Meeting the Moment for Food Assistance
On November 1, the federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, will be paused. The 23,000+ Berrien County residents who rely on these benefits to help feed their families will be in need. That’s why Berrien Community Foundation is calling on the community to donate food items at one of eight donation sites. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides over $3 million in food aid in Berrien County every month. Those dollars are spent at our local
2025 SWMI & National September Housing Market - Slight Increase in Sales from a Year Ago
At the end of the peak selling season of 2025, house sales increased 3 percent in September from September 2024 (2167 vs. 2099). Sales dropped to 304 from 314 sold in August, the current record month for sales this year. Selling prices in September continued to rise and set records in the year-over-year comparison that reaches back to 2006. The number of houses sold in September increased 20 percent (fifty houses) from September 2024 (304 vs.254). The inventory of houses for sale dropped by eight houses
Senator Peters’ Bipartisan Legislation to Bolster America’s Economic Competitiveness Passes Commerce
Bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) to increase America’s global economic competitiveness and spur international investment across the United States has passed the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. For decades, foreign direct investment in the U.S. has bolstered Michigan’s economy by creating good-paying, high demand jobs in communities across our state, supporting innovation through research and development, and boosting the export of American-made
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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
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
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
