Community

Our commitment to community involvement is an outgrowth of our Vision and Values. We provide opportunities and encourage our associates to support many local and national philanthropic organizations

Detroit Chassis is dedicated to improving not only the lives of its employees but also the community in which they live. The company has taken a leadership role in clean-up campaigns, local business-development efforts and programs to build the character and skills of youth in the city.

With its prominent position in Detroit’s Renaissance Zone, Detroit Chassis works to serve as a corporate role model for advancing the values of individual initiative, entrepreneurship and excellence and the community development.

Community Involvement Highlights

  • Michael J. Guthrie and Carlton L. Guthrie, Detroit Chassis owners are founding members of the National Association of Black Suppliers (NABS). Michael is Chair Emeritus of the NABS Scholarship Fund and a current Board member.
  • Michael J. Guthrie, Co-Chairman, is a Lifetime Achievement Awardee for contributing more than 30 years of Junior Achievement classroom instruction for JA of Mid-Michigan and a current Advisory Board member for JA of Southeast Michigan.
  • Carlton L. Guthrie, Co-Chairman, is the Founder and Chairman of Gary Alumni Pathway to Students (GAPS) which offers college and career readiness programs and mentorships for high school students in Gary, Indiana, at his alma mater. Carlton is a former Chairman of Concerned Christian Men, based in Chicago, Illinois. This organization has mentored more than 40,000 elementary and middle school males since in Chicago since 1996.
  • Dennis Edwards, President, is a current Board member and member of the Sustainable Fund Committee for the Children’s Center of Wayne County. They employ more than 300 case workers, psychiatrist, psychologists and support staff who work with children with behavioral, emotional and physical challenges and may have experienced trauma. Dennis is also a Board member for the  Detroit Police Department’s11th Precinct B.U.O.Y. (Business United with Officers and Youth).
  • Linda Ratliff-Watkins, Director of Community Support and Ministry, Senior Manager of Customer Service is a current Board member of Junior Achievement of Southeast Michigan and has been on this Board for 15 years; She is also the Co-Chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Subcommittee. Dr. Linda also supports NABSSF by leading Public Relations and serving on the Selection Committee. DC also offers 6-10 week internships to area high school seniors through the Business Applications in Manufacturing Management (BAMM) Program.
  • Detroit Chassis is a Second Chance employer and combats recidivism by providing employment opportunities to returning citizens with non-violent offenses.
  • The Detroit Chassis 2021 Charitable Giving Campaign for The Children’s Center, Gleaners and the National Association of Black Supplier’s Scholarship Fund, included contributions from DC Associates, the UAW Local 155 and a few suppliers and raised more than $15,000.

Gleaners emergency response to the Covid-19 pandemic came swiftly and on a substantial scale, starting in March,” said Terry Collia, director of marketing with Gleaners Community Food Bank. “Given that our monthly food distributions have grown from around 3.5-4 million pounds of food, to nearly 7 million, the support of community partners like Detroit Chassis is essential. On behalf of Gleaners, I want to personally thank the Detroit Chassis team and look forward to your continued involvement with our mission.

Terry Collia

Gleaner's Community Food Bank