LMC music students to perform two concerts in April
LMC music students to perform two concerts in AprilEvent: Pop/Rock Concert, 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 10Event: Instrumental Ensemble Concert, 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 17 Where: Lake Michigan College Mendel Center 2755 E. Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022Admission: Free general admission; tickets not required BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – The Lake Michigan College Visual & Performing Arts Department will showcase its music students during free public concerts in April. The performances
Buchanan Area Restaurant Week 2024
The Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to unveil the highly anticipated 2024 Restaurant Week, showcasing the vibrant culinary scene of our community. Running from March 18th to March 24th, this extravaganza promises a delectable array of flavors and experiences for food enthusiasts and families alike. We're excited to celebrate the diverse culinary talents once again in Buchanan. This year's Restaurant Week will offer a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to explore our local dining
GhostLight Theatre announces Southwest Michigan Theatre Arts Passport initiative with six other ar
As the stage is set for another extraordinary season of theatrical brilliance, we invite you to embark on a journey of creativity, talent, and community spirit with the Southwest Michigan Theatre Arts Passport. This program unites the wealth of talent in the area and invites patrons to experience everything these theatres have to offer. Step into the spotlight by obtaining your passport from any participating theatre or printing it yourself. Next, immerse yourself in the captivating world of live
Herbal Spring Symposium features three local and national herbal experts Registration ends March 25
Gather with fellow herb enthusiasts for this day-long symposium featuring presentations from localand national herbalists. Participants will learn about herb cultivation, culinary and medicinal uses, preservation,and much more! Participants will enjoy mini-workshops, exhibitor booths, and herbal shopping, pluscomplimentary refreshments, a boxed lunch, and a reusable canvas bag full of herbal swag. Proceeds will go tosupport the Michiana Herb Society and Fernwood’s Herb and Sensory Garden. A detailed
United Way of Southwest Michigan Announces Return of Rock The Boat Cardboard Boat Races
United Way of Southwest Michigan Announces Return of Rock The Boat Cardboard Boat Races United Way of Southwest Michigan is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of the Rock The Boat Cardboard Boat Races, set to take place on July 11, 2024, at the picturesque venue of The Inn at Harbor Shores in St. Joseph. This unique event, which features life-size boats made entirely of cardboard, promises exhilarating entertainment for participants and spectators alike. With 75 spots available for
Starlight Aerial Productions and the City of Coloma Present: A St. Patrick's Day Drone Show
Starlight Aerial Productions, in partnership with the City of Coloma, is thrilled to announce an extraordinary St. Patrick's Day celebration that will light up the night sky. On March 16th, following the festive parade that begins at 8:00 PM, spectators will be treated to a mesmerizing drone show that promises to be a visual feast. The lighted parade, a highlight of Coloma's St. Patrick's Day festivities, will start at 8:00 PM and proceed along Paw Paw Street from Washington to Center Street. To
Nancy Kiernan to lead the Bridgman Chamber and Growth Alliance
Nancy Kiernan to lead the Bridgman Chamber and Growth Alliance The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is pleased to announce it has hired Nancy Kiernan to serve as Director of its affiliate, the Greater Bridgman Area Chamber and Growth Alliance commonly referred to as the Bridgman CGA. Kiernan, a native of St. Joseph, spent her formative years in Southwest Michigan before attending the University of Chicago where she met her husband, Louis. Together, in addition to raising four beautiful daughters,
Wightman Hires Renowned Architect Tom McKercher as Regional Manager
Wightman Hires Renowned Architect Tom McKercher as Regional Manager Kalamazoo, Mich.—Wightman, a multidisciplinary consulting firm specializing in architecture, civil engineering, and surveying for commercial, education, energy, and government sectors, announces the hiring of Tom McKercher, a distinguished licensed architect with a career spanning 37 years. McKercher has joined the architecture team at Wightman as Regional Manager of the firm’s Kalamazoo office. “We are delighted to welcome Tom
Berecz & Associates, PLC Hosting Open House to Showcase Staff, Space, and Suitemates
Berecz & Associates, PLC Hosting Open House to Showcase Staff, Space, and SuitematesCommunity Encouraged to Meet & Greet on March 13thSt. Joseph, Michigan – One of Southwest Michigan’s most established mediation and law firms, Berecz & Associates, PLC, has expanded its staff and suitemates at their beautiful space at the Box Factory for the Arts in St. Joseph. To celebrate, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber will be hosting an Open House on Wednesday, March 13th from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Suite 315 to meet,
Lake Michigan College to rename Mainstage in honor of benefactor during April event
BENTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – On Thursday, April 4, the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center will celebrate the memory of a long-time patron and benefactor when it renames the Mainstage in honor of Rolfe Jenkins. As part of the dedication activities, a live public concert performance by Journeyman: A Tribute to Eric Clapton will take place at 7:30 p.m. Jenkins, who resided in St. Joseph, was an avid supporter of the performing arts in southwest Michigan and was a familiar face at the Mendel Center as a
Southwest Michigan Record Show returns to Lake Michigan College- Sunday, March 17th
Contact: Jeremy D. Bonfiglio Phone: 574-261-3650 E-mail: jeremybonfiglio@att.net Event: Southwest Michigan Record Show When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, March 17 Where: Grand Upton Hall, Lake Michigan College Mendel Center, 1100 Yore Ave., Benton Harbor, MI Cost: $5 early-entry admission at 8:30 a.m.; FREE admission 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Info: southwestmichiganrecordshow.com, facebook.com/southwestmichiganrecordshow, jeremybonfiglio@att.net, 574-261-3650 Future dates: Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 BENTON
Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Announces 2024 Board of Directors
SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN REGIONAL CHAMBER ANNOUNCES 2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS St. Joseph, MI – The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is pleased to announce the addition of one (1) new director to its governing board and the re-election of three (3) sitting board members. Newly elected to their first three (3) year term is Ron Sorce, Director of Sales and Catering for Four Winds Casino. Sorce has been with Four Winds Casino for three (3) years, prior to which he served as a Global Project Manager for Carlson
Munchie Mondays Scheduled to Return to Buchanan Summer 2024
Munchie Mondays Scheduled to Return to Buchanan Summer 2024 Buchanan’s beloved Munchie Mondays event is set to make a delicious return this summer from June to August, offering a tantalizing array of lunch and dinner options every Monday. Since its inception, Munchie Mondays has been a beacon of culinary delight for locals, providing a diverse selection of food options to satisfy every palate. From savory delights to sweet treats, there's something to please even the pickiest of eaters. The event,
United Federal Credit Union Names Jennifer Strefling Director of Internal Audit
United Federal Credit Union Names Jennifer Strefling Director of Internal Audit Jennifer Strefling, Director of Internal Audit ST. JOSEPH, Mich. – United Federal Credit Union (United) has appointed Jennifer Strefling as Director of Internal Audit at its corporate headquarters in St. Joseph, Michigan. Strefling brings more than two decades of experience in financial institution examination and compliance management to her role. Most recently, she was a Financial Institution Examiner at the Department
Honor Credit Union Announces 2024 Free Community Shred Days
Honor Credit Union, in partnership with Data Guardian and Marquette County Solid Waste Authority, is excited to announce its 2024 Community Shred Day schedule. Honor's free community shred days offer a secure avenue for disposing of sensitive documents, including tax forms and other papers containing personal information. This year, Honor is introducing shred events on weeknights and weekends to accommodate a broader range of community members and will be partnering with local businesses to co-host select
Michigan LGBTQ+ Civil Rights Forum
One Buchanan and OutCenter Southwest Michigan are presenting a forum on the state of LGBTQ+ civil rights in Michigan on Saturday, April 6, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Buchanan Area Senior Center, 810 Rynearson Street, Buchanan, Michigan. Registration is required and admission is free. Featured speakers for this forum are Jay Kaplan, LGBTQ+ Rights Project Staff Attorney with ACLU of Michigan, and Emme Zanotti, Director of Advocacy & Civic Engagement with Equality Michigan. Together, Jay and Emme possess
Horizon Realty Group Grand Opening
Horizon Realty Group is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its new storefront location in Niles, MI, scheduled for March 23, 2024, from 10 am to 2 pm. The event will take place at 222 N. Front Street, Niles, MI 49120, and promises to be an exciting celebration for the community. Horizon Realty Group, a leading real estate brokerage, was founded by Kyle Zelmer in 2022 and is dedicated to putting clients, agents, and the community first. The brokerage's commitment to community engagement is
NEW DIGITAL LOVE LOCAL SWMI GIFT CARD PROGRAM
NEW DIGITAL LOVE LOCAL SWMI GIFT CARD PROGRAM ST. JOSEPH, MICH. — St. Joe Today is excited to launch the Love Local SWMI Gift Card program! This new digital gift card will take the place of St. Joe Today’s physical gift certificate program. “Love Local SWMI Gift Cards can be used at participating locations throughout Southwest Michigan, making them great gifts for any occasion!” said Carly Hubers, Membership Coordinator of St. Joe Today. “This program supports local businesses and is redeemable at a
A border fiesta to remember is coming to the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center April 19
Event: Jarabe MexicanoWhen: 8 p.m. Friday, April 19, 2024Where: Lake Michigan College Mendel Center 2755 E. Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022Tickets: www.TheMendelCenter.com, Tickets start at $25 A border fiesta to remember is coming to the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center April 19 BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – Mexican-American border band Jarabe Mexicano are bringing their blended songbook of Mexican Folk music, Rock & Roll,
EMPLOYERS TO BENEFIT FROM NEW KINEXUS GROUP ACQUISITION OF HR COLLABORATIVE
EMPLOYERS TO BENEFIT FROM NEW KINEXUS GROUP ACQUISITION OF HR COLLABORATIVE BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – An acquisition was announced today that will bring HR professionals and workforce experts together to offer an array of services to support employers across Michigan in a big way. The team at Kinexus Group announced today that they have officially acquired HR Collaborative, a west Michigan-based, women-led community of fractional HR professionals, to meet unmet demand and to serve more employers than
MICHIGAN WORKS! BERRIEN, CASS, VAN BUREN OFFERS COMMERCIAL DRIVERS LICENSE TRAINING
MICHIGAN WORKS! BERRIEN, CASS, VAN BUREN OFFERS COMMERCIAL DRIVERS LICENSE TRAINING BENTON HARBOR, Mich.- Michigan Works! announced today that they are offering a FREE 3-week training, in partnership with Lake Michigan College and REGEN Trucking School LLC., to help individuals obtain their Commercial Drivers License (CDL-A) and to kick start a career on the road as a commercial driver. There will be eight cohorts of the CDL-A short-term training program beginning on March 11 and ending on June 24. The
Edgewater Automation Presents FIRST in Michigan Robotics Competition Featuring Local Teams This Weekend
Edgewater Automation Presents “FIRST in Michigan” Robotics Regional Berrien Springs Tournament Competition Features 37 Michigan Teams ST. JOSEPH, Michigan, February 29, 2024 – Edgewater Automation is the presenting sponsor for the upcoming FIRST Robotics in Michigan competition to be held at the Berrien Springs High School Arts and Athletics Center, 201 Sylvester Avenue, Berrien Springs on March 1, 2, and 3, 2024. The event pits 34 high school teams against one another in a two-day
CALL FOR ARTISTS & ARTISANS FOR ANNUAL MAKERS MARKET
CALL FOR ARTISTS & ARTISANS FOR ANNUAL MAKERS MARKETThe Box Factory for the Arts is accepting applications for artists and artisans (“makers”) to display and sell their wares at our Makers Market on Saturday, November 30, 2024. The deadline to apply is March 15. Apply at boxfactoryforthearts.org/makers-market/.(Note: This deadline is earlier than in past years, so don’t delay!) The Makers Market is a modern-day interpretation of the traditional craft fair. Held on Small Business Saturday, it features
The GhostLight Theatre’s 2024 Kick-Off Event featuring Lou Emery Saturday, March 9th – Doors open a
As the curtain rises on their 5th Anniversary season, The GhostLight Theatre is prepared to captivate with a kick-off event that promises entertainment, celebration, and a taste of the theatrical brilliance to come. The Spring Kick-Off event has not only become a GhostLight tradition, but a grand overture that heralds a season of creativity, talent, and community spirit. General Admission tickets for this fundraiser event are $75 each, include catered heavy hors d’ouvres from The Brick House, and a cash
Dynamic Community Art Initiative Celebrating Local Culture and Library Engagement Coming to Buchanan
LiveBuchanan, in partnership with the Buchanan District Library and Roti Roti Art Center, is proud to unveil an ambitious community art project aimed at revitalizing Days Avenue into an immersive cultural destination. This transformative initiative, generously supported by grants from the Michigan Gateway Community Foundation and the Berrien Community Foundation, marks a significant step forward in enhancing the artistic landscape and cultural vibrancy of Buchanan. At the heart of this endeavor lies an
DOWNTOWN ST. JOE COMES ALIVE WITH WEEKEND EVENTS, MARCH 8-9
DOWNTOWN ST. JOE COMES ALIVE WITH WEEKEND EVENTS, MARCH 8-9 ST. JOSEPH, MICH. — On Friday, March 8 visitors can stroll through downtown St. Joseph and enjoy March Mannequins, sponsored by The Boulevard Inn & Bistro and the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council. Windows will display community volunteers as they pose perfectly still, like mannequins. Watch storefronts of participating businesses come alive from 7:00p-8:30p. This year’s theme features Musicians/Bands. Attendees can vote for their favorite
LMC students earn spots on Fall President’s, Dean’s Lists
LMC students earn spots on Fall President’s, Dean’s Lists BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – Lake Michigan College has announced the names of 797 students recognized for academic achievement during the 2023 Fall semester. There were 67 students named to the President’s List, achieving a 4.0 GPA at full-time status. The Dean’s List, meanwhile, includes 160 full-time students and 570 part-time students who achieved a 3.5 GPA or higher. President’s List Allegan Holly Curtiss, Aleah Putt Bangor Edvin Alvarado,
Competitive Edge Expands Reach with Acquisition of Creative Specialties in East Michigan
Competitive Edge Expands Reach with Acquisition of Creative Specialties in East MichiganStevensville, MI — Competitive Edge proudly announces the acquisition of Creative Specialties, a renowned promotional products company based in Madison Heights, MI, established in 1972. Under the leadership of Mary Jo Tomasini, CEO and founder of Competitive Edge, and Paula Wygonik, President of Competitive Edge, this strategic move aligns two entities sharing a commitment to loyalty, trust, creativity, and innovation,
THE NEXT MICHIGAN WORKS! JOB FAIR IS COMING UP!
If you’re looking for a job, you’ll want to join Michigan Works! at their next hiring event where an estimated 25 employers will be meeting with candidates to fill their open positions. The next hiring event will take place on Wednesday, February 28 from 10:00 am- 2:00 pm at the Michigan Works! Service Center, located at 499 West Main Street in Benton Harbor. “Our hiring events have been a major success for southwest Michigan employers and job seekers. Throughout 2023, we hosted four hiring events,
CALL FOR ARTISTS FOR ‘MAAC IN THE BOX’ ANNUAL COMPETITION
CALL FOR ARTISTS FOR ‘MAAC IN THE BOX’ ANNUAL COMPETITIONArtists are called to apply by April 7 for the Michiana Annual Art Competition (MAAC).The MAAC is a local, juried, fine art exhibition designed to recognize, foster, and reward excellence of artists in southwestern/western Michigan and northern Indiana. The popular, multimedia exhibit, “MAAC in the Box,” is held at the Box Factory for the Arts with support from members, area businesses and corporate sponsors. Entrants who are residents of the
Lake Michigan College to present an electrifying Spring musical
Lake Michigan College to present an electrifying Spring musicalFive performances of “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” planned BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – The Lake Michigan College Visual & Performing Arts Department brings an action-packed, mythical adventure to the stage with its Spring musical "The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical," directed by Dr. Patrick King, LMC Instructor of Theatre. Performances are 7 p.m. March 29-30 and April 5-6, along with a matinee presentation at 3 p.m.
SWMI & National Housing Market January Housing Market Sales Increase, Prices rise Modestly, Rates Up Slightly
“Winter weather did not slow down the housing market in January. For the first time in a year the number of houses sold in January was higher than the same month in the previous year. The furious pace of the SWMI housing market in previous years is still restrained by available inventory, high mortgage rates, and rising selling prices,” stated Alan Jeffries, Association Executive, Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS®, Inc. Jeffries continued, “In January 2024, the market ended with a
Goddess of the Moon Leatherworks Introduces the Bracelet Bar: A Creative Haven for Leather Enthusiasts
Chandra Williams, the creative force behind Goddess of the Moon Leatherworks, is set to unveil an exciting new venture that promises to add a touch of flair and personalization to South West Michigan. Introducing the Bracelet Bar—an innovative concept where customers can unleash their creativity and design their own custom bracelets. Located at 101 Days Avenue in Buchanan, MI, the Bracelet Bar offers a unique interactive experience for leather enthusiasts and fashion aficionados alike. Customers can
Kyle Zelmer Named 2024 REALTOR of the Year by Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS®
Kyle Zelmer, Broker/Owner of Horizon Realty Group, was named the 2024 REALTOR of the Year for the Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS® at their Annual Recognition Gala held in January. Zelmer’s journey in real estate began in January 2017, fueled by his passion for the industry and inspiration from his grandmother, a career long REALTOR in Southwest Michigan. Zelmer holds several professional designations, including Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR®), At Home with Diversity (AHWD), Real
Wightman Strengthens Presence with New Office in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Wightman, a multi-disciplinary consulting firm specializing in architecture, civil engineering, and surveying for commercial, education, energy, and government sectors, is excited to announce the opening of its new office in Fort Wayne, Ind. This strategic expansion further solidifies the company’s commitment to better serve clients in the Northern Indiana Region and brings Wightman’s number of locations to 10 overall. The new location comes after Wightman’s acquisition of Gouloff-Jordan Surveying and
Area Chambers, Berrien RESA, Lake Michigan College unveil new partnership to build regional workforce
Cultivating and retaining workforce talent is an enormous issue facing Southwest Michigan, the State of Michigan, and the country in general. A new, innovative partnership, the Berrien Talent Collaborative, unveiled today at the Annual Meeting and Business Recognition Awards of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce, aims to solve this growing issue.The Berrien Talent Collaborative is a partnership between Berrien RESA, Lake Michigan College, the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce,
SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN REGIONAL CHAMBER ANNOUNCES BUSINESS RECOGNITION AWARD WINNERS AND NEW SUBSIDIARY ORGANIZATIONS
Six-hundred (600) of southwest Michigan’s business leaders gathered Friday morning for the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber’s 2024 Business Recognition Breakfast presented by ABC 57 News, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Corewell Health, Honor Credit Union, Mid-West Family Southwest Michigan, and MoodyontheMarket.com. The meeting featured a return keynote from internationally acclaimed TED Talk speaker, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Drew Dudley, recognized seven (7) businesses,
MICHIGAN WORKS! BERRIEN, CASS, VAN BUREN OFFERS ONE-WEEK MANUFACTURING TRAINING CERTIFICATION
Michigan Works! announced today that they are partnering with ToolingU to offer a FREE 1-week certification to help individuals kick start a career in manufacturing. The Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) credential is a nationally recognized certificate that provides a strong foundation in the industry and will help individuals jumpstart their careers in manufacturing. The CMfgA credential takes 25 hours to complete, and individuals can receive the credential in one week by utilizing the onsite
Home Watch of Southwest Michigan earns accreditation from the National Home Watch Association for the seventh year
Home Watch of Southwest Michigan earns accreditation from the National Home Watch Association for the seventh year ST. JOSEPH, MI—Home Watch of Southwest Michigan has earned accreditation from the National Home Watch Association for the seventh year. The NHWA was formed in 2009 in order to establish and maintain the highest industry standards for Home Watch and absentee homeowner services throughout the United States and Canada (www.nationalhomewatchassociation.org). Home Watch is a visual inspection of