Roundtable panel to explore the future of farming in Berrien County
A panel of local agricultural producers will examine the future of farming in Southwest Michigan during the roundtable discussion "From Farm to Future: Sustainable Agriculture in Berrien County.” Lake Michigan College is hosting the 90-minute conversation on Thursday, April 9, at 12:30 p.m., in rooms L310-311 on its Benton Harbor campus located at 2755 E. Napier Avenue.The agricultural heritage of southwest Michigan runs deep, from the first commercial peach orchards planted in Berrien County in the 1840s
Meet Adoptable Kittens at Franklin Pest Solutions April 10
Join Us for a Pop-Up Kitty Café Featuring Adoptable Kittens in Michigan City Meet the Adoptable Kittens at the Pop-Up Kitty Café Franklin Pest Solutions and the Michiana Humane Society are sponsoring a Pop-Up Kitty Café on Friday, April 10 at the Franklin Pest Solutions office at 1715 Franklin Street in Michigan City from 10AM to 2PM. At the Kitty Café, guests can pet and play with adoptable kittens making their debut. Available kitties include Captain Whiskers, Clawdia, The Chief, Sir Pounce-A-Lot,
The GhostLight Theatre’s 2026 season kicks off Saturday, Apr. 4th with “Brighten The Corner Where You Are”- a Spring Jazz Kickoff Fundraising Event – featuring Emily Perkins & Matthew Fries, piano
The GhostLight Theatre officially begins its 2026 Theatre Season Saturday, April 4th with “Brighten The Corner Where You Are”- a Spring Jazz Kickoff Fundraising Event. The concert features a homecoming for Jazz vocalist Emily Perkins who grew up in SW Michigan, and joining her jazz trio will be the amazing jazz pianist Matthew Fries, Ivan Torres on bass, and Glenn McFalrand on drums. This will also serve as the kickoff event of The GhostLight Theatre’s 7th season, and it will be presented in the
With Major Refurbishment Milestones Achieved, Palisades Advances Toward Restart
With Major Refurbishment Milestones Achieved, Palisades Advances Toward Restart, Prompting the Beginning of Preparatory Site Construction Planning by the Holtec/Hyundai Team to Build the Pioneer 1 & 2 SMR-300 Units We are pleased to announce that Holtec Palisades has successfully completed passivation of its primary system, which is an essential step to ensure long-term equipment reliability and a key milestone in the ongoing
EXCHANGE CLUB OF SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN CELEBRATES 105 YEARS OF SERVICE
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Brenda Yenchus Exchange Club President Brenda@starksfh.com EXCHANGE CLUB OF SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN CELEBRATES 105 YEARS OF SERVICE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 30, 2026 Southwest Michigan – The Exchange Club of Southwest Michigan is proud to announce its 105th Anniversary Celebration, honoring more than a century of service to the local community. The celebration will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Hidden Pointe Event Hall, 1062 Nickerson Avenue,
Southwest Michigan Cares Fund Surpasses $70,000 as Region Rallies Behind Tornado-Affected Communitie
MEDIA RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEUNITED WAY OF SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN For Immediate Release: Monday, March 30, 2026Contact: Zack East, Senior Director of Organizational Sustainability / 269-985-3011 (call or text) Southwest Michigan Cares Fund Surpasses $70,000 as Region Rallies Behind Tornado-Affected CommunitiesST. JOSEPH, MI – In the three weeks since United Way of Southwest Michigan activated the Southwest Michigan Cares Fund in response to the March 6 tornado outbreak, the community has responded
Southwest Michigan Regional Airport to Host Harriet Quimby Women of Aviation Fly-In
Southwest Michigan Regional Airport will host the Harriet Quimby Women of Aviation Fly-In on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Southwest Michigan Regional Airport, located at 1123 Territorial Rd, Benton Harbor, MI 49022. The free event is open to the public with free admission and celebrates the legacy of aviation pioneer Harriet Quimby while inspiring the next generation of women to pursue careers in aviation.The event will bring together pilots, aviation professionals, students,
BUCHANAN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN REGIONAL CHAMBER ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Arthur Havlicek President & CEO info@smrchamber.com 269-932-4042 BUCHANAN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN REGIONAL CHAMBER ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP Partnership preserves local identity while expanding capacity for advocacy, economic development, and community growth FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 26, 2026 Buchanan, MI — The Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce and the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce have announced a strategic
Accomplished area artists ‘Face Off’ at the Box Factory’s Spring ArtJam event
The public is invited to Face Off: A Live Portrait Event on Friday, May 1, 6-9PM, at the Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St. Get ready for the exciting return of one of our most anticipated annual events — Face Off: A Live Portrait Event. For the past 25 years, Box Factory studio artist Robert Williams has held group portrait painting sessions twice every week. Face Off gives the public a unique opportunity to observe these talented local artists as they work. This year, 17 artists,
Call for Artisans/Makers: Box Factory Makers Market Applications Due 11:59PM, April 11
The Box Factory Makers Market is now accepting applications for artists and makers looking to sell during our one-day event on Saturday, November 28, 2026. This event is truly the ultimate shopping experience with room for over 40 juried artists and makers throughout a three-floor historic building at 1101 Broad St. Applications are due no later than 11:59pm on Saturday, April 11, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted. View the rules and apply on the Box Factory website
Wine Industry Hiring Fair Open to Job Seekers April 8 at Lake Michigan College
In preparation for the upcoming tourism and growing seasons, local wineries, vineyards, and wine-adjacent businesses will gather for a hiring fair at the Welch Center for Wine and Viticulture Technology on the Lake Michigan College Benton Harbor Campus. The free event is open to all job seekers and will be held from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, April 8. Attendees can expect a free-flowing, informal atmosphere where they can move between employer tables, learn about available positions, and speak directly with hiring
2026 SWMI & National February Housing Market Showed lower sales, rising listing inventory, lower prices, and a drop in mortgage rate drop
“After a cold start in January for the SWMI housing market, February market activity did not defrost. The number of houses sold in February fell to 137 houses, the lowest level since 2009. The inventory of houses for sale, selling prices, and the mortgage rate all dropped below those in February 2025. Selling prices peaked in February 2025 in the year-over- year comparison that includes prices back to 2006,” stated Luke Jeffries, Association Executive, Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS ® ,
Lake Michigan College introduces new Cardiac Sonography program
Health care providers in southwest Michigan need more cardiac sonographers. Lake Michigan College is answering the call to help fill these well-paying positions with a new specialized area of study under its Diagnostic Medical Sonography program umbrella.With the introduction of the Cardiac Sonography program, LMC will train students to become highly skilled allied health professionals prepared to perform echocardiograms for a variety of diagnostic and treatment procedures.Currently, one-third of cardiac
Wightman Honored as Best Engineering Firm in 2026 Best of Business Awards
Wightman, a leading architecture, engineering, and survey firm, was recognized as the Best Engineering Firm in the Michiana region in the 2026 Best of Business Awards presented by Northwest Indiana Business Magazine. The annual Best of Business Awards celebrates companies and organizations that stand out for excellence, innovation, leadership, and community service, as voted on by readers of Northwest Indiana Business Magazine. Honorees represent the top businesses across multiple categories in both
SOUTH BEND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT COLLECTING DONATIONS FOR TSA EMPLOYEES
South Bend International Airport (SBN) is collecting donations for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees who are working without pay due to the partial government shutdown. Items can be dropped off at the Airport Information office daily from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Airport Information is located near baggage claim across from the gift shop. The most needed items are:Gas cards to specific gas stations such as Speedway, Meijer, or Kroger. Gas cards must be in $10 denominations and cannot
Buchanan High School Baseball Field Renovated, Dedicated as Ryan A. Tucker Field
The baseball program at Buchanan Community Schools will take the field this season on a newly renovated facility dedicated to the memory of 1999 BHS graduate Ryan A. Tucker. The transformation of the field was made possible through a generous anonymous gift managed by the Michigan Gateway Community Foundation. Upgrades feature modern field materials, a redesigned infield, fencing, and a new irrigation system. These improvements will help extend the life of the facility while creating a safer, more
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
Wightman Wins Three Engineering and Surveying Merit Awards from ACEC/Michigan
Wightman was recently recognized with two Engineering Merit Awards and a Surveying Merit Award at the American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan (ACEC/Michigan) 2026 Engineering and Surveying Excellence Awards Gala, held on March 7 at The Fillmore Detroit in Detroit, Mich. The full-service consulting firm received two Engineering Merit awards for its Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA) Career Connect Campus project for KRESA and for its Whites Road Improvements project for
Kennedy’s Kitchen Brings Irish Tunes to the Box Factory on April 18
The Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St., presents Kennedy’s Kitchen on Saturday, April 18, 7-9PM, with Irish music from the home, the hearth, and the heart. Pub songs, sing-a-longs, original songs and recitations, stories, and ripping dance tunes from deep tradition to the newly composed are the program. The human voice, fiddle, whistles, the almighty tenor banjo, the guitar, bouzouki, bohdran, and bass are the instruments. Every now and again, the kazoo might pop up.Make sure to reserve your seats for
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Edgewater Automation to Present FIRST® Robotics Competition in Berrien Springs, Michigan
Edgewater Automation is proud to sponsor and present the 2026 FIM District Berrien Springs Event, taking place March 20–22, 2026, at Berrien Springs High School. The event will bring together 36 high school robotics teams from across the region, showcasing their engineering skills and innovative spirit in a series of robotics challenges as part of the FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC) season. As part of the opening ceremony, Edgewater Automation President Tim Tate will deliver remarks highlighting the
MAAC 2026: Call for Artists
View this email in your browser The Michiana Annual Art Competition is Back Once Again!Area artists are called to apply by April 5 for the Michiana Annual Art Competition (MAAC). The MAAC is a local, juried, fine art exhibition designed to recognize, foster, and reward the excellence of artists in southwestern and western Michigan and northern Indiana. The popular, multimedia exhibit, “MAAC in the Box,” is held at the Box Factory for the Arts with support from members, area businesses,
United Way of Southwest Michigan Activates ‘Southwest Michigan Cares Fund’ Following Deadly Tornadoes
In response to the devastating tornadoes that struck Cass, St. Joseph, and Branch counties on Friday, March 6, United Way of Southwest Michigan has activated the Southwest Michigan Cares Fund to support recovery efforts across the impacted region to support United Ways serving the affected communities.United Way of Southwest Michigan specifically serves Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties, but often works with neighboring United Way agencies in disaster relief efforts where necessary. Dollars raised from
Deep Roots & Beautiful Blooms: A Celebration of Blossomtime History Comes to Lake Michigan College
Lake Michigan College will host Deep Roots & Beautiful Blooms: The History and Heritage of Blossomtime, a free public program on Sunday, March 23rd from 4:00–5:00 PM in room L-311 of the Main Building on Benton Harbor campus. Refreshments will be served. From the pageantry of the Grand Floral Parade to the charisma of the Community Queens, the Blossomtime Festival has captured the spirit of Southwest Michigan since the turn of the 20th century. This event, organized by LMC’s Literacy & Numeracy Across
NEW LICENSE PLATE RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY TO STREAMLINE PARKING AT SOUTH BEND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
A new parking experience is coming to South Bend International Airport (SBN). Interstate Parking and their contractors will convert parking lot entrances to ticketless entry and exit beginning Wednesday, March 4. License plate recognition technology will make the parking experience fast and easy. The conversion is expected to be complete by Friday, March 6, weather permitting. Installation will take place starting with the first long-term lot entry on the east side of the lot and proceed consecutively
Watermark Brewing Co. Named 'Best Beer Garden' by USA Today 10Best
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Arthur Havlicek President & CEO info@smrchamber.com 269-932-4042Watermark Brewing Co. Named 'Best Beer Garden' byUSA Today 10Best FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 4, 2026 Stevensville, MI – Watermark Brewing Co. has been named the #1 Best Beer Garden in the United States by USA Today 10Best, earning the top spot among some of the most well-known and prolific beer destinations in the country. The honor comes as Watermark celebrates its 10th year in
YMCA of Greater Michiana Opens Registration for Preschool Programs
The YMCA of Greater Michiana is opening registration for its 2026 Preschool programs at locations in Benton Harbor–St. Joseph and Niles-Buchanan, offering families across Southwest Michigan high-quality early learning options in licensed, supportive environments led by experienced educators. Designed to support working families while providing children with a safe, engaging, and fun environment, YMCA programs focus on learning, confidence-building, physical activity, and social connection—all grounded in
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
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
