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).
Lake Michigan College Board of Trustees Names Dr. Ken Flowers as Next President
The Lake Michigan College Board of Trustees has named Dr. Ken Flowers as the College’s next president. Dr. Flowers brings more than 28 years of experience in higher education, academic administration, and workforce-aligned education. “Dr. Flowers’ leadership reflects the very best of Lake Michigan College,” said Joan Smith, Chair of the Lake Michigan College Board of Trustees. “His deep understanding of our students, our community, and the role community colleges play in regional economic vitality make
Courtney Watts, CPA Announced as Kruggel Lawton CPA Newest Partner
Kruggel Lawton CPAs is pleased to announce that Courtney Watts, CPA, has been promoted to partner effective January 1, 2026. She brings extensive experience and leadership to the firm’s fiduciary tax services practice area, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to delivering specialized expertise in complex tax matters. “The partner group is delighted to welcome Courtney as the newest partner at Kruggel Lawton,” said Managing Partner Barry Hall, CPA, CGMA. “She has been integral in the growth and development
$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
