80th Anniversary Series - Sam Monte: From Benton Harbor Junior College to a Lifetime of Success
During Lake Michigan College’s year-long 80th Anniversary celebration, the College is featuring stories about some of the people who have been part of that history, and who, in the process, have been shaped by their connection to Lake Michigan College (1964 to present), and its predecessors Benton Harbor Junior College (1946-1954) and Community College and Technical Institute (1954-1964). Doors Opened: From Benton Harbor Junior College to a Lifetime of SuccessSam Monte remembers how Benton Harbor Junior
NEW FOOD AND DRINK OPTIONS OPEN AT SOUTH BEND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Officials gathered at South Bend International Airport (SBN) today for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of new food and drink options, both pre- and post-security. Within the last month, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, and The Lauber Overlook opened post-security offering travelers more options in addition to the existing food and drink offerings. Dunkin’ serves up signature coffees and refreshers along with donuts, pastries, and savory bites like avocado toast, snackin’ bacon, and ham and swiss
Wine & Roses Vocal Concert to feature LMC choral groups Oct. 14
Romantic ballads and familiar standards will fill the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Jenkins Theatre at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, when the LMC music program presents the Wine & Roses Vocal Concert. This free event will feature two student choral ensembles, Vox LMC and LMC Vocal Chamber, under the direction of LMC choral music faculty member Rebecca Derbas-Selvidge.This immersive concert experience seats the audience on the Jenkins Theatre stage with the performers. A cash bar featuring Lake Michigan
LMC students earn spots on Summer President’s, Dean’s Lists
Lake Michigan College has announced the names of students recognized for academic achievement during the 2026 Summer term.There were 17 students named to the President’s List, achieving a 4.0 GPA at full-time status. The Dean’s List, meanwhile, includes 18 full-time students and 155 part-time students who achieved a 3.5 GPA or higher.President’s ListBangorCarter HullBenton HarborMichael DanneffelJalyn SnyderBerrien SpringsHannah JudsonJesse QueenDestiny RussellDecaturAnthony ParrisDowagiacBen
Dr. Melinda M. Gruber Joins Lake Michigan College Board of Trustees
Lake Michigan College is pleased to announce that Dr. Melinda M. Gruber joined its Board of Trustees on September 22, 2026. Dr. Gruber was appointed to the seat following the resignation of Brian Dissette of South Haven who stepped down in August. Dr. Gruber is President of the Corewell Health Foundation, Southwest Michigan, where she leads philanthropic strategy and impact for the region. She previously served as Vice President of the Medical Group and Rehabilitation Services at Corewell Health, South
Lake Michigan College invites area employers to Future Fair 2026
Lake Michigan College invites area employers to connect with students and job seekers from the community at Future Fair 2026: Taking Flight. The career fair will take place on the LMC Benton Harbor Campus on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Employers can recruit candidates for open positions. Even if they aren't currently hiring, businesses are encouraged to reserve a table and connect with attendees who may be strong candidates for future openings. This is an opportunity for employers to
BUCHANAN HARVEST FEST & CHILI WALK RETURNS OCTOBER 3, REVIVING A BELOVED BUCHANAN TRADITION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media & Chili Walk Contact: Allison Hayes Community Relations Manager Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce (269) 695-3291 ahayes@smrchamber.comBUCHANAN HARVEST FEST & CHILI WALK RETURNS OCTOBER 3, REVIVING A BELOVED BUCHANAN TRADITION The Daylong Downtown Celebration Will Feature Chili Walk, Live Music, Kids Activities, Shopping, Food & More FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 21st, 2026 BUCHANAN, Mich. — The Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) invites residents and
Lake Michigan College Invites the Community to Celebrate Its 80th Anniversary and Meet New President Dr. Ken Flowers
Lake Michigan College (LMC) invites members of the community to a special celebration marking the College's 80th anniversary and welcoming its new president, Dr. Ken Flowers.The free event will take place on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Welch Center on LMC's Benton Harbor campus, 2774 E. Empire Ave., Benton Harbor, MI 49022. Brief remarks will be made at 6:15 p.m. Please RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/LMC80th.Guests will have the opportunity to meet and speak with Dr. Flowers, connect
Acclaimed Authors Gillian Flynn and Angeline Boulley Announced As Guest Speakers for The Loading Dock Literary Fest
Two-Day March Festival In Buchanan Will Bring Nationally-Celebrated Authors Together With Readers for Books, Conversation, Immersive Experiences, and Family Activities Buchanan, MI – September 2026 – The Loading Dock Literary Fest has officially secured two acclaimed best-selling authors as featured guest speakers for its inaugural festival, taking place March 5-6, 2027, at The Loading Dock in downtown Buchanan, Michigan. Gillian Flynn, internationally best-selling author of Gone Girl,
United Way of Southwest Michigan Sets $3.5 Million Goal as Pacesetters Kick Off Campaign with 47% Increase
United Way of Southwest Michigan has set its annual community campaign goal at $3.5 million. Five local Pacesetter organizations have already given the effort a strong start, raising more than $74,600 together. That's a 47% increase over what those same organizations raised last year. The goal reflects what United Way is hearing from nonprofits across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. Funding requests are coming in at a high rate, and many local agencies have lost state and federal funding and are
Join the fun at the Box Factory for the Arts on October 16 for the 2026 Fall ArtJam: “What’s In The Box?”
The public is invited to theFall ArtJam: “What’s In The Box?” on Friday, October 16, 6-8PM, at the Box Factory for the Arts,1101 Broad St. Step inside the Box Factory and join the fun! Grab a “passport” when you enter, and collect stamps from a variety of Make & Take Art Stations for a chance to win a prize at the end of the night! These stations, manned by professional artists with a laissez-faire approach, will include collage, textiles, rock painting, drawing, and more!Alongside the Make & Take
Wightman’s Joel East Appointed as Kalamazoo County Deputy County Surveyor
Wightman is proud to announce that Joel East, Professional Land Surveyor (P.S.) and Survey Manager in the firm’s Kalamazoo office, was sworn in as Deputy County Surveyor for Kalamazoo County on Tuesday, Sept. 1. As Deputy County Surveyor, East will provide continuity for the County Surveyor’s office when County Surveyor Gary Hahn, who is also a Wightman employee, is not available. East’s professional experience and knowledge of surveying will help ensure that important county surveying responsibilities
LMC Music and Theater programs announce fall semester performances
The Lake Michigan College Music and Theater programs have announced the schedule of student performances for the Fall 2026 semester. All events will be held in the LMC Mendel Center on the Benton Harbor Campus, 2755 E. Napier Ave. Oct. 14 Wine & Roses Vocal Concert, Jenkins Theatre, 7 p.m.Oct. 21 Jazz Band Concert, Jenkins Theatre, 7 p.m.Oct. 23 Student Music Recital, Deckmann Studio, noonOct. 29 River and Roots Choir Concert featuring the
Honor Credit Union Welcomes Chris Swartz as Hartford Branch Manager
Honor Credit Union Welcomes Chris Swartz as Hartford Branch Manager BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN – September 15, 2026 – Honor Credit Union is pleased to announce Chris Swartz as its new branch manager in Hartford. Swartz brings a diverse background to his new role. His professional experience includes management, sales, marketing, and frontline member service positions, providing him with a well-rounded understanding of how to support both employees and members. He also proudly served six years in
2026 SWMI & National July Housing Market Sales Up at Lower Selling Prices
“Southwest Michigan’s housing market sales in July 2026 were down 1 percent from June but were 13 percent higher than last year in July. Homebuyers faced the highest mortgage rate for the year so far. The good news for homebuyers was that selling prices were lower in July than in June. The average selling price was also lower than in July 2025,” stated Luke Jeffries, Association Executive, Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS ® , Inc. Jeffries continued, “The number of houses sold in July
Michiana Volleyball Partners With Performance Apparel Brand CORTS to Elevate High School Tournament
Michiana Volleyball is excited to announce a new partnership with CORTS, a performance apparel company built specifically with the female athlete in mind. Together, Michiana Volleyball and CORTS are looking to bring something new to the high school tournament experience, connecting athletes and families with brands, activations, and opportunities designed around them that go beyond the competition on the court. “CORTS immediately made sense because their mission aligns closely with ours,” said Jim
NATURALLY YOU MED SPA | WELLNESS PLANS CELEBRATORY GRAND OPENING WITH RIBBON CUTTING IN STEVENSVILLE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Tatiyana Stankovic, NP Nurse Practitioner, Master Nurse Injector Owner & Operator Naturally You Med Spa | Wellness 269-588-4088 tatiyana@naturallyyoumichigan.com www.naturallyyoumichigan.com NATURALLY YOU MED SPA | WELLNESS PLANS CELEBRATORY GRAND OPENING WITH RIBBON CUTTING IN STEVENSVILLE Community invited to attend on Wednesday, September 16th FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 9th, 2026 STEVENSVILLE, MI. — Naturally You Med Spa | Wellness invites
Present Pillars Invites the Community to 2026 Trunk or Treat After Serving More Than 2,000 Community Members Last Year
Present Pillars is excited to announce the return of its annual Trunk or Treat, taking place Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at Union Field, located behind Discount Tire in Benton Harbor. Last year, Present Pillars welcomed and served more than 2,000 community members during Trunk or Treat. This year, the organization hopes to reach that milestone again—and potentially welcome even more children and families for a safe, fun, and memorable Halloween celebration. The free, family-friendly
KOHN PARK RIBBON CUTTING CELEBRATION SET FOR SEPTEMBER 17
**Date Change - Moved to September 18th at 10:00 a.m. due to weather** KOHN PARK RIBBON CUTTING CELEBRATION SET FOR SEPTEMBER 17 Community Invited to Celebrate the Opening of Sawyer’s Newest Public Space Chikaming Township, MI – After months of construction and years of planning, Kohn Park is ready to welcome the community. Chikaming Township invites residents, visitors, project supporters, and community partners to a ribbon cutting celebration on Thursday, September 17 at 10:00 a.m. at Kohn Park,
Jillian Wygonik Named to Moody on the Market 40 Under 40
Chief Experience Officer Jillian Wygonik of Competitive Edge, LLC has been named to Moody on the Market’s 40 Under 40 list, recognizing emerging leaders who are making a meaningful impact in business and their communities. Wygonik began her career at Competitive Edge as an intern and has since grown into her current leadership role. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Michigan State University and has developed a professional background spanning branded merchandise, business analysis and
SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN REGIONAL CHAMBER ANNOUNCES 2026 HYPE JUDGING PANEL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Jasmine Hansen Events Director Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber jhansen@smrchamber.com SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN REGIONAL CHAMBER ANNOUNCES 2026 HYPE JUDGING PANEL Four Regional Business Leaders to Judge the Third Annual Shark Tank-Style Pitch Competition on November 18 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 10, 2026 St. Joseph, MI—The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is pleased to announce the panel of judges for the third annual HYPE (Highlighting Young
FALL FEST RETURNS SEPTEMBER 19
Celebrate the kickoff of the fall season as Fall Fest returns to downtown St. Joe on Saturday, September 19, from 9a-2p. Weekend activities include the annual Fall Fest and weekly St. Joe Farmers Market. Fall Fest activities in Lake Bluff Park include: St. Joe Farmers Market | 9a-2pMarket-goers will enjoy fresh finds at the weekly St. Joe Farmers Market. Vendors will offer a variety of products including baked goods, locally grown produce, perennials and cut flowers, meats and cheeses, coffee, and more!
Join Folk/Americana Duo Bobcat Opossum in Costume at the Box Factory on Halloween Night!
Guests are invited to join the Box Factory for the Arts 1101, Broad St., in costume this Halloween for a genre-bending night! Ellen Coplin and Sean Hoffman of Bobcat Opossum will take the Box Factory Stage on Saturday, October 31, from 7-9PM. This Folk/Americana duo with a love for harmony singing, the outdoors, and a song that tells a good story emerges from the back alleys of the Midwestern wilderness to provide an unforgettable night that draws inspiration from Irish, bluegrass, old-time, and classical
Lake Michigan College Ranks as No. 1 College Destination for Southwest Michigan High School Graduate
When college-bound Class of 2025 graduates in Southwest Michigan made their choice of where to continue their education last fall, more selected Lake Michigan College than any other college or university. Information released by MI School Data in its annual College Enrollment Destination Report shows that 274 graduates from public high schools in the LMC district enrolled at LMC within six months of graduation. That is more than the next four institutions combined. The LMC district includes all of Berrien
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
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
