Michigan minimum wage and unemployment benefit increases take effect Jan. 1
From the Michigan Chamber of Commerce: What's new: Michigan employers will face higher wage and benefit costs beginning Jan. 1, 2026, as both the state minimum wage and unemployment benefit caps increase under recently enacted laws. The big picture: The wage and benefit increases were passed despite the Michigan Chamber’s strong opposition under the Democratic trifecta in 2024.Michigan’s minimum wage will rise from $12.48 to $13.73/hour under the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act (IWOWA).
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Village of Berrien Springs Wins First Place Award for Mechanic Street Improvements
The Village of Berrien Springs is proud to announce that the Mechanic Street Improvements Project has received First Place in the Transportation category ($500,000–$1,000,000) from the American Public Works Association (APWA) Southwest Branch, recognizing excellence in public infrastructure, transportation planning, and project delivery. The Mechanic Street Improvements Project was designed to enhance roadway safety, functionality, and accessibility while supporting long-term infrastructure needs in
2025 SWMI & National November Housing Market dropped 2% in Sales from a Year Ago
“Heading towards the end of the year, the housing market in SWMI saw a drop in sales, with the average selling prices increasing by double digits over prices from a year ago. Selling prices continued to climb year-over-year in November for the last 4 years.” stated Luke Jeffries, Association Executive, Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS ® , Inc. Jeffries continued, “The number of houses sold in November decreased 2 percent (5 houses) from November 2024 (222 vs. 227). Year-to-date, sales have
$2.24M SECURED TO SUPPORT SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN EMPLOYERS
Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren has secured $2.24M in competitive grants from the State of Michigan’s Going PRO Talent Fund to help 45 local employers enhance their workforce. The grants awarded provide funds to local employers for training, developing, and retaining employees. “The Going PRO Talent Fund is still one of the most in-demand resources for Michigan employers,” said Michael Mompremier, Business Solutions Manager at Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren. “Investing in training
Havlicek Appointed to Statewide Tax and Competitiveness Committee
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Arthur Havlicek President & CEO Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber 269-932-4042 info@smrchamber.com Havlicek Appointed to Statewide Tax and Competitiveness Committee Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber CEO to Represent Regional Business Interests in Michigan Chamber Policy Deliberations ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber announced that President and CEO Arthur Havlicek has been appointed to the Michigan Chamber of Commerce’s Tax
Greater Bridgman Area Chamber & Growth Alliance Welcomes Ace Hardware to Lake Charter Township
The Greater Bridgman Chamber & Growth Alliance (BCGA) is pleased to announce that Ace Hardware will soon open a new location in the Greater Bridgman area. The store will be in Lake Charter Township at the corner of Shawnee and Gast Roads, occupying the former Rite Aid building in the same shopping center as Harding’s Family Friendly Market. The CGA began collaborating with the building’s owner shortly after the property became vacant, actively identifying potential tenants who would bring value to the
HARBOR WOODS TOWNHOMES ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL OPENING
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Elizabeth Meeth Rip Current Creative (217) 553-7315 elizabeth.meeth@gmail.com elizabeth@ripcurrentcreative.com HARBOR WOODS TOWNHOMES ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL OPENING First Luxury Units Available in January BENTON HARBOR/ST. JOSEPH— Harbor Woods Townhomes, southwest Michigan’s newest luxury rental community, is officially opening its doors to the public with first-move-in availability beginning January 1, followed by additional townhome units becoming available
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
