384.4272 or visit www.monroeccc.edu/theater
Feb. 20 Band and Chorale Concert La-Z-Boy Center, Meyer Theater Monroe County Community College campus, 1555 Raisinville Rd., Monroe, MI. Call 734.384.4272 or visit www.monroeccc.edu/theater
Feb. 25 25th Annual Black History Month Blues Series Concert La-Z-Boy Center, Meyer Theater Monroe County Community College campus, 1555 Raisinville Rd., Monroe, MI. Call 734.384.4272 or visit www.monroeccc.edu/theater
MARCH 2011 - CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Mar. 3 The Classic Rock Revival La-Z-Boy Center, Meyer Theater Badfinger, The Outsiders, Climax and special guest Otis Day. Monroe County Community College campus, 1555 Raisinville Rd., Monroe, MI. Call 734.384.4272 or visit www.monroeccc.edu/theater
Mar. 4 Cherish the Ladies River Raisin Centre for the Arts The most successful Irish-American group in Celtic music history. 114 S. Monroe St., Monroe, MI. Call 734.242.7722 or visit www.riverraisincentre.org
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Eight Chrysler Group LLC Vehicles Take Home a Consumers Digest 'Best Buy' for the 2012 Model Year
- Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram and Fiat brands all have vehicles recognized as Consumers Digest automotive "Best Buys" for 2012 model year
- Eight awards more than doubles "Best Buys" honors received in 2010 and in 2011
- November marks the 19th consecutive month of year-over-year sales gains
November 2, 2011 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Consumers Digest announced its annual automotive "Best Buys," and vehicles from Chrysler Group LLC received eight of them, more than doubling the number of "Best Buys" Chrysler Group vehicles received in 2010 and 2011. In the past year and a half, the Chrysler Group has introduced 16 all-new or significantly refreshed models, and many awards have been rolling in ever since.
The Chrysler Group vehicles that received Consumers Digest automotive "Best Buys" for the 2012 model year are:
Chrysler: 300, Town & Country
Jeep®: Grand Cherokee
Dodge: Durango, Grand Caravan, Challenger
Ram: 1500
Fiat: 500
"It's a tremendous honor to have so many vehicles named as 'Best Buys' by Consumers Digest," said Doug Betts, Senior Vice President ? Quality, Chrysler Group LLC. "We have gone to great lengths to enhance the craftsmanship and quality of all of our vehicles. These awards are evidence that we're producing cars, trucks, crossovers, minivans and SUVs that customers ? and critics ? appreciate."
As testament to the improvements made to Chrysler Group's vehicles in terms of quality and desirability, the Company earlier today announced that vehicle sales are up for the 19th consecutive month.
The Consumers Digest automotive "Best Buys" issue is an annual publication in which editors judge vehicles on many build quality and performance attributes such as ergonomics, fit and finish, utility, acceleration, fuel economy and many more. They also look at cost of ownership variables such as resale value, warranty, maintenance costs and annual operating expenses. The top vehicles in 12 separate categories are then chosen as "Best Buys" by the publication.
Chrysler 300
Once limited to premium import vehicles costing twice as much, the new segment-exclusive eight-speed automatic transmission expands the world-class power and fuel-efficiency of the 2012 Chrysler 300, 300S (V-6) and 300 Limited models and offers class-leading fuel efficiency
Packed with a 363 horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine including innovative Fuel Saver Technology, a five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Auto Stick, performance-tuned suspension and larger performance disc brakes, the V-8 models deliver world-class power and refinement.
Chrysler Town & Country
The 2012 Chrysler Town & Country minivan builds upon the dramatic, and well received, changes made in the previous model year. Already imbued with innovative technology, unparalleled functionality, classic design, and a long list of standard convenience and safety features, enhancements in refinement make the 2012 Town & Country a true stand-out in the minivan segment.
Improvements for 2012 include standard leather seating and rear-seat DVD for all models, new Sapphire Blue interior lighting scheme and a combination leather and wood steering wheel for Limited models.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The 2012 Jeep® Grand Cherokee delivers with even more refinement and features that can be appreciated on the road and off. Since its introduction, the 2012 Jeep® Grand Cherokee has captured more than 30 awards from an array of opinion-leading organizations making it the most awarded SUV ever.
The most capable Grand Cherokee ever with available Jeep Selec-Terrain™ system, Quadra-Lift™ air suspension, and front and rear independent suspension also has V-6 and V-8 engine choices that offer class-leading driving range (550 miles with V-6) or class-leading towing capability (7,400 lbs. V-8). Jeep grand Cherokee truly is a no-compromises, go anywhere and do anything SUV.
Dodge Challenger
The 2012 Dodge Challenger delivers exactly what muscle car enthusiasts want ? a powerful and efficient engine lineup, a performance suspension designed for maximum grip, and athletic head-turning styling ? all executed with quality and precision.
The Dodge Challenger SXT model and Challenger SXT Plus package feature the lightweight, aluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with 305 horsepower, responsive 268 lb.-ft. of torque and up to 27 mpg highway. With legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engines under their hoods, the 2012 Challenger R/T model delivers up to 375 horsepower, 410 lb.-ft. of torque and 25 mpg highway.
Dodge Durango
Durango has driving dynamics unlike what you typically find in a Sport Utility. No other SUV on the road compares with the all-new Dodge Durango's distinctive bold Dodge design that craftily houses a spacious three-row, seven-passenger functional, flexible and premium interior, covered in soft-touch materials.
Durango offers standard seven-passenger seating, best-in-class power, best-in-class towing, best-in-class driving range of more than 550 miles, more than 30 storage areas, 28 seating configurations and a rear cargo area of nearly 85 cubic feet that fits a six-foot couch with room for coffee table or a 10-foot ladder with the front passenger seat folded flat.
Dodge Grand Caravan
The 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan continues to lead the segment it created. New for 2012, Dodge is offering a new American Value Package (AVP), which makes the best-selling minivan ever the most affordable minivan with a starting U.S. Manufacturers' Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $20,995 (all prices exclude destination).
Chrysler Group invented the modern minivan in 1983 with the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager. Seventy-five minivan-first innovations and 13 million minivan sales later, the company still leads the way with the best, most innovative vehicle to move people and things.
Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 offers a variety of models for customers who rely on their trucks for work and play. In addition to the 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 which produces 390 horsepower, 407 lb.-ft. of torque and 20 mpg, the 2012 Ram 1500 offers a flex-fuel capable 4.7-liter V-8 providing 310 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque, and a 3.7-liter V-6 generating 215 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of torque; five and six-speed automatic transmissions; part-time and on-demand four-wheel-drive transfer cases and 3.21, 3.55, 3.92 and 4.10 axle ratios.
The 2012 Ram 1500 is offered in Regular Cab, Quad Cab® and Crew Cab models, with three box lengths: 8-foot (Regular Cab), 6-foot-4-inches (Regular Cab and Quad Cab), and 5-foot-7-inches (Ram 1500 Crew Cab). Thirteen trim levels are available, each with a unique appearance: Tradesman, tradesman Heavy Duty, Express, Outdoorsman, ST, SLT, Sport, Sport R/T, Lone Star, Big Horn, Mossy Oak, Laramie and Laramie Longhorn.
Fiat 500
The 2012 Fiat 500 caters to a new generation of Americans who want their vehicle to be as engaging, individualized, ecologically responsible and technologically savvy as they are. This modern-generation Fiat 500 offers safety, fuel economy, quality and advanced technology perfectly balanced with iconic Italian style.
With its city-friendly proportions, engaging driving dynamics, all-new fuel-efficient 1.4-liter FIAT MultiAir® engine delivering up to 38 highway mpg and a best-in-class 30 mpg city (with manual transmission), standard state-of-the-art BLUE&ME™ Handsfree Communication technology, seven standard air bags and new quality and refinement adaptations for the U.S. market, including an all-new six-speed automatic transmission, the 2012 Fiat 500 offers a unique ownership experience.
About Chrysler Group LLC
Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat S.p.A., produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Mopar, SRT and Fiat vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler Group's culture of innovation, first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925, and Fiat's complementary technology that dates back to its founding in 1899.
Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Challenger and Ram 1500. Fiat contributes world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small- and medium-size cars, allowing Chrysler Group to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.
From: John Ouellette
Sent: Tuesday, October 11, 2011
To: Ralph Mahalak
Subject: Thank You!
Ralph, I wanted to Thank You for the Lion Tickets I won! Biggest Crowd ever at Ford Field (67,000 plus)... The Place was Hopping! Just to let you know...my Wife Heather went with Me to the Game and She says Thank You also! Tickets were in a Family Section so everyone was well behaved! I am Glad I was able to sing the Lions Victory Song a Few times as well!!!
Thank You Again!
John Ouellette
Chrysler's Slow and Steady Rebound Continues
Article published 10/27/2011 in Forbes Magazine, by Joann Muller
It's been a good week for Chrysler Group. On Tuesday, Consumer Reports said all three of the car maker's brands are more reliable, including Jeep, the best of any domestic brand. Then on Wednesday, the United Auto Workers union said its members had ratified a new four-year contract with Chrysler, ensuring the company's fixed costs will remain fairly stable. As icing on the cake, Chrysler Thursday posted net income of $212 million for the third quarter, reversing a year-ago loss.
In fact, it's shaping up as a pretty good year for Chrysler, which just a little over two years ago barely escaped liquidation thanks to a taxpayer-financed bankruptcy restructuring. Chief Executive Sergio Marchionne today nudged up his year-end predictions for Chrysler, saying the company was likely to see adjusted net income of about $600 million (up from an earlier forecast of $200 million to $500 million) and generate $1.2 billion in free cash flow, up from $1 billion as previously expected. The net income figure excludes a $551 million loss to retire debt early.
"This house continues to be fully focused on financial performance and making outstanding cars and trucks by fully leveraging its alliance with Fiat," said Marchionne.
Chrysler sold about half a million vehicles worldwide in the three months ended Sept. 30, a 24 percent gain over the same period last year, and boosted its U.S. market share to 11.4 percent, from 9.6 percent a year ago.
Fiat S.p.A., the Italian car maker, is now fully in control of Chrysler. In July, it acquired the stakes held by the U.S. Treasury and the Canadian government since Chrysler's 2009 bankruptcy. A UAW trust for retiree health care still owns 47 percent of Chrysler. As Marchionne continues to lead a turnaround, the trust will be looking for ways to monetize its investment. A public stock offering, once considered likely, is now on hold.
WJR Radio at St. Mary's Catholic Central, Friday, Sept. 16th
Celebrating 25 Years of the merge between
St. Mary's Academy and Monroe Catholic Central.
Pictured below, left to right:
Paul W. Smith, WJR Radio Talk Show Host and SMCC Alum;
Kurt Darrow, La-Z-Boy CEO;
Ralph Mahalak, Jr. Monroe Superstore President and SMCC Alum;
Doug Chaffin Monroe Bank & Trust CEO; and
Ken Calendar KC Transportation & Logistics CEO.
The Palace of Auburn Hills
6 Championship Drive
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
We need you! Autism now affects 1 in 110 children, and 1 in 70 boys.
Please join Michigan Walk Now for Autism Speaks and help raise money to fund research into the cause, prevention, treatment and cure for autism. This fun-filled day is our single most powerful event to raise funds for critical research and awareness. Register today and help make tomorrow a better day for all who struggle with autism.
To register, please visit www.WalkNowForAutismSpeaks.org/Michigan
For more information please call 888.777.6227 x7365 or email: michigan@autismspeaks.org
Or contact Johnna Evans, Walk/Events Coordinator, at 614.551.5226, johnna.evans@autismspeaks.org
Monroe Dodge features charity Jeep driven by Harrison Ford
By Zach Davis
Article published in the TOLEDO FREE PRESS, July 24, 2011
The Spirit of Liberty Jeep Foundation's "Crossing of America" charity drive is coming to Monroe.
On July 27 at 10 a.m., two Jeep Wranglers, covered in an American flag paint scheme with a bald eagle
on the hood, will stop at the Monroe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Superstore on their drive across the nation.
Among those who have driven the Jeeps on the journey include actor Harrison Ford and astronaut Alan Bean.
The Jeeps left the USS Midway in San Diego on May 27, just prior to Memorial Day weekend, and will travel more than 12,700 miles through 43 states more than a span of 105 days. The trip will conclude on Sept. 11 at
the Intrepid Aircraft Carrier in New York to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of those who lost their lives
in the terrorist attacks of that day. "T is effort will raise awareness of these American heroes and their families and bring attention to their needs and raise funds that are so greatly needed," said Richard Rovsek, chairman
of marketing firm M2000 which is leading the promotion. The Jeeps are traveling across the country to help
raise donations for the Spirit of Liberty Foundation, whose goal is to raise money for "wounded warriors, fallen heroes and their families." To drive a mile of the journey in one of the jeeps, contact the Monroe Dodge Superstore and bring in a donation of $250. Donations of other amounts also are encouraged. The two Jeeps
will also be available for purchase following the trip. "Everyone will be given the chance to drive one of these Jeeps and show their love for our country by helping those who have sacrificed so much," Monroe Dodge Superstore co-owner Ralph Mahalak Jr. said. "The entire five-star team here at the Monroe Superstore is proud and excited to give back to our American heroes who have given us so much."
For more information about the campaign, contact Mahalak at charity@monroedodge.com.
Article published in the Toledo Blade 6/16/2011
Chrysler aims to make big investment, add production at Toledo Assembly
State's OK sought to boost production at Toledo plant
BY LARRY P. VELLEQUETTE - BLADE BUSINESS WRITER
Chrysler Group LLC has taken its first public step toward expanding its Toledo Assembly complex where Jeep Liberty and Nitro sport-utility vehicles are made.
It has filed an application for an air pollution permit with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to accommodate 2013 model year vehicles.
Details of the expansion are limited in the draft air quality permit, but the company does say it wants approval to release additional pollution up to a production rate for the plant of 327,000 vehicles annually - more than 350 percent of the plant's 2010 production of 91,973 vehicles.
The adjoining plant in the assembly complex which makes Jeep Wranglers last year produced 144,685 vehicles, a trade report shows.
A spokesman for Chrysler also declined to comment on the permit application or the proposed plant expansion.
Officials from Gov. John Kasich's office referred questions to the state Department of Development, which issued a statement. It said in part:
"As a normal course of business, the Ohio Department of Development talks with major Ohio employers, Chrysler Group included. Yes they do have a current application with the Ohio EPA; however we are not in a position to discuss exchanges between the company and the Department at this time."
Local development officials either did not return phone calls seeking comment or would not comment on the proposal. Toledo Mayor Mike Bell could not be reached and his spokesman had no comment.
How much money Chrysler will invest in Toledo Assembly is unclear. But a sizable sum is expected. The company spent $600 million to build the first part of the assembly complex and $900 million to build the rest of it, all within the past 13 years.
Chrysler officials have hinted for nearly two years that its Toledo Assembly complex was due to receive an additional investment to expand production there. Sergio Marchi-onne, Chrysler's chief executive officer, told The Blade in January that he expected to make an announcement about the Toledo plants "within six months." He has said nothing more about it since then.
Experts expect the facility that makes Liberty and Nitro vehicles will be upgraded to make new vehicle lines and more vehicles which Chrysler's owner, Fiat SpA, has indicated it wants to make in North America.
The Liberty/Nitro plant is Chrysler's only assembly plant in North America still working just one shift per day.
Chrysler's five-year business plan indicated that the Nitro's continued production after the 2011 model year was an undecided question.
The plan indicates that the 2013 Liberty would be among the automaker's first vehicles to use a smaller platform from Fiat that is to underpin at least eight high-volume mid-sized cars, crossovers, and SUVs between now and 2014. However, details of the new Liberty have not been announced.
The automaker's permit application, filed last week, indicates that an expansion of the body shop in the Toledo plant "is necessary to accommodate the 2013 model year vehicle platform. During the expansion, the automated welding process ... will be updated replacing some but not all welding equipment."
Since emerging from bankruptcy in June, 2009, Chrysler has announced more than $3 billion in investments to its various manufacturing facilities, including the announcement Wednesday of $114 million to restart part of an idled engine plant in Trenton, Mich.
But none of that money has so far flowed to its plants in Toledo. The automaker's Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance plant in Dundee, Mich., has received nearly $330 million in upgrades and additional work.
Local officials with the United Auto Workers could not be reached for comment Wednesday, but have actively sought additional work from Chrysler since Fiat took over.
Mike Jackson, head of North American vehicle forecasting at IHS Automotive in Northville, Mich., said the Fiat platform opens up a range of Chrysler vehicles that could be produced in Toledo.
"What's interesting here is along with the plan to leverage global architecture, they have a tremendous amount of flexibility," he said.
The Ohio EPA said it would hold a public hearing and information session on the draft air permit from Chrysler at 6:30 p.m. July 14 in the West Toledo YMCA auditorium.
The air quality permit applications also seek approval to add a "new foam injection process" that would put foam into vehicle cavities to add sound deadening to future vehicles as they move along the production line.
Business writer Sheena Harrison contributed to this report.
Chrysler's Toledo Assembly Complex
Size: 3.6 million square feet.
Acreage: 312
Employees: 2,400 from Chrysler and on-site suppliers.
Products: Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Liberty, and Dodge Nitro.
Article published in The Monroe Evening News, May 25, 2011
Jeep tour to aid veterans and their families BY CHARLES SLAT
Star-spangled Jeeps will caravan into Monroe in late July as part of a literal cross-country drive to raise funds for wounded veterans, war dead and their families. The "Crossing of America" will feature two "Spirit of Liberty" Jeeps decorated with a flag motif by automobile artist Kiwi Terry and will begin on Friday aboard the USS Midway in San Diego harbor. It will end on Sept. 8 on the deck of the USS Intrepid in New York harbor to mark the 10th Anniversary of 9/11.
The tour will cover more than 12,700 miles through 43 states and the District of Columbia during its 105day trip and include a stop July 27 at the Monroe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Superstore. During the stop in Monroe, members of the public and others will have a chance to bid on driving the Jeeps as part of the fundraising campaign. People can also donate per mile driven along the route.
The effort is organized by the Spirit of Liberty Foundation and The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS).
"Everyone will be given the chance to drive one of these Jeeps and show their love for our country by helping those who have sacrificed so much," said Ralph Mahalak Jr., coowner and sales director of the dealership. Those who are successful bidders will be able to drive the specially decorated Jeeps on the dealership's 18-obstacle off-road track or along part of its route from the dealership to the Toledo plant where Jeep Wranglers are built.
"We have commitments from high-profile Americans who have agreed to drive the Spirit of Liberty Jeep across America," said Richard Rovsek, who is spearheading the effort. "Part of the value of the vehicles is they will be the most celebrity driven vehicles ever."
Actor Harrison Ford and astronaut Alan Bean are among those who have committed to drive part of the route.
"We are part of the largest ever star-driven effort to create awareness and raise funds to support wounded warriers, fallen heroes and their families," said JP Mahalak, co-owner and general manager of the Monroe superstore.
At the end of the tour, the two Jeeps will be auctioned to the highest bidder.
"All of the money raised will go directly to support the wounded warriors, and their families, and the families of fallen heroes," Mr. Rovsek said.
Details about how to bid to be part of the local route will be developed soon.
Article published in Toledo Blade, May 18, 2011
MONROE - Most new vehicles come with options, maybe even a rebate, but a new Wrangler sitting on a dealer lot in Monroe has a musical star-studded resume.
The silver 2011 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited parked in the new car lot at Monroe Dodge Superstore spent much of February on loan in Louisiana where it starred in a series of new Jeep commercials, appeared in a music video, and was driven by rock star Lenny Kravitz.
The Jeep commercials featuring the Sahara and Kravitz made their debut on television this weekend. They show the Grammy-winning rocker, who has owned a Wrangler for 16 years, sitting on the vehicle's hood and then putting the $38,000 Sahara through its paces across what appears to be a mud-soaked bayou. The commercials' sound track is "Rock Star City Life," a debut track from Mr. Kravitz's upcoming album, Black and White America.
Ralph Mahalak, Jr., owner of Monroe Dodge Superstore, said his dealership was contacted this year by a production company that specifically wanted a 2011 silver-colored Sahara Unlimited with leather seats and a chrome package for a video shoot.
"At the time [early in the model year], we had the only one like that in the country. That's why they rented it from us to shoot all their spots in the new video," Mr. Mahalak said. The vehicle was transported by trailer to Louisiana and returned to the dealership in March. The Jeep had "less than 100 miles on it," he said.
Kravitz, 46, did not autograph the Wrangler, which was still for sale at the Monroe dealership Monday.
"We would disclose to any buyer what the vehicle's history is," Mr. Mahalak said. "It looks pretty good going through the mud, and he looks good sitting on the hood."
Mr. Kravitz said in a statement from Chrysler that he has been driving his Toledo-made Wrangler as his personal vehicle for 16 years, "and I refuse to get rid of it; If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
Article published at MonroeNews.com on Apr 22, 2011
'Pure Monroe' tourism campaign takes shape
A "Pure Monroe" ad campaign will be launched May 2 that piggybacks on the state's "Pure Michigan" tourism promotion theme and includes the voice of actor Tim Allen in radio spots to tout the area as a "hidden gem" in southeast Michigan.
Financed by local corporate and business contributions, the effort will feature radio and television spots, billboards and newspaper ads to lure tourists to the region.
"This began from kind of a brainstorming session a group of us had over a year ago," said H. Douglas Chaffin, president and chief executive officer of Monroe Bank & Trust. He said the group included Annette Phillips, president of Mercy Memorial Hospital System; Dr. David Nixon, president of Monroe County Community College, and Lonnie Peppler-Moyer, publisher of The Monroe Evening News.
"We all four recognized that since we are not from Monroe originally we have a different perspective on this community" than lifelong residents, he explained.
He said the area's substantial assets, including the River Raisin National Battlefield Park, Sterling State Park, the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, Lake Erie shoreline, River Raisin Heritage Trail System and major corporate partners such as DTE Energy and La-Z-Boy Incorporated are advantages rarely found in comparable locales, not to mention the existence of a local community college and locally operated bank, hospital and newspaper.
"There are a lot of things we see as a huge benefit in this community that honestly doesn't happen anywhere else," Mr. Chaffin said.
It was decided to find a mechanism to help spread that word and the concept of a Pure Monroe campaign was pitched to Travel Michigan as a companion to its Pure Michigan initiative.
Corporate and in-kind contributions are fueling the effort, which will include promotional advertising that runs from May to August both this and next year.
"It's going to include print advertising, billboard, cable TV and local and out-of-market radio," he said. So far, $40,000 has been raised for the two-year effort and significant in-kind contributions have been made.
In addition to the use of Mr. Allen's voiceover talents, 30-second radio and TV ads narrated by Dr. Nixon, who has a vast broadcasting background, will be included in the campaign.
The ad by Mr. Allen already has been previewed at various community events, but will be aired publicly for the first time during a special tourism-related broadcast on Monroe native Paul W. Smith's morning show on WJR. The May 2 show will be broadcast live from Monroe County Community College and feature interviews with community leaders.
Created in collaboration between Pure Michigan and the Monroe team, the ad describes the area as a hidden gem and makes reference to the historic 1812 battlefield.
"I think everyone that hears it thinks it's a great representation of the community and reflects the positive things that go on here," Mr. Chaffin said. "Whether you grew up in Monroe or lived here just a month or two, it has a certain emotional tug. It appeals to everybody."
It's not clear how the success of the effort will be measured, because not all the advertising buying decisions have been determined yet, Mr. Chaffin said.
Besides the four original companies, other partners in the effort include La-Z-Boy, DTE, the Monroe County Intermediate School District; Monroe County Convention & Tourism Bureau, Monroe County Historical Society; Monroe County Community Credit Union; Monroe Downtown Development Authority; Buckeye Cable System; Charter Communications; Education Plus Credit Union; Floral City Beverage; Homrich Inc.; Mannik & Smith Group; Monroe Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep Superstore; MY 98.3; the War of 1812 Steering Committee and WNWO-TV.
Companies or individuals that want to make financial or in-kind contributions, may do so through the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce or MBT. Checks may be made payable to "Pure Monroe."
More information on contributing may be obtained by contacting Michelle Dugan, chamber president, at (734) 384-3366 or Mary Jane Town at MBT at (734) 240-2510.
A Sweet Night Supports Healing Garden
April 21, 2011 Monroe, Mich. Mercy Memorial Hospital System, together with Dolce Vita Italian Grill and Monroe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Superstore, invite the community to Indulge for the Cause, 4 to 11 p.m., Tuesday, May 10, 2011. Throughout the evening, management will donate the price of patrons' desserts to the Healing Garden planned for the Monroe Cancer Center. The event takes place at Dolce Vita Italian Grill, 391 North Telegraph in Monroe.
Diners can even save more and still support the Healing Garden. Purchase your reservations for the Monroe Cancer Center's Grand Gala and Preview at Dolce Vita the evening of Indulge for the Cause, and your dessert is FREE and the restaurant will also donate the amount of your dessert to the Healing Garden.
The Grand Gala and Preview takes place on Saturday, June 11, 2011 at the Monroe Cancer Center, located at 800 Stewart Road, Monroe.
The Monroe Cancer Center, a joint venture of Karmanos Cancer Institute, Mercy Memorial Hospital System and ProMedica Health System, is scheduled to complete construction in mid-June and will begin treating patients shortly afterward. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, clinical trials, community education and the Cancer Connection are among the services planned for the new facility.
Research demonstrates that patients and families with access to the sights, sounds and textures of a healing garden are better able to deal with the stress of a critical illness and more likely to experience improved outcomes.
Dodge shifts into the 'Fast Five,' Wall Street Journal, April 1
Chrysler is using its longtime NASCAR ties to promote its Charger's role in the coming film "Fast Five," the Wall Street Journal said. Hard on the heels of its cross-over "Call of Duty: Black Ops" branding success, Chrysler Group LLC is now teaming with Universal Pictures on the coming "Fast Five" film due in theaters on April 29, the Journal said. "Fast Five" is the fifth film in the "Fast and the Furious" franchise, the paper noted. The chase scenes feature some awesome action and some sweet rides - Dodge supplied multiple 2010 and 2011 Dodge Charger vehicles for the chases, the paper said. Coinciding with the movie release, Dodge is unveiling the No.7 Fast Five Dodge Charger R/T which made its NASCAR debut at the Martinsville Speedway recently, the article said. The car is driven by Robby Gordon, the paper said.
Dodge Charger takes role in 'Fast Five' film, Detroit News, April 1
The Dodge Charger will show its menacing side on the big screen in the upcoming Universal movie "Fast Five," being released in theaters on April 29, the Detroit News said. Chrysler Group LLC said the multi-tiered partnership with Universal means there will be a number of Chargers in chase scenes in the action-thriller, the News said. The partnership between the studio and car company includes new 30- and 60-second national ads promoting the idea that car chases make movies better; the No. 7 Fast Five Dodge Charger R/T driven by NASCAR driver Robby Gordon will debut at the Martinsville Speedway April 3 and continue racing for the rest of the month; and fans can win the chance to watch the movie with Gordon, the article said.
Review: Dodge Charger, fenceviewer.com, April 1
The 2011 Charger brings more styling to the model, yet the newest Charger fully embraces the earlier Charger's passion for power, performance, and presence, fenceviewer.com said. The new Charger feels solid; it is quiet going down the road, and undeniably strong in R/T trim, the cabin is almost plush, the article said.