CALL FOR ARTISTS: ‘MAAC IN THE BOX’ ANNUAL COMPETITION 2026
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/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, and corporate sponsors. Entrants who are residents of the following counties will be given preference:
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Honor Credit Union Welcomes Joey Jorgensen as Mortgage Loan Originator
Honor Credit Union Welcomes Joey Jorgensen as Mortgage Loan Originator BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN – February 18, 2025 – Honor Credit Union is proud to welcome Joey Jorgensen to the team as a Mortgage Loan Originator, serving the Berrien Springs and Benton Harbor communities. Jorgensen earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Andrews University and brings a strong background in financial services to his new role. His experience includes positions as Personal Banker I,
Registration open for Lake Michigan College Summer Camps 2026
Registration is open for more than a dozen Fab Lab, performing arts, and athletic summer camps hosted by Lake Michigan College. All camps will be held on LMC’s Benton Harbor Campus, 2755 E. Napier Ave. Early registration is encouraged as camps can fill quickly. Fab Lab CampsThe Lake Michigan College Fab Lab is where creativity meets technology. Fab Lab summer camps provide fun, hands-on projects that spark creativity and allow participants to develop collaboration, teamwork, critical thinking, and
Spring semester Vocal Showcase performance scheduled for March 1
Lake Michigan College voice students will be center stage during the Vocal Showcase at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 1. Enjoy a lively afternoon of classical, jazz, musical theatre, and folk music during this free event. The performance will be held at the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Hanson Theatre on the College’s Benton Harbor campus, located at 2755. E. Napier Avenue. Planned solo performances by students taking applied voice lessons are: Jaiden Anderson (Battle Creek); Wyatt Arms (Hartford); Zechariah
GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY ANNOUNCED FOR KOHN PARK
The community is invited to celebrate the start of construction on Kohn Park with a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, February 27 at 10:00 a.m. at the park site, located at 5844 Sawyer Road, Sawyer, MI.The ceremony will mark the official commencement of construction on the new park, a project made possible through strong community support, public-private collaboration, and grant funding. Given the winter season, the ceremony will be a brief outdoor program with short remarks followed by a ceremonial
Lake Michigan College Students Earn Top Honors in Statewide Writing Competition and Scholarship Recognition
Lake Michigan College students have achieved exceptional recognition in the 2025 Liberal Arts Network for Development (LAND) Creative Writing Competition, with three students earning top honors at the statewide level. The competition encompasses three genres—fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry— with students first competing at their home institutions before advancing to statewide recognition. Chloe Luneke earned first place in the Creative Nonfiction category for her essay "Backseat Prayers."
Greater Bridgman Area Chamber & Growth Alliance to Host Annual Meeting on February 26th
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Nancy Kiernan Bridgman CGA Director 269-285-2152 NKiernan@BridgmanCGA.org Greater Bridgman Area Chamber & Growth Alliance to Host Annual Meeting on February 26th FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 30, 2026 Bridgman, Michigan – The Greater Bridgman Area Chamber & Growth Alliance (Greater Bridgman CGA) will host its Annual Meeting on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at Haymarket Taproom. The event will celebrate the organization’s accomplishments in
Watermark Brewing Company Nominated for USA Today's Best Beer Garden 2 Years in a Row
Watermark Brewing Co. was just recognized by USA Today as one of the Top Beer Gardens in the Country, and with your help, we can take the #1 spot. Vote for Watermark at the link below(Voting is daily, so feel free to come back and vote again) If we end up bringing home the gold, you better believe we’re throwing an epic celebration in the beer garden to say thank you. As we kick off a new year and reflect on this nomination, we’ve been thinking a lot about the last ten years. How far we’ve come,
Center for Growth & Independence Softball Fundraiser to Celebrate 39 Years of Inclusion and Community Fun
For 39 years, a summer softball fundraiser in Southwest Michigan has brought the community together for one of the most unique community events in the area. The Center for Growth and Independence will host its annual Softball Fundraiser this summer at Eaton Park on July 25, 2026, continuing a long-standing tradition that began under the organization’s former name, GateWay Services.The event reflects the Center for Growth and Independence’s mission to promote inclusion and independence for individuals with
Southwest Michigan Regional Airport Receives Clean Financial Audit
The Southwest Michigan Regional Airport Authority has received a clean financial audit, reaffirming the airport’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible financial management.During the Airport Authority’s regular board meeting on January 22, 2026 Airport Director Christopher Beckman announced that the Authority’s independent auditors issued an “unmodified and clean” opinion on the airport’s financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. A clean audit opinion indicates
Women’s Service League Announces 2026 Charity Ball Benefiting New Heights CCDA
Women’s Service League (WSL) has announced that New Heights Christian Community Development Association, Inc. (New Heights CCDA) has been selected as the beneficiary of the 2026 Women’s Service League Charity Ball, to be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 6:00–10:00 p.m. at Union + Social, 216 Court Street, St. Joseph. The annual Charity Ball brings together community members for an evening of dinner, entertainment, and a silent auction, raising critical funds to support local nonprofit
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A WEEKEND OF FROSTY FUN DURING THE 2026 ICE FEST, FEBRUARY 6-8
St. Joseph Mich., is renowned as a four-season water wonderland, with Lake Michigan and nearby rivers and inland lakes. This time of year, the city’s focus turns to frozen water during the 2025 Ice Fest. Presented by Silver Beach Pizza, February 6-8. Professional ice carving, Ice Wars, a Scavenger Hunt and Ice Interactives are just some of the reasons to bring family and friends to this frosty, fun-filled weekend. “This event is the perfect antidote to the winter blues,” Executive Director, Paul Knapp
Dan Ripke Trio Brings Madcat Ruth and James Bourland to Americana Revue at the Box Factory
The Box Factory for the Arts presents Dan Ripke’s Americana Revue Trioon February 7, 7-9PM. The Americana Revue Acoustic Show is a musical journey through the backroads, mountains, cities, and fields where American roots music was born. Tickets in advance at ticketstripe.com/Americana-Revueare $15 general admission; $20 cabaret seating; $20 at the door. Free admission for children 12 and under. A cash bar will be available. From the hollers of Appalachia to the dusty highways of Texas, this show
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Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Welcomes Gym Rat Performance and Wellness with Open House and Ri
For Immediate Release Media Contact: James Morris Doctor of Physical Therapy | Owner james@gymratpw.com (269) 999-4508Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Welcomes Gym Rat Performance and Wellness with Open House and Ribbon Cutting Celebration FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 26, 2025 STEVENSVILLE, MI — The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is pleased to welcome Gym Rat Performance and Wellness to the regional business community with a special Open House and Ribbon Cutting
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Honor Credit Union’s 2025 Community Impact Year-In-Review
Honor Credit Union’s 2025 Community Impact Year-In-Review BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN— January 21, 2026— As a not-for-profit financial institution, giving back to the members and communities it serves has been part of Honor Credit Union’s mission for more than 90 years. The 2025 Community Impact Summary reflects another year of meaningful investment in people, organizations, and communities across Michigan and Northern Indiana. Rooted in putting people first since its beginning, Honor continues to focus
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
