Local Retailer Thanks Teachers with a Special Back to School Discount.
Local Retailer Thanks Teachers with a Special Back to School Discount. Collinsville, IL – July 20th, 2026 – As families ready for a new school year, a Midwest staple is giving thanks to the educators who make it all possible. Glik’s, a family-owned specialty retailer established in 1897, is ecstatic to announce a Teacher Appreciation Week from August 3rd - 9th. For over 125 years, Glik's has been a part of back-to-school traditions, helping students head into the classroom with confidence. Through
Young Entrepreneurs Are Bringing Southwest Michigan Together, One Donut and One Dance Step at a Time
Zo's Mini Donuts and the Sunset Coast Country Dancers Team Up for a Beach Town Hoedown on July 24th and July 31st in Downtown St. Joseph ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — In a region known for its beaches and small businesses, two local ventures are proving that entrepreneurship can do more than turn a profit — it can build community. Zo's Mini Donuts, founded by teenage entrepreneur Zoey Heyn, has partnered with the Sunset Coast Country Dancers to host Donuts X Dancing, a free, all-ages Friday night gathering on the
Clark Logic Develops Custom Facility for Centria Autism in St. Joseph
Real estate developer and industrial services provider Clark Logic celebrated another milestone in the redevelopment of Hilltop Business Center on July 16 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Centria Autism‘s newly completed custom-designed facility at 211 Hilltop Road in St. Joseph, Michigan. The event marks the latest phase in the revitalization of the 522,467-square-foot mixed-use industrial and office campus, formerly known as the Hilltop Business Center, which Clark Logic acquired in 2023. Since then,
CHALK THE BLOCK KICKS AUGUST OFF WITH A SPLASH OF COLOR, JULY 31-AUGUST 2
Summer is on its final stretch, but summertime fun in St. Joseph is still in full swing! St. Joe Today invites the community to watch as both amateur and professional artists take over Broad St. and part of the Pleasant Street Plaza in downtown St. Joe to showcase their talents during Chalk the Block, July 31-August 2. This family-friendly festival of art includes local, regional, national and international artists using the beautiful lakeside town as their backdrop. The community is invited to stroll
Honor Credit Union Welcomes Brian James as Financial Advisor with Honor Investment Services
Honor Credit Union Welcomes Brian James as Financial Advisor with Honor Investment Services BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN – JULY 21, 2026 – Honor Credit Union is pleased to announce the addition of Brian James as its newest Financial Advisor with Honor Investment Services. Brian brings nearly 15 years of financial services experience and a strong commitment to relationship-focused guidance to his members. Before beginning his career in financial services, James proudly served in the United States
New Heights Auto Services Helps Keep Local Families on the Road
Every day, customers bring their vehicles to New Heights Auto Services for oil changes, brake repairs, tires, and routine maintenance. What many don’t realize is that every repair also helps local families overcome one of the greatest barriers to stability: reliable transportation. One of those families is Elizabeth. Just months after leaving a shelter, Elizabeth was bicycling 10 miles to work and another 10 miles home each day. As winter approached, she knew she would soon lose her job. Without that
Laugh First: Gut Instinct Improv Takes Center Stage Before The Loading Dock's Grand Opening
Before the ribbon is cut and the doors officially open, Southwest Michigan has an opportunity to be among the very first to experience Buchanan's newest event destination. On Friday, July 24, The Loading Dock will welcome the public for a special preview event featuring Gut Instinct Improv, the wildly unpredictable improv comedy troupe known for turning audience suggestions into outrageous, unscripted comedy. The performance serves as the venue's soft opening—giving guests an exclusive first look at the
32 Volleyball Programs to Compete in the 1st Annual Michiana Volleyball State Line Clash Presented by NIVA This Saturday
Over 60 high school volleyball teams from 32 Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan programs will compete in the 1st Annual Michiana Volleyball State Line Clash, presented by NIVA, this Saturday, July 25, at the Mishawaka Fieldhouse. Originally created to connect programs across Michiana, the State Line Clash has become one of the largest high school preseason volleyball events in the region, fostering competition and connections among passionate volleyball communities. "When we first shared the idea for
ROCK THE BOAT Presented by Honor Credit Union Raises Over $37,000 for Southwest Michigan Programs &
Not even a slight haze from the Canadian wildfires could keep the campers away. United Way of Southwest Michigan's Rock the Boat Cardboard Boat Races, presented by Honor Credit Union, returned to the Inn at Harbor Shores on Thursday, July 16, as twenty-three cardboard boats went to Summer Camp on the St. Joseph River channel and netted nearly $37,500 for programs serving Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties.Of that total, nearly $14,000 came from crowdfunding by the teams themselves, as spectators and
The 2026 WCCGE Online Silent Auction is Now Live!
The WCCGE Online Silent Auction is Now Live! The Whirlpool Community Charity Golf Event Online Silent Auction is officially live, and there's never been an easier way to support the youth of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan. Each year, the Whirlpool Community Charity Golf Event makes a tremendous impact on our Club, helping provide life-changing programs, caring mentors, and opportunities that empower young people to reach their full potential. Whether you're a golfer or simply someone
Competitive Edge Strengthens Executive Leadership Team with Two Key Promotions
Competitive Edge (CE), a nationally recognized branded merchandise agency and one of the promotional products industry's Top 100 distributors, is pleased to announce two executive leadership promotions that reinforce the company's commitment to continued growth, exceptional client experiences, and organizational excellence. Effective immediately, Dawn Janis has been promoted to Chief Sales Officer (CSO) and Jill Wygonik has been promoted to Chief Experience Officer (CXO). These promotions reflect
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RIBBON CUT ON HILDEBRAND FRUIT FARMS' NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART PACKING FACILITY IN BERRIEN SPRINGS
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Arthur Havlicek President & CEO ahavlicek@smrchamber.com 269-932-4042 RIBBON CUT ON HILDEBRAND FRUIT FARMS' NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART PACKING FACILITY IN BERRIEN SPRINGS $4MIL Expansion Made Possible by MDARD Grant FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 16, 2026 ORONOKO TOWNSHIP, MI - Hildebrand Fruit Farms, a fourth-generation family farm and packing operation, welcomed community members, local officials, and business leaders to an open house and ribbon-cutting
Abbie Thomas & The Crazy Hearts Return to the Box Factory on August 15 for a Magically Musical Night!
The Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St., presents Abbie Thomas & The Crazy Hearts on Saturday, August 15 from 7-9PM. Abbie Thomas, a genre-bending singer-songwriter earning international attention, is joined by pianist/musical director Simon Kauffman Hurst, bassist Isaac Fisher, and drummer Arthur Schroeder. This concert will bring a night of soulful music to the Box Factory stage, with the warmth of 70s-era songwriting and hints of Blues and Jazz.Reserve your seats early online at
KRUGGEL LAWTON CPAs ANNOUNCES EXPANSION TO SUPPORT CONTINUED GROWTH IN SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Ashley Meyerdierks Marketing Manager 574.289.4011 ext. 266 ameyerdierks@klcpas.com KRUGGEL LAWTON CPAs ANNOUNCES EXPANSION TO SUPPORT CONTINUED GROWTH IN SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 15, 2026 SOUTH BEND, Ind.—Kruggel Lawton CPAs is pleased to announce the expansion of its Portage, Michigan office. On June 1, 2024, Kruggel Lawton partnered with Cole Gavlas, PC to further expand the firm’s reach in Southwest Michigan. With the
ROCK THE BOAT Presented by Honor Credit Union This Thursday in St. Joseph
More than two dozen cardboard boats hit the water this Thursday, July 16, when United Way of Southwest Michigan's Rock the Boat, presented by Honor Credit Union, returns to the Inn at Harbor Shores in St. Joseph. Racing begins at 5 p.m. along the St. Joseph River channel, and spectators are invited to come watch for free. This year's event theme is “Summer Camp,” with 24 teams from businesses, schools, and organizations across the region launching camp-themed creations in eight heats of racing, capped off
FREE WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY CONCERTS THIS SUMMER IN DOWNTOWN ST. JOE
St. Joe Today is excited to announce the return of both the Wednesday Brown Bag Concert Series and the Friday Night Concert Series. Both series will showcase regional musicians for a free, hour-long concert each week in one of the most scenic venues along Lake Michigan’s shore. Performances will take place at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell on Port Street which offers concertgoers a beautiful view of the St. Joseph River, Lake Michigan, and downtown St. Joe. The Wednesday Brown Bag Concert Series offers
Lake Michigan College's Teaching Winery Wins Three Medals at 2026 Michigan Governor's Cup
Student-made wines from Lake Michigan College’s commercial teaching winery, Lake Michigan Vintners, earned three medals in the 2026 Taste Michigan Governor’s Cup, the fourth annual edition of Michigan’s only statewide, industry-driven wine competition. The contest drew 214 entries from 44 wineries across the state, all judged in blind tastings by trade professionals from the Beverage Testing Institute.Lake Michigan Vintners’ 2025 Sauvignon Blanc and 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon each earned Silver Medals, while
Dame & Denise: Together Again for the First Time August 1 Concert at the Box Factory for the Arts
The Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St., presents Dame & Denise: Together Again for the First Time starring Denise McGowan Tracy and Elaine Dame as they come together for a night of celebration and song on Saturday, August 1 from 7-9PM. Join us for an intimate evening of timeless standards, storytelling, and joyful musical camaraderie; blending jazz, cabaret, and theatrical flair as these two seasoned performers share musical moments, accompanied by pianist Jeremy Kahn, in a program designed to delight
LMC students earn spots on Spring 2026 President’s, Dean’s Lists
Lake Michigan College has announced the names of students recognized for academic achievement during the 2026 Spring semester.There were 81 students named to the President’s List, achieving a 4.0 GPA at full-time status. The Dean’s List, meanwhile, includes 203 full-time students and 481 part-time students who achieved a 3.5 GPA or higher.President’s ListAlleganJeannie SalinasJovie SprayBangorCarter HullBlanca Martinez-ParraBarodaEllery KrugerBenton Harbor Caleb DamoahMaxwell HesterMadeline KelleyHailey
Lake Michigan College Police Academy cadets recognized during 2026 graduation ceremony
Lake Michigan College recognized 14 graduates of its Spring 2026 Police Academy during a ceremony on Wednesday, July 8, in the LMC Mendel Center Jenkins Theatre on the College’s Benton Harbor campus. LMC reintroduced its Police Academy in 2024 after a 42-year program hiatus to address a growing local need for the next generation of law enforcement professionals. With the completion of the third program session, 41 cadets have graduated and gone on to serve with 14 area city, township, and county departments
Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Endorses Southwest Michigan Regional Airport Millage Renewal
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Arthur Havlicek President & CEO ahavlicek@smrchamber.com Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Endorses Southwest Michigan Regional Airport Millage Renewal Chamber: SWMRA (KBEH): A Critical Asset for Health, Safety, Education, & Economic Growth FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 8, 2026 ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber (SMRC) today announced its formal endorsement of the 10-year millage renewal for the Southwest Michigan Regional
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Timeless Charm Meets Modern Luxury: St. Joe River Lodge Debuts in Buchanan
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Lisa Alford Owner St Joe River Lodge lisa@stjoeriverlodge.com TIMELESS CHARM MEETS MODERN LUXURY: ST. JOE RIVER LODGE DEBUTS IN BUCHANAN Community invited to attend the official ribbon cutting on August 20 at 5:30 PM FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 8, 2026 Buchanan, MI — The community is invited to celebrate the official grand opening of St. Joe River Lodge with a Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber ribbon-cutting ceremony and a Niles Chamber Third
2026 SWMI & National May Housing Market Brought Uptick in Sales For Start of Peak Selling Season
“Southwest Michigan’s housing market sales in May 2026 experienced a nice uptick that will hopefully bring a good peak selling season this summer. While the sales improved for May, they were down from May 2025. Homebuyers found the average selling price to be 6 percent higher and the median selling price 1 percent lower than in May 2025,” stated Luke Jeffries, Association Executive, Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS ® , Inc. Jeffries continued, “The number of houses sold in May fell 3 percent
The Loading Dock Celebrates Grand Opening in Downtown Buchanan
The Loading Dock, Buchanan's newest destination for live entertainment, community gatherings, and special events, will officially celebrate its Grand Opening on Saturday, July 25, 2026, with an evening of festivities, live music, and a ceremonial ribbon cutting. Located at 325 E. Front Street, Suite 118, inside the historic former Clark Equipment building, The Loading Dock represents the latest chapter in the ongoing transformation of one of Buchanan's most recognizable industrial landmarks into a
Lake Michigan College launches new Project Management Accelerator
Lake Michigan College is launching a new workforce training program designed to develop project management skills through a combination of structured instruction and real-world application. The Project Management Accelerator begins September 8, 2026, and is now open for enrollment. The 48-week program is applicable across industries, including manufacturing, construction, municipal public works, business operations, and engineering, as well as to any organization managing complex projects with
LMC Red Hawk student-athletes receive statewide accolades for academic excellence
Student-athletes from all nine Lake Michigan College intercollegiate sports teams have received statewide recognition for classroom excellence from the Michigan Community College Athletic Association. The recent MCCAA announcement for the 2025-2026 season included 62 LMC players. Among them are 51 who have earned individual Academic All-MCCAA status for a cumulative GPA of 3.20 or better, and 11 recognized as individual Academic All-Conference recipients for a GPA of 3.00 to 3.199. Additionally, the Red
Wightman Celebrates Industry Recognition for Frank Renaldi and Philip Doorlag
Wightman is proud to announce that two of its leaders have recently received industry honors recognizing their professional excellence, leadership, and commitment to the communities they serve.Frank Renaldi, PE, senior civil engineer and project manager at Wightman, has been named the recipient of the Franklin D. Meyers Outstanding Civil Engineer of the Year Award by the Michigan Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Wightman is also celebrating the recognition of Philip A. Doorlag, PE,
FAMILY NIGHT IN THE PLAZA KICKS OFF 2026 SEASON ON JULY 8
St. Joe Today is excited to announce a new event for the 2026 season, Family Night in the Plaza. This weekly event will be held on Wednesdays, July 8 through August 12, from 5:00p-8:00p in Court Place Plaza (across from Silver Harbor Brewing) and will feature a rotating featured entertainment, plus two non-profit tents hosting free, family-friendly crafts or activities. Sponsored by Silver Harbor Brewing and United Way of Southwest Michigan. "Our goal is to keep finding creative ways to bring our
The Box Factory is filled with art for the Series 4 Exhibition with a July 17 Opening Reception!
A variety of artistic styles and themes will be on exhibit at the Box Factory for the Arts from July 10-September 6. The public is invited to meet the artists at the Opening Reception on Friday, July 17, from 5:30-8pm. Light snacks and drinks at the Box Bar will be available. Phaseshifter Records, Benton Harbor's community record shop, will be spinning tunes from the stage next to the Box Bar.Featured artists are below.Southwest MichiganQueer Art Show Williams Gallery (main level)Queer Art SWMI is a
Enrollment open for Lake Michigan College fall 2026 Extended Education courses
Lake Michigan College's Extended Education program is offering an extensive lineup of fall classes designed for career advancement, skill building, and personal enrichment. Courses are offered at the College’s Benton Harbor and South Haven campuses and at the Allegan Tech Center, as noted. Registration is required for all classes, and space is limited. CDL-A TruckingMultiple sessions offered – visit www.lakemichigancollege.edu/extended-education/cdl for dates$5,200 | LMC South Haven CampusThree-week
MIKE YORE MEMORIAL CAR SHOW RETURNS JULY 17
St. Joe Today invites the community to the annual Mike Yore Memorial Car Show on Friday, July 17 from 4:00p-8:00p in downtown St. Joe. Step back in time and enjoy over 150 vintage cars lined up along Lake Boulevard as DJ Mark Durocher spins classic hits. Cars can start parking in the event zone along Lake Boulevard at 1:00p on Friday, July 17. Participating cars need to be in place no later than 4:00p (entrance may close before 4:00p if all spaces are filled). Please enter at Lake Boulevard and Park
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
