Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Earns Statewide Award for Advancing Michigan's Economic Development Strategy
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Arthur Havlicek President & CEO info@smrchamber.com 269-932-4042 Pictured (Left to Right): Spencer Lucker, Director of Strategic Talent Initiatives for the MEDC; Arthur Havlicek, President & CEO of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber; and Julia Rapaport, Chief of Staff for Michigan Population Growth Office. Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Earns Statewide Award for Advancing Michigan’s Economic Development Strategy MEDC recognition reflects the
Zach Morris, Economic Development Leader, Joins Sturgis Bank
Sturgis Bank is pleased to announce that Zach Morris has joined the bank as Assistant Vice President, Business Development for Van Buren County. He has over twenty years’ experience helping businesses in Michigan grow and thrive. Zach most recently served as Executive Director of Market One, which has principal responsibilities for economic and community development throughout Cass and Van Buren counties. Under his leadership the organization had an economic impact of $2.26 million and helped businesses
MICHIGAN WORKS! TO HOST HIRING EVENT APRIL 29
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 event will take place on Wednesday, April 29 from 10:00 am- 2:00 pm at the Michigan Works! Service Center, located at 499 West Main Street in Benton Harbor. The last Michigan Works! hiring event brought 17 employers and 191 job seekers together, resulting in many on-the-spot interviews and filled positions. In
Nominations Now Open for Best New Business Awards in Cass and Van Buren Counties
Market One is excited to present the sixth annual Market One Awards, honoring organizations in Cass and Van Buren Counties that are making a meaningful impact on the vitality of our local economy. Market One is seeking nominations from the public for the Best New Business of the Year awards from February 25 to March 25. Two awards will be available: one to recognize a business from Cass County and another to recognize a business from Van Buren County. “Small businesses are the heartbeat of our
2026SWMI & National January Housing Market Sales Slip, Inventory Growth Slows, Selling Prices Increase, and the Mortgage Rate Drops
“The snowy weather throughout January posed numerous challenges in SWMI, including dampening the housing market. The number of houses sold in January fell to 135 houses, the lowest level since 2015. The year started with a 14% drop in inventory of houses for sale, record setting selling prices, and a small reduction in the mortgage rate,” stated Luke Jeffries, Association Executive, Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS ® , Inc. Jeffries continued, “In January 2026, the market ended with an
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Wightman Announces New Office in Lima, Ohio to Serve Energy and Survey Clients
Wightman, an award-winning architecture, engineering, and survey firm, has announced the opening of its newest office at 241 S Main Street, Suite 3, Lima, Ohio 45801. This strategic expansion marks an exciting chapter in Wightman’s commitment to support energy-sector clients across Ohio while also offering comprehensive land surveying services to public and private clients. The new Lima office allows Wightman to respond more quickly to client needs and provide hands-on support for projects throughout
GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY ANNOUNCED FOR KOHN PARK
The community is invited to celebrate the start of construction on Kohn Park with a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, February 27 at 10:00 a.m. at the park site, located at 5844 Sawyer Road, Sawyer, MI.The ceremony will mark the official commencement of construction on the new park, a project made possible through strong community support, public-private collaboration, and grant funding. Given the winter season, the ceremony will be a brief outdoor program with short remarks followed by a ceremonial
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
