SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN CELEBRATES LABOR DAY WEEKEND, SEPTEMBER 4-7
Summer spirit continues in Southwest Michigan through Labor Day weekend. St. Joe Today invites locals and visitors to check out community events throughout the weekend in and around St. Joseph. "It’s been a beautiful summer in St. Joseph," said Paul Knapp, executive director of St. Joe Today. "We're encouraging everyone to enjoy one last weekend of summer fun this Labor Day! Find your favorite spot—be it a beach, a downtown shop, or a local brewery—before our fall events begin!" On Friday, September 4,
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PRESS RELEASE: COLOMA/ST. JOSEPH KOA HOLIDAY OWNERS ANNOUNCE SALE TO KCN CAMPGROUNDS, RETIREMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Mark Lemoine (616.915.2580) Fifth Level Hospitality, Inc., DBA Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday Info: 269.849.3333 • Reserve: 800.562.5162 Web: www.stjosephkoa.com Email: stjoseph@koa.com COLOMA/ST. JOSEPH KOA HOLIDAY OWNERS ANNOUNCE SALE TO KCN CAMPGROUNDS, RETIREMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: AUGUST 26, 2026 Riverside, Michigan — After ten years, thousands of guests and countless s’mores shared around campfires, Mark and Karla Lemoine, owners of the
COMPETITIVE EDGE NAMED TO PPAI’S 2026 GREATEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR
Competitive Edge has been named one of Promotional Products Association International’s (PPAI) 2026 Greatest Companies to Work For. This marks the fourth consecutive year that Competitive Edge has been recognized on the list by PPAI. The honor recognizes branded merchandise distributors and suppliers that foster outstanding workplace cultures. The recognition is based on direct employee feedback gathered through a companywide evaluation of key workplace factors, including leadership, communication,
Honor Credit Union’s 2026 Free Community Shred Days Recycle Over 40,000 Pounds of Documents
Honor Credit Union’s 2026 Free Community Shred Days Recycle Over 40,000 Pounds of Documents BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 25, 2026 – Honor Credit Union is proud to announce the success of its 2026 Free Community Shred Days. In partnership with NAID Certified Data GuardianandCountry Mile Document Destruction,Honor hosted six statewide shred events with the help of local business partners in 2026. Together, these events securely disposed of 40,915 pounds of paper. For 12 years, Honor has proudly
William J. Deputy Grants Available to Strengthen Harbor Country Communities
William J. Deputy Grants Available to Strengthen Harbor Country CommunitiesHarbor Country municipalities eligible for grants of up to $10,000 Berrien Community Foundation (BCF) is now accepting applications for grants up to $10,000 from the William J. Deputy Endowment Fund. The grants support projects that strengthen communities throughout Harbor Country. The deadline to apply is October 1, 2026.“Bill Deputy loved Harbor Country,” said Lisa Cripps-Downey, BCF president. “He was a generous community leader.
BUCHANAN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO HOST ANNUAL MEETING AND DINNER THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1st
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Allison Hayes Community Relations Manager Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce (269) 695-3291 ahayes@smrchamber.com BUCHANAN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO HOST ANNUAL MEETING AND DINNER THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1st Community awards and 2025 chamber recap highlight evening at The Loading Dock FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 24th, 2026 BUCHANAN, Mich. — The Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) invites members and the community to its Annual Meeting and Dinner on
LMC Theater Program holding auditions for fall production of Romeo & Juliet
The Lake Michigan College Theater Program will hold open auditions for the fall production of "Romeo & Juliet," directed by LMC Instructor of Theater Shalico Sain. Students and community members are invited to participate in the auditions set for 6-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, and Thursday, Sept. 10 in the LMC Mendel Center Hanson Theatre, 2755 E. Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor. Callbacks, as needed, are scheduled for Friday, Sept. 11. While the College prioritizes casting full-time enrolled students,
13 Unique Artists Fill the Box Factory Galleries for the Series 5 Exhibition with a September 11 Opening Reception!
13 artists, each with their own stories and creative processes, will be on exhibit at the Box Factory for the Arts from September 11 - October 25. The public is invited to meet the artists at the Opening Reception on Friday, September 11, from 5:30-8 pm. Light snacks and drinks at the Box Bar will be available. The evening will include henna artist Jahara Begum, a performance by Judy Van Kuiken on traditional Chinese guitar, and a dance performance by Sangeeta Gosh. More information about the artists in
Lake Michigan College Encourages Adults 21 and Older to Take Advantage of Free Tuition Through Michigan Reconnect
Lake Michigan College (LMC) is encouraging adults across Southwest Michigan to take the next step toward their education and career goals as Michigan Reconnect is now available to eligible students age 21 and older. Through the Michigan Reconnect program, eligible students can receive free tuition toward an associate degree or eligible certificate program. The expanded eligibility creates an opportunity for more adults to return to college, build new skills, complete a credential, or pursue a new career
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HYPE IS BACK FOR YEAR THREE: SPONSORSHIP AND PITCH APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN'S SHARK TANK-STYLE COMPETITION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Jasmine Hansen Events Director Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber jhansen@smrchamber.com HYPE IS BACK FOR YEAR THREE: SPONSORSHIP AND PITCH APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN'S SHARK TANK-STYLE COMPETITION 3rd Annual HYPE Event Set for Wednesday, November 18th at the Watermark Solarium in Stevensville FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: AUGUST 13, 2026 St. Joseph, MI — The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is proud to announce that sponsorship and pitch
Lake Effect Jazz Big Band at the Box Factory for the Arts 9.26.26
The Box Factory for the Arts 1101, Broad St., invites the public to attend Lake Effect Jazz Big Band’s final, high-energy concert of the year Saturday, September 26, from 7-9PM on our Main Stage! Now in its 27th year, Lake Effect Jazz Big Band continues to be one of the premier big bands in the Midwest. Featuring classic standards as well as new big-band compositions, Lake Effect Jazz Big Band performs the music of Stan Kenton, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Pat Metheny, and others.Reserve
Local Businesses Team Up for Beach Town Hoedown Summer Finale This Friday in Downtown St. Joseph
Downtown St. Joseph becomes a hoedown one last time this Friday, August 14th, as a group of local businesses and organizations join forces for the summer finale of Beach Town Hoedown — a free, all-ages night of hot fresh donuts, line dancing, music, and yard games with a Lake Michigan sunset as the backdrop. The event is a collaboration among Zo's Mini Donuts, the Sunset Coast Country Dancers, and Schu's Grill & Bar. Hot and fresh donuts will be served from 7–10 PM, with free line dance lessons kicking
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PRESS RELEASE: TRI-STATE REGATTA COMES ASHORE IN ST. JOSEPH FOR LABOR DAY WEEKEND
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Mark Steffke, General Manager St. Joseph River Yacht Club 1 Lighthouse Lane St. Joseph, MI 49085 269-983-6393 www.sjryc.com TRI-STATE REGATTA COMES ASHORE IN ST. JOSEPH FOR LABOR DAY WEEKEND Community invited to celebrate the arrival of the Tri-State fleet with live music, food, and waterfront festivities FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: AUGUST 10, 2026 ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — One of Lake Michigan's premier sailing traditions returns to St. Joseph over Labor
Southwest Michigan Regional Airport Looks Ahead Following Voter Approval of Millage
The Southwest Michigan Regional Airport acknowledges the results of the Aug. 4 primary election, in which voters approved the renewal of the airport millage for an additional 10 years in the City of St. Joseph, Lincoln Charter Township, St. Joseph Charter Township, Benton Charter Township and Royalton Township.Airport officials thanked all community members who participated in the election process and shared their perspectives. With the millage renewal approved, each of the five participating municipalities
United Way of Southwest Michigan Kicks Off 2026 Campaign Season with Five Pacesetter Organizations
MEDIA RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEUNITED WAY OF SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN For Release: Thursday, August 6, 2026Contact: Zack East / zack.east@uwsm.org / Office (269) 932-3226 United Way of Southwest Michigan Kicks Off 2026 Campaign Season with Five Pacesetter Organizations ST. JOSEPH, MI – Campaign Fundraising Season is officially underway across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties to benefit United Way of Southwest Michigan, and five local Pacesetter organizations are setting the
YMCA of Greater Michiana Recognized with Seven Best of the Best Honors
The YMCA of Greater Michiana has been recognized with seven honors in the 2026 Best of the Best awards presented by Leader Publications, a reflection of the trust and support the organization has earned from the communities it serves throughout the region. Selected through community voting, the YMCA earned top honors in two categories: Best Fitness Classes Best Local Gym The YMCA was also recognized as a finalist in five categories, including three honors for its Northside Child Development
Honor Credit Union Welcomes Mary Ann Hurst as Community Development Officer
Honor Credit Union Welcomes Mary Ann Hurst as Community Development Officer BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN – August 4, 2026 – Honor Credit Union is pleased to announce Mary Ann Hurst as its new Community Development Officer (CDO), serving communities across Southwest Michigan, including South Haven, Coloma, Benton Harbor, and Hartford. Hurst brings over three decades of financial industry and leadership experience to her new role, along with a strong passion for community engagement and relationship
AMERICAN AIRLINES TO TRANSITION TO AIRCRAFT TO SERVE SOUTH BEND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO CHICAGO O’HARE ROUTE
Effective Monday, October 5, 2026, American Airlines will transition flights from South Bend International Airport (SBN) to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) from a luxury motorcoach service, operated by The Landline Company, to an aircraft. The flights will operate three times daily with the airline’s CRJ-700 regional aircraft with dual-class cabins and 65 seats. American’s flights complement existing jet service to Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) and Charlotte (CLT), providing one-stop access for
PRESS RELEASE: KRUGGEL LAWTON ANNOUNCES NEW BUSINESS LEADERSHIP SUMMIT IN SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN'
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Ashley Meyerdierks Marketing Manager 574.289.4011 ameyerdierks@klcpas.com KRUGGEL LAWTON ANNOUNCES NEW BUSINESS LEADERSHIP SUMMIT IN SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: AUGUST 4, 2026 SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Kruggel Lawton CPAs is expanding its signature CFO Summit with the introduction of a new program in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Building on nearly two decades of success, the firm is launching the Business Leadership Summit, designed to deliver timely
The Loading Dock To Host Chicago Alt Rock Band The King of Mars August 7
The Loading Dock, Buchanan's newest destination for live entertainment, community gatherings, and special events, will host Chicago alternative rock band The King of Mars on Friday, August 7th at 7pm. The concert comes after a kickoff weekend for the new venue’s live music schedule that included Buchanan native musicians now based in Grand Rapids, New Troy, and Detroit alt rock band Heat Above. The Loading Dock is Buchanan’s largest event venue and has a host of concerts and shows scheduled, among
2026 SWMI & National July Housing Market Sales Up, Small Change in Selling Prices, Inventory Grows
“Southwest Michigan’s housing market in June 2026 spiked to attain the highest monthly sales, with little change in selling prices from a year ago, and a substantial increase in inventory of houses for sale,” stated Luke Jeffries, Association Executive, Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS ® , Inc. Jeffries continued, “The number of houses sold in June jumped 20 percent to 302 from 252 in June 2025. Year-to-date, the number of houses sold decreased 5 percent (1200 vs. 1267).” The inventory of
Niles Residents Unveil Four Flags Fit, an Outdoor Fitness Club for the Community
A new community project is taking shape in Niles. Graduates of the Community Leadership Academy unveiled Four Flags Fit, an outdoor fitness club designed to bring residents together through shared physical activity, during a celebration Wednesday, July 29, at Apothica Teas in downtown Niles. The club aims to give neighbors regular opportunities to be active together outdoors, with possibilities including walking, biking, skating, tennis, pickleball, and soccer. Cohort graduates Geneva Nneka Okeke and
The Loading Dock Kicks off Live Music Slate with Full Weekend of Local & Regional Talent
The Loading Dock, Buchanan's newest destination for live entertainment, community gatherings, and special events, welcomes three talented local and regional musicians this weekend. The concerts mark the kickoff for the new venue’s live music ongoing schedule. Clarke Circle performs Thursday, July 30 at 7pm. He plays acoustic covers of great classic rock, pop, blues and a little bit of country…six decades worth of music! Artists ranging from Audioslave to Neal Young ..The Beatles to Weezer and many more
NJCAA recognizes 27 LMC student-athletes for academic excellence
The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) has recognized 27 Lake Michigan College Red Hawk student-athletes for outstanding academic achievement during the 2025-2026 season. Of the honorees, four Red Hawks earned First Team recognition with a perfect 4.00 GPA, 10 earned Second Team honors, and 13 earned Third Team honors. The students represent eight of the College's nine intercollegiate athletic programs, with academic honorees in men's and women's soccer, men’s and women’s cross country,
Call for Artists: 2027 Gallery Exhibition Series
Applications are now being accepted for the 2027 gallery exhibition season and beyond! Applications for this round of submissions are due by 11:59pm, September 13, 2026. Artists will be notified of their acceptance via email by October 16, 2026 (no phone calls please).The Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad Street, provides a unique opportunity for Michiana artists to gain exposure in a gallery setting. The organization, Berrien Artist Guild, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit has fostered the promotion of
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Lazer Graphics is Celebrating 50 Years in Business!
St. Joseph – 1/5/2026 – Lazer Graphics, a leader in custom apparel and promotions, is proud to announce their 50th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in their history of dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to their customers and community. Founded in 1976 by Dennis and Debbie Barker in Stevensville, Lazer Graphics began as a small operation with a bold vision to provide an artistic and reliable resource for businesses, teams, schools, and more to go to for their decorated apparel
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
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
