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2025 HALLOWEEN FESTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF OCTOBER
ST. JOSEPH, MI—St. Joe Today and participating businesses invite the SWMI community to enjoy two great Halloween events this October - Pumpkins on Parade and Halloween Trick-Or-Treat! SWMI businesses and restaurants will display their decorated pumpkins during Pumpkins on Parade, October 20-31. The community is invited to visit participating locations to view the pumpkins and vote for their favorite. Votes can be cast online at stjoetoday.com/vote until 11:59p October 30. The top three winners will be
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Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber and Greater Niles Chamber Announce Historic Partnership
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Arthur Havlicek President & CEO Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber ahavlicek@smrchamber.com Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber and Greater Niles Chamber Announce Historic Partnership First-of-its-kind alignment strengthens regional collaboration and competitiveness October 22, 2025 NILES, MI – The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber and the Greater Niles Chamber have announced a formal partnership designed to strengthen regional collaboration, improve
New diagnostic medical sonography lab at Lake Michigan College on display during Oct. 30 public open house
BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – Lake Michigan College will showcase a $377,000 investment in regional health care training when it hosts a community open house of its newly renovated diagnostic medical sonography lab. The open house will be held 3 – 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30, in the Main Academic Building on the LMC Benton Harbor Campus located at 2755 E. Napier Avenue. The event will include tours of the new labs, ultrasound equipment demonstrations, and refreshments. The sonography lab is located on the first
Celebrate “The Pearl on Broad Street” at the Box Factory’s Member Show
The Box Factory for the Arts presents its Series 6 Exhibit – the annual Member Show, which showcases original works by over 50 regional artists, all of who are members of the Berrien Artist Guild. More than 100 pieces representing a variety of mediums will be exhibited in galleries on all three floors of the historic building. The public is invited, free of charge, to the Opening Reception on Friday, Nov. 7, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The evening’s festivities include a cash bar and refreshments. The
Regional Chamber, REALTORS® Back LMC Millage Renewals
The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber and Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS® have moved to endorse Lake Michigan College’s two millage renewals appearing on the Nov. 4 ballot, citing workforce development, economic stability, and community vitality as compelling reasons for their support. According to the Chamber, the region’s employers continue to face unprecedented challenges finding qualified workers—particularly candidates with the technical skills, certifications, and hands-on
Hickory Creek Revival celebrates its musical roots in concert at the Box Factory on Nov. 8
The band Hickory Creek Revival is made up of four siblings who grew up playing folk and bluegrass music in St. Joseph, MI. Now accomplished musicians, songwriters and poets, the Willeys will return to their hometown for a festive concert on Saturday, November 8, from 7-9 p.m. at the Box Factory for the Arts. At the performance, they will also unveil a short documentary about their latest project. Reserve your seats for this popular band! Tickets are $15 cabaret seating and $12 general admission
Southwest Michigan Regional Airport Names New Director
The Southwest Michigan Regional Airport Authority Board has announced the appointment of Christopher Beckman as the new Airport Director, following a unanimous vote during the board’s Aug. 21st meeting. The decision came after a thorough search and recommendation from the Airport’s hiring committee. Beckman brings over a decade of military and civilian aviation management experience to the position, having served in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard. His background includes overseeing large-scale
LMC students earn spots on Summer President’s, Dean’s Lists 2025
Lake Michigan College has announced the names of students recognized for academic achievement during the 2025 Summer semester.There were three students named to the President’s List, achieving a 4.0 GPA at full-time status. The Dean’s List, meanwhile, includes 19 full-time students and 175 part-time students who achieved a 3.5 GPA or higher. President’s ListBenton HarborIsaiah NemethyGrand JunctionMichelle GibsonNilesJacob WecklerSaint Joseph Christopher BelinStevensville Rachel Moguel Dean’s
LMC Concert Choir and Middle School Honors Choir Unite to Celebrate Female Composers Oct. 28
Top middle school singers will unite with Lake Michigan College's Concert Choir to celebrate the artistic brilliance and creativity of women who have enriched choral music during Illuminate: Shining a Light on Female Composers and Arrangers. The free performance will happen at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28 on the LMC Mendel Center Jenkins Theatre stage, located on the College’s Benton Harbor campus at 2755 E. Napier Ave. The concert features a diverse repertoire spanning centuries, from sacred Baroque works to
Trevor Strefling Named to YMCA of Greater Michiana Board of Directors
The YMCA of Greater Michiana is proud to announce the appointment of Trevor A. Strefling, partner at Tyler Automotive in Niles, Michigan, to its Board of Directors. Strefling brings a strong commitment to community involvement, family values, and people-centered leadership, along with a personal connection to the YMCA’s mission of strengthening families and youth development. A longtime supporter of health and wellness, he credits his experiences growing up at the South Bend YMCA with shaping his belief in
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Honor Credit Union Announces Final Numbers from 2025 Free Community Shred Days
Honor Credit Union Announces Final Numbers from 2025 Free Community Shred Days BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN – October 7, 2025 – Honor Credit Union is proud to announce the success of its 2025 Free Community Shred Days, making a meaningful impact across Michigan. In partnership with NAID Certified Data Guardian and Country Mile Document Destruction, Honor hosted 10 statewide shred events this year. Together, these events securely disposed of 66,960 pounds of paper, helping communities protect personal
Theresa Caputo Live! The Experience Coming to the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center
For more than a decade, Theresa Caputo—known worldwide as the Long Island Medium—has touched the lives of millions of fans, comforting supporters when they need it most. Now Southwest Michigan fans will get their chance at healing when the acclaimed medium and beloved personality appears live at the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Jenkins Theatre in Benton Harbor on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for this extraordinary event will go on sale Friday, Oct. 10, at 10 a.m. and can be purchased
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NEW HALLOWEEN-THEMED EVENT, DOWNTOWN SPOOKTACULAR, OCTOBER 18
St. Joe Today hosts a new Halloween-themed event, Downtown Spooktacular, on Saturday, October 18, from 11:00a-4:00p in the grassy lot located at the corner of Lake Boulevard and Pleasant Street. Downtown Spooktacular activities include: Spooktacular Market | 11:00a-4:00pOutdoor Halloween-themed Artisan Market! Spooky Lighthouse Tours | 11:00a-4:00pEnjoy a free day at the St. Joe Lighthouse! Lighthouse volunteers will share the rich nautical history of St. Joseph/Benton Harbor as you explore the
american airlines’ Inaugural service to O’Hare to take off from SOUTH BEND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
WHAT: American Airlines’ inaugural service from South Bend International Airport (SBN) to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) takes off operated by regional partner, The Landline Company, on a 35-seat luxury motorcoach. To celebrate the new service, passengers on board the 1:35 p.m. departure will be treated to a gate party with snacks and SBN giveaways. Passengers will board from SBN’s newest Gate 10. Two SBN Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting trucks will send off the departure with a water
2025 SWMI & National August Housing Market Hits the Highest Point for the Year
“Southwest Michigan’s housing market sales in August 2025 were the highest of the year and were the first time in the year when sales were over 300 homes sold. Sellers benefited from higher selling prices in August compared to August 2024. Selling prices reached their highest level compared to a year ago and for the last twenty years in the year-over-year comparison,” stated Luke Jeffries, Association Executive, Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS ® , Inc. Jeffries continued, “The number of
Lake Michigan College Board of Trustees Invites Community Input on Presidential Candidate Dr. Ken Flowers
The Lake Michigan College Board of Trustees announced today that it is considering Dr. Ken Flowers, Executive Vice President, for the position of College President and is inviting the community to participate in an open forum to meet the candidate. Following open forums held in mid-September where input was shared on desired qualities for the institution's next president, the Board has advanced Dr. Flowers as a candidate in the search process. The Board emphasized that this represents one step in a
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Honor Credit Union Promotes Dr. Paige Eagan, Ph.D. to Board Director
Honor Credit Union Promotes Dr. Paige Eagan, Ph.D. to Board Director BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 2, 2025 – Honor Credit Union is proud to announce the promotion of Dr. Paige Eagan, Ph.D. to Director on its Board of Directors. Elected to the role on September 16, 2025, following two years of service as an Associate Director, Dr. Eagan brings a wealth of professional experience, strong community engagement, and a deep commitment to Honor’s mission of providing financial solutions for its
LMC Visual & Performing Arts Department Hosts Jazz Band Concert Oct. 22
Lake Michigan College's Jazz Band will transform the Mendel Center Jenkins Theatre into an intimate jazz venue when performers and audiences share the stage for a unique concert experience at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22. The on-stage seating arrangement will create an immersive atmosphere, placing audience members in the heart of the performance. LMC Jazz Band will perform a diverse repertoire spanning swing, samba, and salsa. A highlight of the evening will be El Abrazo, translated to "The Embrace," which
Wine & Roses Vocal Concert to feature LMC choral groups Oct. 15
Romantic ballads and familiar standards will fill the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Jenkins Theatre at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, when the LMC Visual & Performing Arts department presents the Wine & Roses Vocal Concert. This free event will feature two student choral ensembles, LMC Vocal Chamber and Vox LMC, under the direction of Rebecca Derbas-Selvidge. This is an immersive concert experience with audience seating provided on the Jenkins Theatre stage with the performers. A cash wine bar featuring
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From Healing to Homeownership: ‘Project T’ Breaks Ground in Benton Harbor with 28 New Homes and a Vision for Dozens More
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Erin Hudson Executive Director & CEO Harbor Habitat for Humanity Ehudson@harborhabitat.org P: (269) 925-9635From Healing to Homeownership: ‘Project T’ Breaks Ground in Benton Harbor with 28 New Homes and a Vision for Dozens More Public-private partnership led by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), Renovare Development, Harbor Habitat for Humanity, and Whirlpool Foundation invests in sustainable, attainable homes to build generational
Bridgman Launches Capital Campaign for ''Salute the Troops'' Playground
Bridgman Launches Capital Campaign for "Salute the Troops" Playground For Immediate Release: October 1, 2025 Bridgman, Michigan – The Greater Bridgman Area Chamber and Growth Alliance (BCGA), in partnership with the Bridgman American Legion Post 331 and the City of Bridgman, is proud to announce the launch of a capital campaign to develop the new Salute the Troops community playground. This unique project will honor the service and sacrifice of veterans while providing a safe and engaging place for
Honor Credit Union Announces Winners of 2025 Annual Teacher Awards
Honor Credit Union is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Annual Teacher Awards, marking 16 years of recognizing and supporting exceptional educators. This year, Honor recognized 40 teachers from its 28 branch communities in Michigan, awarding each a $500 digital gift card to enhance their classrooms, for a combined total of $20,000 invested in local education. Originally founded as Berrien Teachers Credit Union 91 years ago, Honor remains deeply committed to giving back and celebrating the
SOUTH BEND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO CELEBRATE THE COMPLETION OF FIVE-YEAR $105 MILLION AIRFIELD PROJ
South Bend International Airport (SBN) will celebrate the completion of the five-year $105 million Taxiway Bravo Realignment and Ramp Reconstruction project with a ribbon cutting on the airfield on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. The Taxiway Bravo realignment was needed for safety and separation. The project corrected the taxiway’s geometry to enhance pilot wayfinding and separated the taxiway from the terminal ramp. These are both important as SBN has grown with larger aircraft and more frequent
Lake Michigan College Career Services Hosts Two Free October Events for Students and Community
Lake Michigan College Career Services will host two free October events on the Benton Harbor campus, both open to LMC students and community members. Wear Your Confidence – Tues., Oct. 7, 1:30 p.m.Wear Your Confidence offers an empowering afternoon focused on career readiness strategies. The event begins at 1:30 p.m. with a brief opening by Kathi Szabo, LMC Career Development Specialist, who will discuss the importance of first impressions and personal branding in job searches and career advancement. Then,
St. Joseph, MI Businesses: How to Respond to the CTA, BOI and FinCEN Now
The Corporate Transparency Act may require certain U.S. companies to disclose beneficial ownership information to FinCEN to combat financial crimes. While a Texas federal district court’s preliminary injunction puts this requirement on hold, many experts expect that to be overturned. In that event, failure to file could lead to fines of $500 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000, and possible criminal penalties. However, filing your Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report will help you avoid fines
Regional Chamber’s HYPE Pitch Competition Fuels Dreams for Young Entrepreneurs
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Arthur Havlicek President & CEO info@smrchamber.com 269-932-4042 Regional Chamber’s HYPE Pitch Competition Fuels Dreams for Young Entrepreneurs November 21, 2024 Stevensville, MI – Southwest Michigan’s brightest entrepreneurial talent gathered at the Watermark Solarium last night for the debut of HYPE – Highlighting Young Professional Excellence. Hosted by the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber in partnership with the Emerge Innovation Hub, this dynamic
