Over 1,500 Volunteers Rake a Difference Across Southwest Michigan in 2025
United Way of Southwest Michigan’s 15th Annual Rake a Difference event was held Thursday, November 13 as volunteers spread throughout Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties to rake leaves and clean gutters for senior citizens. The event saw its biggest volunteer number ever, with a total of 1,541 volunteers participating across 148 teams. Over 347 senior homes were served during this year’s event. A massive 11,455 leaf bags were distributed to teams as well.Rake a Difference is a vital community event where
HYPE is proud to announce the contestant finalists, come support them on November 19th at the Solarium by Watermark
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Jasmine Hansen Events Director jhansen@smrchamber.com 269-932-4605 MEET THE 2025 HYPE CONTESTANTS HYPE is proud to announce the contestant finalists, come support them on November 19th at the Solarium by Watermark November 13, 2025 Saint Joseph, MI - On August 1st, the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, announced the return of HYPE – Highlighting Young Professional Excellence, a Shark Tank-style pitch competition that gives early-stage business owners
Lake Michigan College ensembles unite for annual Holiday Collage concert
The warmth and spirit of the season will fill the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Grand Upton Hall when the LMC Visual & Performing Arts Department presents its annual Holiday Collage concert at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3. The College’s complete lineup of instrumental and vocal ensembles will come together in song, accompanied by dramatic readings during this festive celebration. The evening features performances by the LMC Concert Choir, LMC Vocal Chamber, and Vox LMC directed by Rebecca Derbas-Selvidge,
Cook Plant Foundation Awards $50,000 Grant to Support ''Salute the Troops Playground'' at Bridgman Ame
The Greater Bridgman Area Chamber and Growth Alliance (BCGA) is proud to announce that the Cook Plant Foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant in support of the Salute the Troops Playground, a new military service-themed community park to be developed at the Bridgman American Legion Post 331. The Salute the Troops Playground is designed to honor local veterans and active-duty service members while providing a safe, inclusive, and engaging recreational space for families throughout the Bridgman area. The
Lake Michigan College to Host Two-Day Speaker Series on Global Perspectives, Part of the Annual Celebration of International Education Week
Lake Michigan College invites the public to a dynamic two-day event series featuring international experts discussing cross-cultural communication and Pan-Africanism. Both events are free and open to the community. Wednesday, November 19, 2025 "The Benefits of Multiple Perspectives: Lessons from International Experts" The Unspoken Language of Success Ever wonder why a thumbs-up works in one country but offends in another? Or how the best leaders read the room without a single word being
GhostLight Theatre’s announces it’s 2025 Season FINALE “THE THANKSGIVING PLAY – a comedy by Larissa Fasthorse November 13th – Nov. 23rd directed by Michael Alan Herman
A fully staged production of the wickedly funny satire“The Thanksgiving Play – a play by Larissa Fasthorse” will be produced at The GhostLight Theatre beginning Thursday, November 13th through Sunday, November 23rd. Stage Directed by Michael Alan Herman, The Thanksgiving Play features a 4-person cast including Kip Bartloff, Shane Blair, Josie Eli Herman and Rebecca Maxey. A group of mismatched teachers and actors have been charged by the school district to devise an ethnically sensitive play to somehow
Relax into Four Hearts Sound Journey this holiday season
The holidays are a time to celebrate with friends and family, but don’t forget about your own health! Come and enjoy a Four Hearts Sound Journey for the Season that creates time for YOU to rest, relax and meditate on all the gifts you have in your life. Experience the Four Hearts Sound Journey on Saturday, December 6, 4–6pm, at the Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St. in St. Joseph. Tickets are $44. Reserve your spot at ticketstripe.com/soundbath. Walk-ins are also welcome. Four Hearts is comprised
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ST. JOE TODAY’S WINTER EVENTS KICK OFF THE 2025 HOLIDAY SEASON
Getting into the holiday spirit is easy when you visit downtown St. Joseph! On Friday, November 21, kick off the holiday season with two great community events - Luminary and Countdown to New Year. Friday (November 21) evening will begin with the warm glow of hundreds of luminaries lining the streets of downtown St. Joseph from 5:00p-8:00p. Luminary, sponsored by The Boulevard Inn & Bistro, creates a great atmosphere for all ages to enjoy sales, specialty items, giveaways, complimentary gift wrapping
Lake Michigan College, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber seek applications for 2026 Cohort of Leadership Accelerator Program
Lake Michigan College and the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber are now accepting applications for the 2026 cohort of Leadership Accelerator, the region’s premier program for emerging leaders. The program combines the college’s academic expertise with the Chamber’s network of business, nonprofit, and civic leaders, resulting in a unique blend of classroom learning, practical experience, and community-focused insight.“Leadership Accelerator is designed around a curriculum that builds the full spectrum of
Lake Michigan College to showcase new Physical Therapist Assistant degree program at Nov. 11 open house
Lake Michigan College will introduce its new Physical Therapist Assistant program to the public during an open house on Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 6-7:30 p.m. The event will be held at the College’s South Haven Campus, where the program is based. The campus is located at 125 Veterans Blvd. High school students and adults considering training for a career in health care, area health care professionals, and the broader community are invited to meet faculty and staff, learn about the program and entrance
2026 BUSINESS RECOGNITION AWARD NOMINATIONS & SPONSORSHIPS NOW OPEN
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Jasmine Hansen Events Director Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber jhansen@smrchamber.com2026 BUSINESS RECOGNITION AWARD NOMINATIONS & SPONSORSHIPS NOW OPEN Chamber Seeking Public Nominations for Individuals and Businesses October 30, 2025 ST. JOSEPH, MI – As 2025 comes to a close, the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is inviting the public to nominate exceptional individuals and businesses who have made a meaningful impact in and around our community
Makers Market kicks off the holiday season on Nov. 29 with one-of-a-kind gift items
The Makers Market will once again transform the Box Factory into a three-story artisan marketplace on Thanksgiving weekend. The bustling market takes place as part of Small Business Saturday, from 9am–5pm on November 29 at the Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St. in St. Joseph. A cash bar, food and desserts will add to the holiday cheer. All are welcome! Admission is $5, free for children 12 years and younger. The Makers Market is a daylong celebration of creativity, community, and one-of-a-kind gift
Lake Michigan College Dean Selected for Prestigious Michigan ACE Women's Network Leadership Mentorsh
Lake Michigan College is proud to announce that Dr. LaToya Mason, Dean of Health Sciences Education, has been selected as a mentee for the Michigan ACE Women's Network Senior-Level Leadership Job Shadow Program for the 2025-26 academic year. This prestigious opportunity marks a significant milestone for both Dr. Mason and the college as the program celebrates its tenth anniversary. The Shadow Program, now in its landmark tenth year, pairs aspiring women leaders with university presidents and senior
Meeting the Moment for Food Assistance
On November 1, the federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, will be paused. The 23,000+ Berrien County residents who rely on these benefits to help feed their families will be in need. That’s why Berrien Community Foundation is calling on the community to donate food items at one of eight donation sites. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides over $3 million in food aid in Berrien County every month. Those dollars are spent at our local
Lake Michigan College Visual & Performing Arts Department brings magical mischief to the stage with “Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic”
The Lake Michigan College Visual & Performing Arts Department presents a clever and imaginative comedy experience when they bring "Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic" to the LMC Mendel Center Hanson Theatre on the College’s Benton Harbor Campus. Performances are at 7 p.m. Nov. 20-22 and 2 p.m. Nov. 23. Concessions and a bar featuring a specialty cocktail will be available at each performance. Tickets are available online
Lake Michigan College recognizes outstanding alumni and supporters at annual event
During a ceremony at the Mendel Center on Saturday, Oct. 25, Lake Michigan College recognized its annual alumni and supporter award recipients. Three alumni awards are given annually: the Alumni Achievement Award, the Gladys Peeples-Burks Alumni Service Award, and the Clarence Beckwith Distinguished Alumni Award. In addition, the LMC Board of Trustees recognizes friends of the college who have championed the role of higher education in southwest Michigan with the Bernard C. Radde Distinguished Service
Families invited to ‘Make Your Wish’ holiday event Nov. 16 at Box Factory
The public is invited to join Girl Scout Troop #56011 and author Denise McGowan Tracy at a "make your wish" event at the Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St. The free event takes place on Sunday, November 16, beginning at 1:30pm, and includes a book presentation, sing-along and bake sale. Author and playwright Denise McGowan Tracy will read passages from her book, Eleanor's Very Merry Christmas Wish, and lead a holiday sing-along accompanied by pianist Chris Hyatt. Hyatt, a musician and composer who
“ROCKY HORROR SHOW – The Musical” (rated-R) Returns October 29th – Nov. 2nd at The GhostLight Theatre – featuring Guest Narrators, Audience Participation, Double Casts & More!
A fully staged production of “The Rocky Horror Show – The Musical” will be produced for the 3rd consecutive season at The GhostLight Theatre beginning October 29th through Halloween weekend, and Sunday, November 2nd. Stage Directed by GhostLight GM/Artistic Director Paul Mow and Co-Directed/Choreographed by Paige Mulick, Rocky Horror will also feature a different guest narrator each evening. This production is Rated-R for content, and is meant for mature audiences only. Only adults 18+ will be permitted
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WILLOWBROOK FARMS OPENS PRE-ORDERS FOR PREMIUM PASTURE RAISED THANKSGIVING TURKEYS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Vanessa Frias Co-Owner/Co-Founder vanessa@willowbrookmi.com 574-386-7550 WILLOWBROOK FARMS OPENS PRE-ORDERS FOR PREMIUM PASTURE RAISED THANKSGIVING TURKEYS Pre-order now to guarantee your turkey and support Willowbrook Farms October 24, 2025 CASSOPOLIS, MI – Willowbrook Farms, the Cassopolis-based first-generation farm and proud recipient of the 2024 Cass County Farmer of the Year award, today announced the launch of its highly anticipated Thanksgiving
Lake Michigan College Marketing & Communications Team Wins Four Awards at National Conference
Benton Harbor, MI – The Marketing & Communications team at Lake Michigan College has been recognized with four awards at the 2025 National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR) District 3 conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. The team received three silver awards and one gold award for excellence in communications and marketing."These awards reflect our team's dedication to telling meaningful stories that resonate with our community," said Jennifer Shoemaker, Executive Director of Marketing and
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Veteran Makers Market at Sticky Spoons Jam
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Aiye Akhigbe Owner Sticky Spoons Jam, LLC stickyspoonsjam@gmail.com Veteran Makers Market at Sticky Spoons Jam All are invited to join, Sunday November 9th, 10:00- 3:00pm October 23, 2025 NILES, MI – On Sunday, November 9, from 10am to 3pm, Sticky Spoons Jam is proud to host its Veteran Makers Market featuring nine small veteran-owned businesses, each bringing their unique craft to the table - from macrame and soap to woodwork, knitted blankets, and
New diagnostic medical sonography lab at Lake Michigan College on display during Oct. 30 public open house
BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – Lake Michigan College will showcase a $377,000 investment in regional health care training when it hosts a community open house of its newly renovated diagnostic medical sonography lab. The open house will be held 3 – 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30, in the Main Academic Building on the LMC Benton Harbor Campus located at 2755 E. Napier Avenue. The event will include tours of the new labs, ultrasound equipment demonstrations, and refreshments. The sonography lab is located on the first
Celebrate “The Pearl on Broad Street” at the Box Factory’s Member Show
The Box Factory for the Arts presents its Series 6 Exhibit – the annual Member Show, which showcases original works by over 50 regional artists, all of who are members of the Berrien Artist Guild. More than 100 pieces representing a variety of mediums will be exhibited in galleries on all three floors of the historic building. The public is invited, free of charge, to the Opening Reception on Friday, Nov. 7, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The evening’s festivities include a cash bar and refreshments. The
Hickory Creek Revival celebrates its musical roots in concert at the Box Factory on Nov. 8
The band Hickory Creek Revival is made up of four siblings who grew up playing folk and bluegrass music in St. Joseph, MI. Now accomplished musicians, songwriters and poets, the Willeys will return to their hometown for a festive concert on Saturday, November 8, from 7-9 p.m. at the Box Factory for the Arts. At the performance, they will also unveil a short documentary about their latest project. Reserve your seats for this popular band! Tickets are $15 cabaret seating and $12 general admission
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
