Join the Box Factory on October 3 for a Folk-Filled Night with Chicago Music Legend Mark Dvorak & The Thorntons
The Box Factory for the Arts 1101, Broad St., will present a special performance on Saturday, October 3, from 7-9PM on the Box Factory Stage! Chicago folk music legend Mark Dvorak will be on stage alongside opening act The Thorntons.Reserve your seats early for this folk-filled night! Tickets are $20 reserved cabaret, $15 general admission at ticketstripe.com/dvorak-thorntons or $20 at the door. Free admission for children 12 and under. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase at
Southwest Michigan Regional Airport Names Bruce Allee Interim Director
The Southwest Michigan Regional Airport Authority Board announced during its August 20 meeting that Bruce Allee will serve as Interim Director of the Southwest Michigan Regional Airport.Allee has been part of the airport team since October 2024, serving as Office Manager and a member of the winter snow removal crew. As a familiar face to airport staff, tenants and community, he brings firsthand knowledge of the airport’s daily operations to the role.“Bruce has already worked closely with the airport team
Lake Michigan College to host up to 50 colleges and universities at College Night event on Sept. 14
Representatives from up to 50 colleges, universities, trade schools, and branches of the military will be at College Night, hosted by Lake Michigan College. This year, the annual event takes place Monday, Sept. 14, from 6-7:30 p.m. in the LMC Mendel Center Grand Upton Hall. College Night is for high school students and their parents who are exploring the college selection process. Adults considering attending college and students planning to transfer are also encouraged to attend. The event is free, and
Honor Credit Union Welcomes Bill Campbell as Niles Branch Manager
Honor Credit Union Welcomes Bill Campbell as Niles Branch Manager BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN – September 1, 2026 – Honor Credit Union is pleased to announce the appointment of Bill Campbell as Branch Manager of its Niles location. Campbell brings more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, with expertise spanning treasury management, loan documentation, mortgage lending, and member service. His diverse background provides a comprehensive understanding of financial
Lake Michigan College to Host Free Performance of Broadway Hit “What the Constitution Means to Me” f
Lake Michigan College will mark Constitution Day this year with a free performance of Heidi Schreck's acclaimed play “What the Constitution Means to Me,” open to the community. The performance will take place on Thursday, September 17 at 2 p.m. in the Mendel Center's Hanson Theater. The event is presented through a collaboration between the University of Notre Dame and The GhostLight Theater, and is sponsored by LMC Votes!, the College's nonpartisan voter engagement initiative. Following the LMC
The Loading Dock and Underground Laugh Lounge Host Jimmy Della Valle in First Comedy Show of Series
The Loading Dock, Buchanan's newest destination for live entertainment, community gatherings, and special events, together with the long-established regional comedy hub Underground Laugh Lounge of Niles, MI welcomes four talented comedians this season as part of their new collaboration to bring bigger and better comedy to the region. The first in the series will be held September 12, 2026 at 7pm and features what the performing acts have dubbed themselves: The Italians Are Coming! Jimmy Della Valle has
Holtec Announces Start of Fuel Loading at Palisades Nuclear Power Plant, Advancing Toward Restart
Holtec Nuclear Corporation (“Holtec” or the “Company”) announced today that its Palisades Nuclear Power Plant has begun loading nuclear fuel into the plant's reactor vessel, marking a historic milestone as Palisades advances toward becoming the first commercial U.S. nuclear power plant to return to service after entering decommissioning. The start of fuel loading places Palisades in Mode 6 under the plant's Technical Specifications, a required step on the path to commercial operation. The reactor core
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
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
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
