Kick off BBQ Season with These Pitmaster-Worthy Recipes

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- BBQ season is here! We don't know about you, but we can't wait to fire up the grill. Whether you're planning a bomb Memorial Day feast or getting your Fourth of July menu ready, there's bound to be some dishes here that you'll want to include. Check out these fail-proof and fool-proof recipes that will turn you into the pitmaster you've always dreamed of being! 

CHILI-RUBBED RIBS 

You can't say "summer grilling" without immediately thinking of ribs. Check out this Asian-inspired recipe for a change from your typical all-American sauce. 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2PDXb7b

GRILLED CUCUMBERS WITH FETA DIP 

If you're a pickle lover you have to give this fun dish a try, it's also a great option for your veg-based guests. 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2vBEho9

GREEK BEEF KABOBS 

Tender beef infused with the flavors of Greece? What more could you ask for? This fun and easy dish is bound to become one of your favorites! 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2JcN5Jv

GRILLED SMORE BANANA POCKETS 

Need a fun dessert to end your meal? This is it! Unique, fun, and delicious, we're sure this will become your go-to summer treat. 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2XQMZLs

SWEET AND SPICY BBQ SAUCE

Not a fan of store-bought BBQ sauce? We feel you! Give this sauce with a twist a try. 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2PBCHvK

BBQ BURGERS 

Can't decide between BBQ or Burgers? Who says you have to choose! With this awesome recipe you can have the best of both worlds! 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2IRgKsj

FLANK STEAK WITH CILANTRO BUTTER & BLUE CHEESE

Who can say no to flank steak? Especially when it's dressed with citrus, cilantro and blue cheese! 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2GT09ls

QUICK BBQ BEANS

Do you usually opt for a can of baked beans to avoid the long prep time involved in making them from scratch? Say goodbye to the Busch's because these quick bbq beans are easier than you think and so much more delicious than store-bought! 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2V3MHUy

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

GM Officially Announces Plans for Electric Pickup

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- It's official: GM is planning on building an electric pickup. This new has been highly speculated for several months but was recently confirmed by GM CEO, Mary Barra, on a call with investors, following her report of the corporation's 2019 first-quarter earnings. 

Recently, GM and Plymouth-based electric vehicle start-up Rivian had been in talks with the intention of collaborating on an electric project together, but that appeared to fall apart rather quickly as rival Ford Motor Co. announced it would invest $500 million in the small company to develop all-new, battery-electric vehicles for the Ford portfolio. 

GM has made it clear through numerous talks and press releases that it is in the early stages of a plan to release 20 new electric vehicles by 2023, and since pickups are a key profit-driver for GM as well as their Detroit competitors, it only makes sense that an electric truck would be in the works. To further add to the seriousness of this announcement, GM has been slowly working behind the scenes to restructure its leadership to prepare for this electrification pivot - promoting former electric-vehicle development chief Pamela Fletcher to the senior leadership team in September, in addition to former global product chief Mark Reuss to president of GM earlier this year. 

Mary Barra led into the announcement stating that: 

"GM has an industry-leading truck franchise and industry-leading electrification capabilities. I assure you we will not cede our leadership on either front...we intend to create an all-electric future that will include a complete range of EVs - including full-size pickups." 


She then went on to say that she would share more details when it became "competitively appropriate". All other GM spokespeople have declined to comment. 

How do you feel about the idea of an electric pickup? Is it a hit or a miss for you? Comment and let us know! 

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Summer RoadTrip Bucket List

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- Trying to plan out your summer vacation? Michigan is full of beautiful destinations that make for the perfect warm-weather roadtrip, check out our favorites, and make sure to bring your vehicle into Graff Mt. Pleasant to make sure it's adventure-ready! 

THE DELTA COLLEGE PLANETARIUM 

PICTURED ROCKS 

SLEEPING BEAR DUNES 

MACKINAW BRIDGE 

SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN 

PIERCE STOCKING SCENIC DRIVE 

ESCANABA 

ESTIVANT PINES 

ISLE ROYALE 

MACKINAW ISLAND 

Where are your favorite summer roadtrip destinations? Comment and let us know! 

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

GM's High Truck Sales Allow Financing for Self-Driving Cars

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- General Motors is pushing ahead in the electric/self-driving car game, and their self-given deadline to deploy a fleet of autonomous vehicles for ride-sharing is fast approaching! 

In a press conference in February, when asked about the corporation's progress on the project, Mary Barra stated that GM was "continuing to make rapid progress with the technology" and that they were "the only player out there with the hardware and the software under one roof". 

But that kind of progress comes with a fair amount of spending, so how is the corporation able to afford this project? They're relying on their core business: trucks. GM reported a net profit of $2.1 billion for the first quarter, up from $1.1 billion a year ago! 

Numerous skeptics on Wall Street, and from other automakers have come out with statements that express doubt towards GM's ability to hold to their established timeline, but the Detroit carmaker is not backing down from their promises. Do you think GM will be able to meet their deadline of releasing a self-driving fleet of vehicles by late this year/early next? Why or why not? 

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

5 Gifts Your Mom Will Love

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- Let's be real, your mom doesn't want breakfast in bed, or ANOTHER hosta plant. She's probably gotten the same gifts every year, ever since she became a mom, so why not mix it up? After all, she deserves it. So what does your mom want? We might have some ideas. 

CUSTOM FAMILY PORTRAIT 

Give your mom a gift she'll treasure forever, a custom family portrait that's drawn to capture the unique characteristics of HER family. Every detail is customizable and pets can be included too! Just send the artist a photo of your family and let them do their magic! 

Shop this Item Now: https://etsy.me/2J4UZVa

WEIGHTED BLANKET

Unless you live under a rock, you've probably heard the buzz about weighted blankets. They're great for people who struggle with settling into sleep. Even if your mom typically experiences the peak of restlessness when it comes to heading off to dreamland, the comforting weight and coziness of this blanket will do the trick. 

Shop this Item Now: http://bit.ly/2LeYL0Y

SELF-ROLLING YOGA MAT

If your mom is always hitting up the yoga studio, this mat is sure to be a hit! After a long session of sweating, stretching, and namaste-ing, the last thing she wants to do is struggle with her mat. This gem does it for her! All she has to do is flip it over, click a button and it rolls up all by itself! 

Shop this Item Now: https://amzn.to/2Lhzq6n

KITCHEN-AID 5 QT STAND MIXER 

Is your mom still using that janky mixer she's had since the 1990s to craft her incredible pastries? Give her the equipment that's as wonderful as her end product. Not only is this mixer an iconic kitchen staple, it's reliable and efficient - so you can be assured she'll be enjoying it for many years to come. 

We feel like this one speaks for itself. Mother is always right. 

Stop this Item Now: https://etsy.me/2GVlPNX. 

What are you planning on getting your Mom for Mother's Day? If you decided to go with any of our picks, make sure to comment and tell us how she liked it

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Change is in the Air at Bowling Green Plant

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- In order to prepare for the release of the 2019 Next Generation Corvette that will be revealed on July 18, 2019, General Motors is adding a second shift and more than 400 hourly jobs at its Bowling Green Assembly plant in Kentucky to support the production of the Next Generation Corvette - increasing the plant's workforce to more than 1,300. 

Since 2011, GM has invested more than $900 million into Bowling Green, including investments towards a new body shop, increased engine capacity, a new paint shop, Performance Build Center, and additional plant upgrades. The plant has produced more than one million Corvettes since it opened in 1981, and its annual economic impact includes more than $76 million in state wages and $15 million in income tax. 

The Corvette is known around the world as America's sports car, with the first-generation Corvette being introduced in 1953. It was originally designed as a show car for the 1953 Motorama display at the New York Auto Show, but it generated enough interest to go into production, and has been a staple nameplate of the Chevrolet brand ever since. Mary Barra, the current CEO of General Motors addressed the Corvette's legacy saying: 

"The Corvette's iconic status owes so much to the men and women of Bowling Green, where it has been built exclusively for almost 40 years...this is the workforce that can deliver a next generation Corvette worthy of both its historic past and an equally exciting future, and today's announcement gets us one step closer to its reveal on July 18." 

The seventh and most current generation Corvette was revealed in January 2013 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit and was the first to bring back the Stingray nameplate since 1976. The final production seventh-generation Corvette will be auctioned off this summer with proceeds benefitting the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. 

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Celebrate Grilled Cheese Month With These Amazing Recipes

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- April is National Grilled Cheese month, and we really can't think of any sandwich more deserving of a 30-day long celebration. It's America's favorite sandwich for a reason. It's easy, fast, and made from the two ingredients that we can never get enough of: cheese and bread. Want to celebrate to the fullest (or until you're fullest)? Give a few of these fun spins on the traditional recipe a try! Happy cooking! 

ARTICHOKE ARUGULA PESTO GRILLED CHEESE

Wave goodbye to those ordinary grilled cheese sandwiches you've been eating your whole life because once you try this upgraded, adult version there's no going back. 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2GAATAq

PROSCIUTTO, FIG JAM, FONTINA & PROVOLONE GRILLED CHEESE

Have you ever wished that you could just take a charcuterie board and turn it into a warm, melty sandwich that hugs your insides? Well, your wish has now come true. 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2Uzf3Rm. 

BALLPARK FRANK GRILLED CHEESE

This one's for the kids, but hey, if you make one or two for yourself, we won't judge! This recipe is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters, after all, who hates hate cheese and hotdogs? 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2DoJzIb. 

BLUEBERRY-CREAM CHEESE GRILLED CHEESE

Who says lunch gets to have all the fun? Try this sweet, creamy, breakfast rendition of what is typically a midday favorite. It's easy, fast, and so, so good! 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2VmH8zW. 

AVOCADO GREEN GODDESS GRILLED CHEESE

You may think that the words "grilled cheese" and "healthy" don't belong anywhere near each other, and while this rendition isn't necessarily the most healthy meal you'll ever eat (at least we hope!), the avocado definitely brings it a step up from your typical GC, nutritionwise. 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2vjdIEd. 

INSIDE-OUT GRILLED HAM & CHEESE

This may sound insane, but before you go imagining crusted, burnt cheese on all your skillets, let us tell you 2 things. #1 the cheese on the outside is parmesan so there won't be much of mess for you to scrape off, and #2 yes it's insane. Insanely good. 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2ICLVHK

BREAKFAST GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH

For those of you that aren't into sweet breakfast dishes, but are still all about enjoying a grilled cheese before you start your day, we present to you this masterpiece - it's got eggs, cheese, and sausage, what more could you want? 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2KVIGwQ.

VEGAN JALAPENO POPPER GRILLED CHEESE

Hey vegans! You didn't think we'd leave you out, did you? This sassy sandwich is the height of vegan comfort food, allowing you to enjoy melty, cheezy, spicy goodness - without the guilt! Perfect for game day or any day, make one (or two) for the most enjoyable afternoon snack you'll ever have - or slice into little squares for the perfect party appetizer! 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2GtItvx. 

VEGAN PIZZA GRILLED CHEESE

If you're a vegan, you know the struggle when it comes to Pizza, you either make it at home, get it from Whole Foods, or resign yourself to pizza being nothing more than marinara-sauced bread. Feeling like you're in the mood for a pie, but don't want to go through the effort usually required for vegan pizza? Try this grilled cheese version instead! We guarantee you'll become obsessed. 

Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2GwfI15. 

VEGAN BASIL BUTTERNUT SQUASH GRILLED CHEESE

Just because you're a Vegan, doesn't mean you can't enjoy indulgent comfort food - and this rich, flavorful sandwich is proof! It's simple and easy to make - but oh so good! The best part? It's soy-free, and since the recipe calls for GF bread, it's gluten-free as well, so it's a great option for those who have a very limited diet. All the deliciousness, none of the things you can't eat! 

 Get the Recipe Here: http://bit.ly/2GtKDLF. 

VEGAN WALNUT, SUN-DRIED TOMATO & BASIL GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH

Feeling the Mediterranean? Give this 'which a try! It's made with GO Veggie! Dairy Free Cream Cheese for an extra creamy and melty mouthfeel, plus the walnuts make it super filling - which can't always be said about vegan dishes.

We hope you gained some creative cooking inspiration from this list! Have you tried any of these recipes? Comment and let us know how they turned out, or tell us what your favorite spin on the classic grilled cheese is. Until next time!

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

GM Soon to Have Auto-Industry's First Majority Female Board

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- After two male directors retire, the GM board will lead the way for gender equality in the auto industry by becoming the first automotive corporation to have a majority female board. This first for an automaker places GM among a small handful of companies with roughly the same number of men and women at the highest level. 

This shift comes during a time where women are slowly gaining more power at the largest U.S. companies, lifted by pressure from investors and employees as well as state-mandated quotas. Researcher Equilar says women may now compromise half the members of Russell 3000 company boards by 2034, a forecast that's been shortened by two decades since 2016. 

Unless major changes take place in the composition of other company boards, Barra and incoming Best Buy Co. CEO Corrie Barry will become the only female CEOs in the S&P 500 who serve a board with a majority of women directors. 

Additionally, the board will shrink from 13 to 11 members, with two directors not standing for re-election at the annual meeting on June 4, the company said in its proxy filing. Jim Mulva, former CEO of ConocoPhillips, and Admiral Mike Mullen, former chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, are both 72, the retirement age for the automaker's board. 

The board will temporarily waive the retirement age requirement for Lead Director Tim Solso, also 72, for one year to assist in GM's "period of transformation" the company said. Six women, including Chief Executive Officer Mary Barra and five men complete the slate of members up for shareholder's approval at the annual meeting. 

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Plant the Michigan Garden of Your Dreams

MT. PLEASANT, Mich -- Summer will be here before you know it, and you know what that means! Time to start planning your garden. While Michigan's temperamental weather can be difficult to deal with in terms of gardening, there are a number of plants that do very well in our climate. Even if you're not a green thumb per se, give these little guys a try, you may be surprised at your results. Let's dive in!  

MICHIGAN ROSE 

This native plant is extremely hardy and requires very little maintenance, making it a great addition to any garden. They grow on a shrub that usually reaches 4-6', and they bloom all summer in shades of pink, red, and white. They are incredibly fragrant, prefer full sun, and work with all soil types. 

CARROTS 

Carrots do extremely well all over Michigan as they prefer cool soil and temperatures - so for best results make them a spring or fall crop. They also do better in well-draining, non-compacted soil, so make sure to rake your garden bed well. They do take some time to germinate, but you can speed up the process by planting a row of radishes in between each line of carrots as radishes germinate rather quickly. 

THYME 

This hearty herb is undeterred by all of Michigan's climate mood swings, it can even survive during our harsh winters! Make sure you plant it in well-drained soil and in an area where it can receive full sun. Most varieties are drought resistant - so you don't have to worry about forgetting to water it. It does grow at a rather vigorous pace, so make sure you give it space accordingly. 

TRILLIUM 

This pure, spring beauty is a rare find in states other than Michigan, and it is protected here due to its endangered status. If you plan to plant trilliums, make sure you only buy them from a reputable nursery - do not gather them from the roadside! They bloom in early spring and then disappear for the rest of the year, so don't panic when they stop blooming. They prefer shady, moist woodland settings, so be sure to plant them in a secluded area. 

LETTUCE 

Another cool weather crop, lettuce does well in the chillier climate that is typical for Michigan. Greens in general, require very nutrient-rich soil, but they are frost-hardy, so plan to plant them outside in April. They also need plenty of room to stretch out, so make sure to put them in the ground about six inches apart. 

LAVENDER 

This bushy, strong-scented perennial does best when planted in the spring, and it's foliage tends to stay green or grey through all seasons in most regions. They do well in most types of soil, regardless of the quality, however, they do not take kindly to heavy or clay soil, and should be kept away from wet, moist areas. Make sure to plant them 2 to 3 feet apart to give them room to spread out as well. 

BEE BALM 

This Michigan native is very aptly named, if you're looking to bring all the honeybees to your yard, these bright red flowers will certainly do the trick. They bloom in late summer and also come in purple or pink varieties. Plant them in full sun or part shade for best results, and make sure to keep the soil fairly moist. 

SWEET WOODRUFF 

This often-forgotten herb has numerous edible (it tastes slightly like vanilla) and medicinal uses and gives off a clean scent that lends it to be used in air fresheners. It should be planted in a shady area in moist but well-draining soil that is rich in organic material from things like decomposing leaves and branches. Once the plants are established they require very little care - they will not require fertilizer, and should only be watered during a drought. 

TOMATOES 

Ah, the quintessential summer vegetable...or should we say...fruit? Tomatoes do extremely well in Michigan, however, they are not frost-hardy, so you have to make sure to plant them after the threat of frost passes - middle of May is probably your safest bet. Make sure to plant them in an area that receives full sun, and has well-drained soil. Make sure each plant is at least 2 feet away from their nearest tomato neighbor, and as they grow to make sure to stake them to prevent damage to the plant or the fruit. 

EVENING PRIMROSE 

This Michigan native is a staple in numerous gardens, and for good reason. It's bright, clear, yellow blooms are tolerant of poor soil and drought. Plus, they spread quickly. They bloom in early summer and they do prefer full sun, although some have had luck with them in part shade. 

What are you planning on planting this spring? Comment and let us know! We love hearing from you! 

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.