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City of Buchanan Announces Ribbon Cutting for Downtown Infrastructure and Placemaking Project
Regional Chamber Honors and Celebrates the 2025 HYPE Winners
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Jasmine Hansen Events Director jhansen@smrchamber.com 269-932-4605 Regional Chamber Honors and Celebrates the 2025 HYPE Winners November 20, 2025 Stevensville, MI – Southwest Michigan’s brightest entrepreneurial talent gathered at the Watermark Solarium last night for the second annual HYPE – Highlighting Young Professional Excellence. Hosted by the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber in partnership with the Emerge Innovation Hub, this dynamic event
Lake Michigan College Career Center Honored with Prestigious 2025 Handshake Career Spark Award
Lake Michigan College has been recognized with a 2025 Handshake Career Spark Award, placing the institution among the top 2% of career centers nationwide. The award celebrates excellence in student engagement, employer engagement, and reporting and analytics.Out of more than 1,500 educational institutions using Handshake, only 40 career centers received this distinguished honor. Lake Michigan College was selected as one of ten winners in its school category, demonstrating the career center's exceptional
The Recovery Den Grand Opening Set for November 22nd
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Jazmine Tuck Manager, Operations and Marketing The Recovery Den jazmine.tuck@recoveryden.com THE RECOVERY DEN GRAND OPENING SET FOR NOVEMBER 22ND Stevensville's Newest Business Opening Inside the Village Square November 19th, 2025 STEVENSVILLE, MI – Downtown Stevensville’s Village Square is gaining another business with the grand opening of The Recovery Den on Saturday, November 22nd at 2650 John Beers Rd.. Owned by
Bridgman's Holiday Village Returns December 6th
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Nancy Kiernan Bridgman CGA Director 269-285-2152 NKiernan@BridgmanCGA.org Bridgman's Holiday Village Returns December 6th November 18, 2025 Bridgman, Michigan – On Saturday, December 6th downtown Bridgman will be transformed into the ultimate Christmas destination with the return of the beloved Holiday Village. This event, is organized and orchestrated by the Greater Bridgman Area Chamber & Growth Alliance (Bridgman CGA), an affiliate of the Southwest
East Campground Bathhouse Renovation Completed at Weko Beach & Campground
EAST CAMPGROUND BATHHOUSE RENOVATION COMPLETED AT WEKO BEACH & CAMPGROUND Funded by the MDNR Recreation Passport grant program November 6, 2025 Bridgman, Michigan – The City of Bridgman is pleased to announce the completion of the East Campground Bathhouse Renovation Project at Weko Beach & Campground. This exciting improvement enhances visitor comfort and supports continued excellence in the campground’s amenities. The project was made possible through grant funding from the Michigan Department
LMC Visual & Performing Arts Department holding auditions for Spring musical production of “Big Fish
The Lake Michigan College Visual & Performing Arts Department will hold open auditions for the Spring musical production of "Big Fish," directed by LMC Instructor of Theatre Shalico Sain. Auditions will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 9, and from 6:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, in the LMC Mendel Center Hanson Theatre, 2755 E. Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor. Students and community members are welcome to participate and need only attend one audition date, though they should plan to stay for the full
Best-Selling Guitarist Bryan Lubeck Presents ‘Welcome Winter with Bryan Lubeck & Friends’
Best-Selling Guitarist Bryan Lubeck Presents ‘Welcome Winter with Bryan Lubeck & Friends’ An Intimate Acoustic Holiday Concert at the Box Factory on Dec. 13 ST. JOSEPH, MI – The Box Factory for the Arts welcomes the season with “Welcome Winter with Bryan Lubeck & Friends,” an intimate, all-acoustic holiday concert led by best-selling guitarist Bryan Lubeck. Drawing from his Top-10 ranked holiday favorite “We Three Strings” and his best-selling release “Welcome Winter,” Lubeck blends Spanish-guitar
United Way of Southwest Michigan Supports SMCAA’s “Stuff a Truck” 2025 to Help Food Insecurity
United Way of Southwest Michigan is coming together with the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency (SMCAA) to support their annual “Stuff a Truck” Food Drive with 99.9 Y Country and News Talk Sports 94.9 WSJM. The event takes place this week, November 17-21 from 6am-6pm and Saturday, November 22 from 10am-Noon at Roger’s Foodland in St. Joseph. The event is now in its 29th year raising funds, food, and personal care items for the SMCAA with the need continually rising each year. “One of our
HOLIDAY SHOPPERS WILL FIND GREAT BUYS THROUGHOUT SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN ON BLACK FRIDAY AND SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY, NOV. 28-29
Holiday shoppers seeking great deals will find them throughout Southwest Michigan (SWMI), on Black Friday, November 28, and Small Business Saturday, November 29. "Find unique, locally sourced gifts for everyone on your list right here in St. Joe," says Paul Knapp, executive director of St. Joe Today. "Our local merchants offer everything from gourmet foods and handcrafted wines to one-of-a-kind toys and games." Knapp said another appreciated gift this holiday season is a Love Local SWMI Gift Card,
Over 1,500 Volunteers Rake a Difference Across Southwest Michigan in 2025
United Way of Southwest Michigan’s 15th Annual Rake a Difference event was held Thursday, November 13 as volunteers spread throughout Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties to rake leaves and clean gutters for senior citizens. The event saw its biggest volunteer number ever, with a total of 1,541 volunteers participating across 148 teams. Over 347 senior homes were served during this year’s event. A massive 11,455 leaf bags were distributed to teams as well.Rake a Difference is a vital community event where
HYPE is proud to announce the contestant finalists, come support them on November 19th at the Solarium by Watermark
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Jasmine Hansen Events Director jhansen@smrchamber.com 269-932-4605 MEET THE 2025 HYPE CONTESTANTS HYPE is proud to announce the contestant finalists, come support them on November 19th at the Solarium by Watermark November 13, 2025 Saint Joseph, MI - On August 1st, the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, announced the return of HYPE – Highlighting Young Professional Excellence, a Shark Tank-style pitch competition that gives early-stage business owners
Lake Michigan College ensembles unite for annual Holiday Collage concert
The warmth and spirit of the season will fill the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Grand Upton Hall when the LMC Visual & Performing Arts Department presents its annual Holiday Collage concert at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3. The College’s complete lineup of instrumental and vocal ensembles will come together in song, accompanied by dramatic readings during this festive celebration. The evening features performances by the LMC Concert Choir, LMC Vocal Chamber, and Vox LMC directed by Rebecca Derbas-Selvidge,
Cook Plant Foundation Awards $50,000 Grant to Support ''Salute the Troops Playground'' at Bridgman Ame
The Greater Bridgman Area Chamber and Growth Alliance (BCGA) is proud to announce that the Cook Plant Foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant in support of the Salute the Troops Playground, a new military service-themed community park to be developed at the Bridgman American Legion Post 331. The Salute the Troops Playground is designed to honor local veterans and active-duty service members while providing a safe, inclusive, and engaging recreational space for families throughout the Bridgman area. The
Lake Michigan College to Host Two-Day Speaker Series on Global Perspectives, Part of the Annual Celebration of International Education Week
Lake Michigan College invites the public to a dynamic two-day event series featuring international experts discussing cross-cultural communication and Pan-Africanism. Both events are free and open to the community. Wednesday, November 19, 2025 "The Benefits of Multiple Perspectives: Lessons from International Experts" The Unspoken Language of Success Ever wonder why a thumbs-up works in one country but offends in another? Or how the best leaders read the room without a single word being
GhostLight Theatre’s announces it’s 2025 Season FINALE “THE THANKSGIVING PLAY – a comedy by Larissa Fasthorse November 13th – Nov. 23rd directed by Michael Alan Herman
A fully staged production of the wickedly funny satire“The Thanksgiving Play – a play by Larissa Fasthorse” will be produced at The GhostLight Theatre beginning Thursday, November 13th through Sunday, November 23rd. Stage Directed by Michael Alan Herman, The Thanksgiving Play features a 4-person cast including Kip Bartloff, Shane Blair, Josie Eli Herman and Rebecca Maxey. A group of mismatched teachers and actors have been charged by the school district to devise an ethnically sensitive play to somehow
Relax into Four Hearts Sound Journey this holiday season
The holidays are a time to celebrate with friends and family, but don’t forget about your own health! Come and enjoy a Four Hearts Sound Journey for the Season that creates time for YOU to rest, relax and meditate on all the gifts you have in your life. Experience the Four Hearts Sound Journey on Saturday, December 6, 4–6pm, at the Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St. in St. Joseph. Tickets are $44. Reserve your spot at ticketstripe.com/soundbath. Walk-ins are also welcome. Four Hearts is comprised
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ST. JOE TODAY’S WINTER EVENTS KICK OFF THE 2025 HOLIDAY SEASON
Getting into the holiday spirit is easy when you visit downtown St. Joseph! On Friday, November 21, kick off the holiday season with two great community events - Luminary and Countdown to New Year. Friday (November 21) evening will begin with the warm glow of hundreds of luminaries lining the streets of downtown St. Joseph from 5:00p-8:00p. Luminary, sponsored by The Boulevard Inn & Bistro, creates a great atmosphere for all ages to enjoy sales, specialty items, giveaways, complimentary gift wrapping
Lake Michigan College, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber seek applications for 2026 Cohort of Leadership Accelerator Program
Lake Michigan College and the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber are now accepting applications for the 2026 cohort of Leadership Accelerator, the region’s premier program for emerging leaders. The program combines the college’s academic expertise with the Chamber’s network of business, nonprofit, and civic leaders, resulting in a unique blend of classroom learning, practical experience, and community-focused insight.“Leadership Accelerator is designed around a curriculum that builds the full spectrum of
Lake Michigan College to showcase new Physical Therapist Assistant degree program at Nov. 11 open house
Lake Michigan College will introduce its new Physical Therapist Assistant program to the public during an open house on Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 6-7:30 p.m. The event will be held at the College’s South Haven Campus, where the program is based. The campus is located at 125 Veterans Blvd. High school students and adults considering training for a career in health care, area health care professionals, and the broader community are invited to meet faculty and staff, learn about the program and entrance
2026 BUSINESS RECOGNITION AWARD NOMINATIONS & SPONSORSHIPS NOW OPEN
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Jasmine Hansen Events Director Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber jhansen@smrchamber.com2026 BUSINESS RECOGNITION AWARD NOMINATIONS & SPONSORSHIPS NOW OPEN Chamber Seeking Public Nominations for Individuals and Businesses October 30, 2025 ST. JOSEPH, MI – As 2025 comes to a close, the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is inviting the public to nominate exceptional individuals and businesses who have made a meaningful impact in and around our community
Makers Market kicks off the holiday season on Nov. 29 with one-of-a-kind gift items
The Makers Market will once again transform the Box Factory into a three-story artisan marketplace on Thanksgiving weekend. The bustling market takes place as part of Small Business Saturday, from 9am–5pm on November 29 at the Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St. in St. Joseph. A cash bar, food and desserts will add to the holiday cheer. All are welcome! Admission is $5, free for children 12 years and younger. The Makers Market is a daylong celebration of creativity, community, and one-of-a-kind gift
Lake Michigan College Dean Selected for Prestigious Michigan ACE Women's Network Leadership Mentorsh
Lake Michigan College is proud to announce that Dr. LaToya Mason, Dean of Health Sciences Education, has been selected as a mentee for the Michigan ACE Women's Network Senior-Level Leadership Job Shadow Program for the 2025-26 academic year. This prestigious opportunity marks a significant milestone for both Dr. Mason and the college as the program celebrates its tenth anniversary. The Shadow Program, now in its landmark tenth year, pairs aspiring women leaders with university presidents and senior
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
Lake Michigan College Visual & Performing Arts Department brings magical mischief to the stage with “Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic”
The Lake Michigan College Visual & Performing Arts Department presents a clever and imaginative comedy experience when they bring "Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic" to the LMC Mendel Center Hanson Theatre on the College’s Benton Harbor Campus. Performances are at 7 p.m. Nov. 20-22 and 2 p.m. Nov. 23. Concessions and a bar featuring a specialty cocktail will be available at each performance. Tickets are available online
Lake Michigan College recognizes outstanding alumni and supporters at annual event
During a ceremony at the Mendel Center on Saturday, Oct. 25, Lake Michigan College recognized its annual alumni and supporter award recipients. Three alumni awards are given annually: the Alumni Achievement Award, the Gladys Peeples-Burks Alumni Service Award, and the Clarence Beckwith Distinguished Alumni Award. In addition, the LMC Board of Trustees recognizes friends of the college who have championed the role of higher education in southwest Michigan with the Bernard C. Radde Distinguished Service
Families invited to ‘Make Your Wish’ holiday event Nov. 16 at Box Factory
The public is invited to join Girl Scout Troop #56011 and author Denise McGowan Tracy at a "make your wish" event at the Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St. The free event takes place on Sunday, November 16, beginning at 1:30pm, and includes a book presentation, sing-along and bake sale. Author and playwright Denise McGowan Tracy will read passages from her book, Eleanor's Very Merry Christmas Wish, and lead a holiday sing-along accompanied by pianist Chris Hyatt. Hyatt, a musician and composer who
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
“ROCKY HORROR SHOW – The Musical” (rated-R) Returns October 29th – Nov. 2nd at The GhostLight Theatre – featuring Guest Narrators, Audience Participation, Double Casts & More!
A fully staged production of “The Rocky Horror Show – The Musical” will be produced for the 3rd consecutive season at The GhostLight Theatre beginning October 29th through Halloween weekend, and Sunday, November 2nd. Stage Directed by GhostLight GM/Artistic Director Paul Mow and Co-Directed/Choreographed by Paige Mulick, Rocky Horror will also feature a different guest narrator each evening. This production is Rated-R for content, and is meant for mature audiences only. Only adults 18+ will be permitted
Berrien Community Foundation Recognizes LMC with Golden Acorn Award
BENTON HARBOR, MI – The Berrien Community Foundation recognized Lake Michigan College with the coveted Golden Acorn Award at its 73rd annual meeting this month. “Each year we recognize an organization that goes above and beyond to serve our community,” stated BCF Board Secretary Phil Molloy. “This year it is our honor to recognize Lake Michigan College for leadership, partnership, and dedication to the community,” he added. In addition to the award and recognition, LMC will receive a check for $4
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WILLOWBROOK FARMS OPENS PRE-ORDERS FOR PREMIUM PASTURE RAISED THANKSGIVING TURKEYS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Vanessa Frias Co-Owner/Co-Founder vanessa@willowbrookmi.com 574-386-7550 WILLOWBROOK FARMS OPENS PRE-ORDERS FOR PREMIUM PASTURE RAISED THANKSGIVING TURKEYS Pre-order now to guarantee your turkey and support Willowbrook Farms October 24, 2025 CASSOPOLIS, MI – Willowbrook Farms, the Cassopolis-based first-generation farm and proud recipient of the 2024 Cass County Farmer of the Year award, today announced the launch of its highly anticipated Thanksgiving
Attention Is the New Currency: Smart Ways Small Brands Earn It and Keep It
Modern consumers scroll fast, decide faster, and remember little — unless you give them a reason to stop. For startups and small businesses, that means every second of attention must count. This guide unpacks practical, non-gimmicky strategies to attract, convert, and retain time-pressed customers while building long-term trust. TL;DR If you only have 30 seconds: Lead with clarity and empathy, not complexity. Make your first impression friction-free — one click, one message, one
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
