Decades of Chamber Advocacy Culminate With Gordie Howe Bridge Opening

For more than 20 years, the Detroit Regional Chamber has led efforts to advocate for the approval, building, and opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, working with multiple presidential administrations, Michigan’s congressional delegation, and governors and state legislatures under the leadership of both parties. 

The opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge earlier this week is an economic game-changer that will strengthen the U.S.-Canada trade relationship and give a boost to Michigan’s economy and its key industries.

“Opening the Gordie Howe International Bridge starts the next chapter in the historic trade relationship between the U.S. and Canada. This critical infrastructure will enhance Michigan’s advanced manufacturing, automotive, agricultural, and tourism industries while benefitting employers and residents across the Detroit-Windsor region for generations to come.”

– Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber

To mark the bridge’s official opening to vehicle traffic, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer drove a black Ford Mustang GT across it, which is fitting given that the 5.0L V8 Coyote engine is assembled at the Essex Engine plant in Windsor, Canada, while the car itself is built at the Flat Rock Assembly plant in Michigan.

View the drive here.

Learn More About the Chamber’s Advocacy Efforts

Learn More About the Chamber’s Advocacy Efforts

Chamber and MichAuto Applaud Senate Committee Advancement of Connected Vehicle Security Act ​

The Chamber and MichAuto applaud the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee’s bipartisan advancement of the Connected Vehicle Security Act legislation, ushered by U.S. Sens. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH). 

“The Detroit Regional Chamber and MichAuto congratulate U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH), and members of Congress Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and John Moolenaar (R-MI), for their bipartisan efforts to advance the Connected Vehicle Security Act, a bill critical for the security of the American people and the U.S. automotive and mobility industry, on this first major milestone, passing the Senate Committee.

While there is a long way to go, and the legislation still needs to be fine-tuned, the Chamber and MichAuto are proud to have been early proponents. We will continue to work with leaders in Washington, D.C., and across the industry to help the nation get to the right answer regarding Chinese ‘dumping’ of vehicles across the world, protect U.S. manufacturing from unfair trade practices, and ensure another nation does not have rolling surveillance devices roaming American roads.”  

– Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber; Glenn Stevens Jr., Chief Automotive and Innovation Officer; Executive Director, MichAuto

Why this matters for Michigan: The strength of Michigan’s automotive and mobility sector plays an outsized role in its overall economic success. As vehicles become increasingly connected, software-driven, and data-enabled, maintaining industry leadership requires innovation beyond Michigan’s legacy of traditional manufacturing excellence. It also requires protecting intellectual property, ensuring supply chain resilience, safeguarding sensitive vehicle data, and preserving a competitive marketplace.

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