ACTE Announces Michigan Provost & Vice President of Academics, at Lake Michigan College as National
ACTE Announces Michigan Provost & Vice President of Academics, at Lake Michigan College as National Award Finalist BENTON HARBOR, MICH. – The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) has announced Dr. Kenneth Flowers, Provost & Vice President of Academics at Lake Michigan College (LMC), as the 2025 ACTE Region I Postsecondary Professional of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical professionals at the postsecondary level who have instructed and educated students
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Buchanan Boat Launch Reconstruction Project Funded by Michigan DNR Grant
The City of Buchanan announced today that it has received a $230,000 grant award from the Michigan DNR Natural Resources Trust Fund for the construction of a new boat launch at Riverfront Park on the St. Joseph River in Buchanan. According to the DNR website, the Buchanan grant application scored the 3rd highest in the State of Michigan out of 105 development applications submitted. The award comes on the heels of last year's submittal that was awarded $230,000 for an ADA-accessible kayak launch at
SBN TO DELIVER 2600 TEDDY BEARS TO CHILDREN IN FIVE AREA HOSPITALS
SOUTH BEND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO DELIVER 2600 TEDDY BEARS TO CHILDREN IN FIVE AREA HOSPITALS South Bend, IN. – South Bend International Airport’s (SBN) thirteenth annual Bears in the Air program is providing more than 2600 teddy bears to children in five area hospitals. The bears will be delivered by SBN’s CEO & Executive Director Mike Daigle and SBN team members December 18-20, 2024, to Saint Joseph Mishawaka & Plymouth Medical Centers, Beacon Children’s Hospital, Elkhart General Hospital, and
Full Circle Café & Espresso Bar Announces Farewell Open House and Retail Day
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Sarah Spoonholtz sspoonholtz@smrchamber.com 269-932-4040Full Circle Café & Espresso Bar AnnouncesFarewell Open House and Retail Day Come say goodbye, Sunday December 22nd December 16, 2024 Stevensville, Michigan – After eight and a half years in business Full Circle Café and Espresso Bar has announced their last day in business will be Sunday, December 22nd. Owners Jayme and Ryan Bendoski invite friends, customers, and the community to join them for a
Yaneli Aranda named Fall 2024 Lake Michigan College Spirit of Nursing Award Recipient
Yaneli Aranda named Fall 2024 Lake Michigan College Spirit of Nursing Award Recipient BENTON HARBOR, MICH. – Yaneli Aranda of Covert has been chosen as the Lake Michigan College Spirit of Nursing Award recipient for the Fall 2024 graduating class. The honor is awarded to the graduate from each cohort who best exemplifies the philosophy and core values of the LMC Nursing program. From the time she was 14, Aranda knew she wanted to be a nurse. The Fall 2024 Lake Michigan College Spirit of Nursing Award
Lake Michigan College Honors 2024 Alumni Award Recipients
Lake Michigan College Honors 2024 Alumni Award Recipients BENTON HARBOR, MICH. – Lake Michigan College is proud to announce the winners of its 2024 Alumni Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements and contributions by graduates who have made significant impacts in their fields and communities. Three awards are given annually; the Alumni Achievement Award, the Gladys Peeples-Burks Alumni Service Award, and the Clarence Beckwith Distinguished Service Award. This year’s honorees exemplify the
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Be Healthy Berrien Awarded $150,000 from Michigan Health Endowment Fund to Improve Health and Access
Be Healthy Berrien Awarded $150,000 from Michigan Health Endowment Fund to Improve Health and Access in Berrien County Be Healthy Berrien and Corewell Health to support the Community Leadership Academy project with the 2-year grant.Be Healthy Berrien, a collective impact initiative anchored by United Way of Southwest Michigan, has received a $150,000 award from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund (MHEF) to continue its efforts to reduce obesity in Berrien County. The two-year grant will support these
JUST ANNOUNCED: European Royal Classical Ballet presents Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake coming to the LMC M
European Royal Classical Ballet presents Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake coming to the LMC Mendel Center March 30, 2025 BENTON HARBOR, MICH. – European Royal Classical Ballet will bring Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake to Southwest Michigan for one performance only at the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Jenkins Theatre in Benton Harbor at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 30. Tickets are on sale now for this newly added special engagement. Swan Lake tells a timeless tale of romance and transformation. Set to Tchaikovsky's iconic
SOUTH BEND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO DELIVER 2600 TEDDY BEARS TO CHILDREN IN AREA HOSPITALS
South Bend International Airport’s (SBN) thirteenth annual Bears in the Air program is providing more than 2600 teddy bears to children in five area hospitals. The bears will be delivered by SBN’s CEO & Executive Director Mike Daigle and SBN team members December 18-20, 2024, to Saint Joseph Mishawaka & Plymouth Medical Centers, Beacon Children’s Hospital, Elkhart General Hospital, and Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital. Media is invited to the following deliveries: Wednesday, December 18:9:00
American Legion Post 51 to Commemorate Wreaths Across America Day in Buchanan
American Legion Post 51 to Commemorate Wreaths Across America Day in BuchananRemember the fallen. Honor those who serve. Teach the next generation the value of freedom is the mission of Wreaths Across America. The Ralph Rumbaugh American Legion Post 51 will commemorate National Wreaths Across America day Saturday, December14th. The ceremony will be held at Oakridge Cemetary, Veteran's Circle at 12:30pm on 12/14/24, with wreath laying to follow. Join us, and over 4,600 participating locations across
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
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United Way of Southwest Michigan opens nominations & applications for Volunteer Leadership Awards
United Way of Southwest Michigan opens nominations & applications for Volunteer Leadership Awards Every year, United Way of Southwest Michigan recognizes outstanding volunteers in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties with two prestigious awards ST. JOSEPH, MI – United Way of Southwest Michigan is once again seeking nominations of volunteers to receive recognition at our Annual Celebration, to be held on April 24, 2025 at the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Grand Upton Hall in Benton Harbor. Two
2025 Business Recognition Award Nominations Now Open
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Arthur Havlicek President & CEO info@smrchamber.com 269-932-4042 2025 Business Recognition Award Nominations Now Open Chamber Seeking Public Nominations for Individuals and Businesses December 10, 2024 St. Joseph, MI – As 2024 draws to a close, the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is looking for outstanding individuals and businesses who have made an impact in and around our community over the last year for their 2025 Business Recognition Awards.
Lincoln Township Public Library Announces Re-Opening Celebration
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Arthur Havlicek President & CEO info@smrchamber.com 269-932-4042 Lincoln Township Public Library Announces Re-Opening Celebration Ribbon Cutting Set for December 14th December 9, 2024 Stevensville, MI - After an extensive renovation, the Lincoln Township Public Library is set to officially reopen on Saturday, December 14th at 10:00 a.m. The ribbon cutting, hosted by the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, will welcome the community back to the Library.
Lake Michigan College recognized as a 2024 ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting
Lake Michigan College recognized as a 2024 ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting BENTON HARBOR, MICH. - The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) has recognized Lake Michigan College as a 2024 ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting. The initiative highlights colleges and universities for outstanding efforts to increase nonpartisan student voter participation. LMC joins 471 colleges and universities honored for completing four core actions: Participating in the ALL IN
**New Date!!** AJ's Uptown Relaunches as The Garage on Ferry Street
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Arthur Havlicek President & CEO info@smrchamber.com 269-932-4042 Greetings! After much consideration, owners Rick Moreci and William Ranick have decided to postpone the ribbon cutting until Monday, December 9th at 6:00 p.m. The public relaunch party on Friday, December 6th will still happen at 9:00 p.m. Updated Schedule of Events: Public Grand Reopening Celebration:Date: December 6th, 2024Time: 9:00 p.m. VIP Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Details:New Date:
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$3.1M SECURED TO SUPPORT SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN EMPLOYERS
Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren has secured $3.1M in competitive grants from the State of Michigan’s Going PRO Talent Fund to help 43 local employers enhance their workforce. The grants awarded provide funds to local employers for training, developing, and retaining employees. “Being a demand driven organization means that we put employers at the top of our priority list,” said Mark O’Reilly, Director of Business Solutions at Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren. “We know that training is
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United Federal Credit Union Strengthens Small Business Loan Program with Highly Experienced SBA Lend
United Federal Credit Union (United) is strengthening its Small Business Administration team with the addition of six highly experienced lending specialists, furthering the credit union’s commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs and fostering economic growth across the country. Leading the credit union’s SBA lending team will be Brad Rogers, United’s Commercial Credit Manager. Rogers has over 20 years of SBA lending experience with previous roles as SBA credit officer, underwriting manager, and
Horizon Bank Welcomes Stacey Stephens as Vice President, Senior Commercial Loan Officer
Bruce Piekarski, Market President, is pleased to announce Stacey Stephens as Vice President, Sr. Commercial Loan Officer. In her role, Stephens will expand market share through loan and deposit growth in Southwest Michigan & North Central Indiana, while maintaining and strengthening existing business client base. She will provide exceptional customer service and sound financial advice by leveraging industry experience and community involvement. Stephens holds a bachelor’s in public administration from
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Greater Bridgman Area Chamber & Growth Alliance Announces Holiday Village - December 14th
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Nancy Kiernan CGA Director 269-285-2152 nkiernan@bridgmancga.org Downtown Bridgman to Welcome Holiday Village December 14th December 2, 2024 Bridgman, Michigan – In what can easily be described as a Norman Rockwell Christmas event, Bridgman’s Holiday Village is set to once again transform the downtown into a day of family fun on Saturday, December 14th. The event, which is organized and orchestrated by the Greater Bridgman Area Chamber & Growth Alliance, an
Jeremy T. Butler and Friends Celebrate “A Candlelight Christmas” at the Box Factory
Jeremy T. Butler and Friends Celebrate “A Candlelight Christmas”at the Box FactoryST. JOSEPH, MI – Join the Box Factory on December 21 for “A Candlelight Christmas” with treasured songs of the season. Jeremy T. Butler, of Benton Harbor, and his merry band of musicians will take the stage to perform original and traditional Christmas music. Come and celebrate the holiday spirit with the whole family! “A Candlelight Christmas” takes place at 7PM on Saturday, Dec. 21, at the Box Factory for the Arts, 1101
SBN TO CELEBRATE UNITED'S INAUGURAL FLIGHT TO WASHINGTON DULLES ON DEC. 4, 2024
SOUTH BEND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO CELEBRATE UNITED’S INAUGURAL FLIGHT TO WASHINGTON DULLES ON DECEMBER 4, 2024 South Bend, IN. – Daily flights on United Express to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) from South Bend International Airport (SBN) take off on December 4, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. To celebrate, passengers on the inaugural flight will be treated to a gate party including a coffee bar, pastries, and SBN and United swag.Media should arrive at 9:00 a.m. at Airport Information to be escorted
The GhostLight Theatre (Benton Harbor) announces anonymous $100,000 challenge gift
The GhostLight Theatre announces that they have been given an incredibly generous anonymous gift of $100,000. The donor has agreed to match 2-to-1 any and all dollars raised up to $50,000 given towards the GhostLight 2025 Theatre Season. The GhostLight is pleased to announce this gift in order to springboard their fundraising efforts as well as to kick off donations this Giving Tuesday (Tuesday, December 3rd).The GhostLight has also received a 2nd anonymous donation in order to name the annual Emerging
COMMUNITY LEADERS TO DONATE FIRST BEARS TO SOUTH BEND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’S THIRTEENth ANNUAL BEAR
The thirteenth annual Bears in the Air program lands at South Bend International Airport (SBN) when community stakeholders donate the first bears to the program at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 3 at the “Bear Den” located in the atrium of the airport. St. Joseph County Airport Authority Board President David Sage will be joined by South Bend Mayor James Mueller, Robert L. Miller Sr. Veteran’s Center Resident Eugene Suggs, and Special Guests Martha Walorski, Isabella Hall, and Amelia Hall. Bears in the
AJ's Uptown Relaunches as The Garage on Ferry Street
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Arthur Havlicek President & CEO info@smrchamber.com 269-932-4042 AJ's Uptown Relaunches as The Garage on Ferry Street Ribbon Cutting & Relaunch Parties Set for December 5th & 6th December 2, 2024 Berrien Springs, MI - After years of service to the community, AJ’s Uptown Bar & Grill is embracing a bold new chapter in its rich history. On Thursday, December 5th, at 5:00 p.m. a special VIP Relaunch and rebrand of AJ’s Uptown Bar & Grill to The Garage on Ferry
ST. JOE WINTER BEER FEST RETURNS FEBRUARY 1, 2025, TICKETS ON SALE DECEMBER 1
ST. JOE WINTER BEER FEST RETURNS FEBRUARY 1, 2025,TICKETS ON SALE DECEMBER 1 ST. JOSEPH, MICH. — St. Joe Today invites everyone 21 years and older to come out of hibernation and meet up with friends at this lakeside destination during the 2025 St. Joe Winter Beer Fest. The event takes place on Saturday, February 1 from 12:00p-4:00p, outdoors, on the corner of Broad St. and Lake Blvd. in St. Joseph, Mich. With available tickets limited to only 1,050, Paul Knapp, executive director of St. Joe Today
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Wishing you a safe and joyful Thanksgiving surrounded by the people and things you cherish most.
MERRY & BRIGHT WEEKEND, DEC. 6-8, FILLS DOWNTOWN ST. JOSEPHWITH HOLIDAY CHEER ST. JOSEPH, MICH. — Celebrate the winter season in Michigan’s Great Southwest! Merry & Bright Weekend invites the Southwest Michigan community to enjoy four festive events: Light up the Bluff, Reindog Parade, Santa’s House and the Holiday Artisan Fair. Light up the Bluff kicks off Merry & Bright Weekend on Friday, December 6. At 6:00p, the St. Joseph High School Choir begins with Christmas carols followed by the tree
Lake Michigan College to Host Law Enforcement Hiring Fair
People considering a career in public safety are invited to attend a Law Enforcement Hiring Fair hosted by Lake Michigan College from 5–7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10. The open house-style event will be held in the Hanson Technology Center on LMC’s Benton Harbor campus located at 2755 E. Napier Ave.Attendees can talk with representatives from city, township, and county law enforcement departments throughout Southwest Michigan about career opportunities within those organizations. Agencies expected to attend
Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday Garners Elite Award
Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Garners Elite Ranking Riverside, Michigan, November 24, 2024:Over the past year, Kampgrounds of America (KOA) has taken a new approach to recognize campgrounds for their superior excellence, through a new award appropriately named the Icon Award. This new award involves a more targeted criteria that incorporates guest surveys (through the Net Promoter Score), year-over-year growth, and overall brand engagement. It then recognizes the top ten percent of similar size parks
The Greater Southwest Chapter of Credit Unions Donate $9,000 to Michigan Food Pantries
The Greater Southwest Chapter of Credit Unions Donate $9,000 to Michigan Food Pantries SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN, NOVEMBER 25, 2024--On behalf of the Greater Southwest Chapter of Credit Unions, area credit unions are proud to donate a total of $9,000 to support three Michigan food pantries this holiday season. Each organization will receive $3,000 to help provide essential resources and nutritious meals to local families in need. The three recipient organizations are: Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes
2024 SWMI & National Housing Market Sales Higher August Sales, Selling Prices Continue to Set Records
In October, the local SWMI housing market nearly mirrored the market results in October 2023. Sales were higher in October than in September (269 vs. 255). Selling prices increased 2 percent in October 2024 over October 2023. Selling prices in October over the last four years continued to rise and set records in the year-over-year comparison back to 2006,” stated Alan Jeffries, Association Executive, Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS®, Inc. Jeffries continued, “The number of houses
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City of Buchanan partners with Cities Initiative to develop St. Joseph Riverfront Restoration Project
Project will help restore Buchanan’s connection to the St. Joseph River and create a world-class destination in small town Buchanan, Michigan The City of Buchanan is collaborating with the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative to develop designs to stabilize the shoreline and restore natural features along the St. Joseph River. The City’s goal is to revitalize community amenities along the river and address challenges such as shoreline erosion, flooding, invasive species, public access
