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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
Southwest Michigan Regional Airport Looks Ahead Following Voter Approval of Millage
The Southwest Michigan Regional Airport acknowledges the results of the Aug. 4 primary election, in which voters approved the renewal of the airport millage for an additional 10 years in the City of St. Joseph, Lincoln Charter Township, St. Joseph Charter Township, Benton Charter Township and Royalton Township.Airport officials thanked all community members who participated in the election process and shared their perspectives. With the millage renewal approved, each of the five participating municipalities
United Way of Southwest Michigan Kicks Off 2026 Campaign Season with Five Pacesetter Organizations
MEDIA RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEUNITED WAY OF SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN For Release: Thursday, August 6, 2026Contact: Zack East / zack.east@uwsm.org / Office (269) 932-3226 United Way of Southwest Michigan Kicks Off 2026 Campaign Season with Five Pacesetter Organizations ST. JOSEPH, MI – Campaign Fundraising Season is officially underway across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties to benefit United Way of Southwest Michigan, and five local Pacesetter organizations are setting the
YMCA of Greater Michiana Recognized with Seven Best of the Best Honors
The YMCA of Greater Michiana has been recognized with seven honors in the 2026 Best of the Best awards presented by Leader Publications, a reflection of the trust and support the organization has earned from the communities it serves throughout the region. Selected through community voting, the YMCA earned top honors in two categories: Best Fitness Classes Best Local Gym The YMCA was also recognized as a finalist in five categories, including three honors for its Northside Child Development
Honor Credit Union Welcomes Mary Ann Hurst as Community Development Officer
Honor Credit Union Welcomes Mary Ann Hurst as Community Development Officer BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN – August 4, 2026 – Honor Credit Union is pleased to announce Mary Ann Hurst as its new Community Development Officer (CDO), serving communities across Southwest Michigan, including South Haven, Coloma, Benton Harbor, and Hartford. Hurst brings over three decades of financial industry and leadership experience to her new role, along with a strong passion for community engagement and relationship
AMERICAN AIRLINES TO TRANSITION TO AIRCRAFT TO SERVE SOUTH BEND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO CHICAGO O’HARE ROUTE
Effective Monday, October 5, 2026, American Airlines will transition flights from South Bend International Airport (SBN) to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) from a luxury motorcoach service, operated by The Landline Company, to an aircraft. The flights will operate three times daily with the airline’s CRJ-700 regional aircraft with dual-class cabins and 65 seats. American’s flights complement existing jet service to Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) and Charlotte (CLT), providing one-stop access for
The Loading Dock To Host Chicago Alt Rock Band The King of Mars August 7
The Loading Dock, Buchanan's newest destination for live entertainment, community gatherings, and special events, will host Chicago alternative rock band The King of Mars on Friday, August 7th at 7pm. The concert comes after a kickoff weekend for the new venue’s live music schedule that included Buchanan native musicians now based in Grand Rapids, New Troy, and Detroit alt rock band Heat Above. The Loading Dock is Buchanan’s largest event venue and has a host of concerts and shows scheduled, among
2026 SWMI & National July Housing Market Sales Up, Small Change in Selling Prices, Inventory Grows
“Southwest Michigan’s housing market in June 2026 spiked to attain the highest monthly sales, with little change in selling prices from a year ago, and a substantial increase in inventory of houses for sale,” stated Luke Jeffries, Association Executive, Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS ® , Inc. Jeffries continued, “The number of houses sold in June jumped 20 percent to 302 from 252 in June 2025. Year-to-date, the number of houses sold decreased 5 percent (1200 vs. 1267).” The inventory of
Niles Residents Unveil Four Flags Fit, an Outdoor Fitness Club for the Community
A new community project is taking shape in Niles. Graduates of the Community Leadership Academy unveiled Four Flags Fit, an outdoor fitness club designed to bring residents together through shared physical activity, during a celebration Wednesday, July 29, at Apothica Teas in downtown Niles. The club aims to give neighbors regular opportunities to be active together outdoors, with possibilities including walking, biking, skating, tennis, pickleball, and soccer. Cohort graduates Geneva Nneka Okeke and
The Loading Dock Kicks off Live Music Slate with Full Weekend of Local & Regional Talent
The Loading Dock, Buchanan's newest destination for live entertainment, community gatherings, and special events, welcomes three talented local and regional musicians this weekend. The concerts mark the kickoff for the new venue’s live music ongoing schedule. Clarke Circle performs Thursday, July 30 at 7pm. He plays acoustic covers of great classic rock, pop, blues and a little bit of country…six decades worth of music! Artists ranging from Audioslave to Neal Young ..The Beatles to Weezer and many more
NJCAA recognizes 27 LMC student-athletes for academic excellence
The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) has recognized 27 Lake Michigan College Red Hawk student-athletes for outstanding academic achievement during the 2025-2026 season. Of the honorees, four Red Hawks earned First Team recognition with a perfect 4.00 GPA, 10 earned Second Team honors, and 13 earned Third Team honors. The students represent eight of the College's nine intercollegiate athletic programs, with academic honorees in men's and women's soccer, men’s and women’s cross country,
Call for Artists: 2027 Gallery Exhibition Series
Applications are now being accepted for the 2027 gallery exhibition season and beyond! Applications for this round of submissions are due by 11:59pm, September 13, 2026. Artists will be notified of their acceptance via email by October 16, 2026 (no phone calls please).The Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad Street, provides a unique opportunity for Michiana artists to gain exposure in a gallery setting. The organization, Berrien Artist Guild, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit has fostered the promotion of
Honor Credit Union Announces Free Community Shred Day in Buchanan
Honor Credit Union Announces Free Community Shred Day in Buchanan BUCHANAN, MICHIGAN – JULY 29, 2026 – Honor Credit Union, in partnership with Data Guardian, will host a Free Community Shred Day in Buchanan, MI. The event will be co-hosted at valued business partner, Harding’s Market on Thursday, August 13, from 6:00 PM-7:30 PM and will concludes Honor’s 2026 Shred Days. Buchanan’s Free Community Shred Day will operate as a drive-thru service, where Honor team members will assist in collecting
Southwest Michigan Welcomes “Best Regional Asset” at The Loading Dock Grand Opening
The Loading Dock officially opened its doors Saturday evening with a packed Grand Opening celebration that drew hundreds of guests, community leaders, elected officials, and visitors from across Southwest Michigan to experience Buchanan's newest event and performance venue. The celebration marked a significant milestone in the revitalization of the historic Clark Equipment building as attendees filled the venue to enjoy live music, tours of the facility, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and the debut of The
Niles Area Residents to Unveil Community Project July 29
A group of Niles area residents will unveil a community improvement project developed over the past few months during a celebration Wednesday, July 29, at Apothica Teas in downtown Niles. The event runs from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. and marks the completion of the second cohort of the Community Leadership Academy, a program led by Be Healthy Berrien and Corewell Health that equips residents with the skills, knowledge, and resources to create positive change in their neighborhoods. The project will be
10th Annual Watermark Golf Classic Presented by Honor Credit Union to Support Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Michigan
10th Annual Watermark Golf Classic Presented by Honor Credit Union to Support Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Michigan BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN – JULY 28, 2026 – The 10th Annual Watermark Golf Classic presented by Honor Credit Union will take place on Friday, August 21, 2026, with check‑in beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Indian Lake Hills Golf Course in Eau Claire, MI. The annual outing raises funds for the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) of Southwest Michigan, a local organization dedicated to
Open Mic Nights at the Box Factory Welcomes Performers of All Ages Every Wednesday Night!
Grab your family and friends for a lively evening of celebrating music, poetry and creative expression with other artists and community members at the Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad Street. We proudly open our doors to the public every Wednesday from 6:30-9:00p.m. for Open Mic Night! Performers of all ages and backgrounds are invited to take the stage in a safe and welcoming environment. It is a chance to present new material, gain performance experience and jam in front of a supportive
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
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
