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
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, 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
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
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Ribbon Cutting Celebration for New 18-Hole Disc Golf Course at Glassman Park
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Jasmine Hansen Events Director Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber jhansen@smrchamber.comRibbon Cutting Celebration for New 18-Hole Disc Golf Course at Glassman Park All are invited to join, Friday October 31st at 11:00am October 23, 2025 UNION PIER, MI – The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber and New Buffalo Township invite the community to celebrate the grand opening of the brand-new 18-hole disc golf course at Glassman Park (16680 Glassman Road Union
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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
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
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
