PRESENT PILLARS FOUNDATION TO HOST EXPUNGEMENT OPPORTUNITY FAIR IN BENTON HARBOR
For Immediate Release Media Contact: James Gunter Co-Founder & Executive Director Present Pillars Foundation 269-332-0055 jgunter@presentpillars.org PRESENT PILLARS FOUNDATION TO HOST EXPUNGEMENT OPPORTUNITY FAIR IN BENTON HARBOR Saturday, July 11 | 12–4 PM | The Pillar Center, Benton Harbor FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE XX BENTON HARBOR, MI — Present Pillars Foundation will host an Expungement Opportunity Fair on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm at The Pillar Center,
PRESENT PILLARS CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING AND FIFTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WITH COMMUNITY EVENT
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Myla Jackson Center Manager mjackson@presentpillars.org 269-332-1102 presentpillars.org PRESENT PILLARS CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING AND FIFTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WITH COMMUNITY EVENT Join them on Monday, July 6th from 4:00 to 6:00PM. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 19TH Benton Harbor, Michigan — Present Pillars is excited to invite community members, partners, supporters, and local organizations to celebrate the organization’s Grand Opening and fifth
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EDGEWATER AUTOMATION TO CELEBRATE 25 YEARS WITH OPEN HOUSE AT ST. JOSEPH, MICHIGAN FACILITY
Edgewater Automation will celebrate its 25th anniversary with an open house on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its St. Joseph facility. The event will feature a keynote address, guided facility tours, lunch, and live robotic demonstrations, giving attendees an opportunity to see the advanced automation equipment and systems Edgewater Automation designs and builds, including robotics, machine vision, motion control, automated test and data acquisition, and software control and management
Cass County School Supply Spectacular Registration is Now Open
Registration is now open for the 2026 School Supply Spectacular, and United Way of Southwest Michigan is asking Cass County families who could use a hand to sign up before backpacks run out. The annual event gives local students in need a free backpack filled with age-appropriate school supplies so they can start the year ready to learn. Online registration is now open at SchoolSupplySpectacular.com. Backpacks are available to children from pre-K through 12th grade who reside in or attend school in
Honor Credit Union Announces Promotion of ?Megan Ankrapp as Commercial Loan Officer
Honor Credit Union Announces Promotion of Megan Ankrapp as Commercial Loan Officer BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN – JUNE 16, 2026 – Honor Credit Union is pleased to announce the promotion of Megan Ankrapp as Commercial Loan Officer, serving the Baroda, Niles, Buchanan, and Berrien Springs communities. Ankrapp brings a strong background in banking and finance to her new role, along with a deep connection to Southwest Michigan. She is a graduate of Buchanan High School and has pursued her studies in
Three’s the Charm when Langford Lads Take the Stage at the Box Factory July 25
Whether you love bouncy jigs, Gaelic ballads, or breathtaking bluegrass pickin’, you’ll enjoy all those and more when the Langford Lads take the Box Factory stage. The Lads have entertained thousands with their astonishing mash-up of Irish, bluegrass, and American folk styles. Expect an engaging, informal vibe on Saturday, July 25, 7-9PM, at the Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St. Reserve your seats early for this thrilling trio from Roosevelt, MI. Tickets are $20 for cabaret seating and $15 general
FREEDOM BOAT CLUB OF MICHIANA TO HOST BEACH CLEANUP WITH ALLIANCE FOR THE GREAT LAKES AT JEAN KLOCK
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Aaron Steinmann Marketing Director Freedom Boat Club of Michiana aaron.steinmann@freedomboatclub.com 269-206-9715 FREEDOM BOAT CLUB OF MICHIANA TO HOST BEACH CLEANUP WITH ALLIANCE FOR THE GREAT LAKES AT JEAN KLOCK PARK Join them on Wednesday, June 24th FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 18TH ST. JOSEPH/BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Freedom Boat Club of Michiana and the Alliance for the Great Lakes are hosting a beach cleanup at Jean Klock Park in Benton Harbor from
Illusionist Rick Thomas coming to the LMC Mendel Center
Illusionist Rick Thomas coming to the LMC Mendel CenterTickets for Mansion of Dreams go on sale Monday, June 22, at 8 a.m. BENTON HARBOR, MICH. – It will be an awe-inspiring evening when Illusionist Rick Thomas brings his Mansion of Dreams to the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Jenkins Theatre on Saturday, April 17, 2027, for an all-ages performance at 7:30 p.m. Rick Thomas stands as one of the most prolific magical entertainers of our time. He performs the most intriguing, innovative, and
PRESS RELEASE: GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO HOST 2026 CHAMBER PULSE LUNCHEON
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Jasmine Hansen Events Director Regional Chamber jhansen@smrchamber.com GREATER NILES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO HOST 2026 CHAMBER PULSE LUNCHEON Join us June 30th at The Morris Estate FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 16TH NILES, MI — The Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Chamber Pulse Luncheon, presented by C&S Machine, on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Morris Estate. The event will bring together business
Hard cider release marks expanded Lake Michigan College wine and viticulture program curriculum
BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – Hard cider production is an emerging industry in Michigan, with the state now standing as the second-largest producer of the craft beverage in the country. According to the 2025 Economic Impact Study of the Michigan Craft Beverage Industry, more than 135 Michigan beverage makers craft hard cider, producing over 1.2 million gallons annually. Wineries and cideries in Southwest Michigan are instrumental in this growth, making the region one of the top in the state for production of the
CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP TO CELEBRATE NEW AMENITIES AND TRAIL CONNECTION AT HARBERT COMMUNITY PARK
HARBERT, Mich. — June 15, 2026 — Chikaming Township invites residents and visitors to join in Unveiled: A Harbert Community Park Celebration, a ribbon-cutting event recognizing major improvements to Harbert Community Park and celebrating the connections that bring Harbor Country communities together. The event will take place on Saturday, June 27, at 4:30 p.m. at Harbert Community Park and will be followed by the kickoff of the park's popular summer concert series. Community members are encouraged
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PACE OF SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN ANNOUNCES GRAND OPENING IN NEW NILES FACILITY
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Ale Soto Referral and Outreach Specialist PACE of Southwest Michigan (269) 408‑4322, ext. 4350 alesoto@paceswmi.org www.paceswmi.org PACE OF SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN ANNOUNCES GRAND OPENING IN NEW NILES FACILITY New Location to Increase Program’s Capacity to Serve Adults 55+ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 11th, 2026 NILES, MI —PACE of Southwest Michigan will be opening the doors to its new day center in the heart of downtown Niles in June 2026. This expansion
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HARBOR WOODS TOWNHOMES TO CELEBRATE OFFICIAL RIBBON CUTTING IN BENTON CHARTER TOWNSHIP
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Elizabeth Meeth Rip Current Creative (217) 553-7315 elizabeth.meeth@gmail.com HARBOR WOODS TOWNHOMES TO CELEBRATE OFFICIAL RIBBON CUTTING IN BENTON CHARTER TOWNSHIPNew luxury rental community invites the public to tour spacious three-bedroom townhomes FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 10th, 2026 BENTON CHARTER TOWNSHIP, MI —Harbor Woods Townhomes will celebrate its official ribbon cutting on Tuesday, June 23, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m., with the ribbon cutting
Nearly 29,000 Working Households in Southwest Michigan Can't Afford the Basics, New ALICE Data Shows
Nearly 29,000 working households across Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties earned above the federal poverty level in 2024 but still too little to cover the basics, according to new data released today by United For ALICE in partnership with United Way of Southwest Michigan. The figures reflect 2024, the most recent year available through the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, which reports on a lag. These households are referred to as ALICE: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.
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PIPESTONE GOLF ANNOUNCES MAJOR EXPANSION WITH NEW $2 MILLION INDOOR GOLF FACILITY IN LINCOLN TOWNSHIP
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Dustin Lester Co-Owner/Business Manager Pipestone Golf dustinlester@pipestone.golf 616-481-3160 PIPESTONE GOLF ANNOUNCES MAJOR EXPANSION WITH NEW $2 MILLION INDOOR GOLF FACILITY IN LINCOLN TOWNSHIP Stay tuned for more, including a groundbreaking with the Regional Chamber! FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 9th, 2026 LINCOLN TOWNSHIP, MI — Pipestone Golf is excited to announce plans to expand its indoor entertainment and recreation offerings with the
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Honor Credit Union Welcomes Brian Davisson as Mortgage Loan Originator
Honor Credit Union Welcomes Brian Davisson as Mortgage Loan Originator BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN – JUNE 9, 2026 – Honor Credit Union is proud to welcome Brian Davisson to the team as a mortgage loan originator, serving the Buchanan, Dowagiac, and Niles communities. Davisson earned his bachelor's degree in business administration and finance from Siena Heights University and brings six years of experience in the financial industry. His background includes roles as a relationship banker, personal
Get Ready to Party Like It's 1979: The Disco Circus Heads to the LMC Mendel Center Jenkins Theatre
Relive the era of bellbottoms, sparkles, and platforms when The Disco Circus transforms the LMC Mendel Center Jenkins Theatre into a boogie wonderland at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 5, 2027. The Disco Circus delivers a fully immersive disco experience, live on stage. Think Studio 54 energy with live musicians, enough glitter to last a decade, and a playlist that will have everyone partying like it’s 1979 with songs made famous by ABBA, The Bee Gees, The Jackson 5, KC & the Sunshine Band, and so many more. The
LIVE FIRE TRAINING TO TAKE PLACE JUNE 9-11, 2026, AT SOUTH BEND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Fire training with live burns will take place from approximately 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, June 9 - 11, 2026, at the live fire training facility on the northwest corner of the airfield at South Bend International Airport (SBN). This training will not impact flight operations.Media escorts to the burns will not be available.
Lake Michigan College to hold summer vegetable gardening sessions at South Haven campus
Anyone who has raised a vegetable garden has experienced at least some of the obstacles that stand in the way of a successful harvest. To help home growers understand and address the many challenges they face, Lake Michigan College is hosting summer gardening sessions as part of its Extended Education program. The hoop house at the College’s South Haven Campus, 125 Veterans Boulevard, will serve as the location for three Thursday sessions from 5:30 – 7 p.m. on June 25, July 16, and August 6. Cheyenne Sloan,
Honor Credit Union Announces Promotion of Kelly Williams to Regional Manager
Honor Credit Union Announces Promotion of Kelly Williams to Regional Manager BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN – JUNE 4, 2026 – Honor Credit Union is pleased to announce the promotion of Kelly Williams as Regional Manager for its Southwest Region, which includes its Berrien Springs, Buchanan, Dowagiac, Hartford, and Niles communities. With over ten years of management experience, Williams steps into her new role after serving as Honor’s Niles Branch Manager and holding previous positions prior to Honor,
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Level Up Chiro, New Walk-In Chiropractic Clinic, Now Open in St. Joseph
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Dr. Nick Grady Owner Level Up Chiro lvlupchiro@gmail.com LEVEL UP CHIRO, NEW WALK-IN CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC, NOW OPEN IN ST. JOSEPH Ribbon Cutting Celebration to be Held on July 14th, 5:00PM FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 4th, 2026 ST. JOSEPH, MI. — Residents across Southwest Michigan now have a new option for convenient, accessible chiropractic care with the opening of Level Up Chiro, which offers walk-in chiropractic care. Located at 810 Highland Ave
MICHIGAN WORKS! ADULT EDUCATION TEAM SETS NEW GRADUATION RECORD THROUGH BERRIEN COUNTY JAIL PARTNERS
The Michigan Works! Adult Education team celebrated a record-breaking year Tuesday night, recognizing 52 graduates who earned their GEDs- the highest number of graduates in the program’s history. The milestone follows the launch of a new partnership with the Berrien County Jail, created to help adult learners work toward earning their GED before reentering the community. “We hit an all-time high this year, watching 52 graduates earn their GED,” said Mandi Somers, Adult Education Manager at Michigan
Lake Michigan College's Sean Newmiller Named Inaugural First-Year Success Fellow by Strong Start to Finish
Sean Newmiller, Chair of the English, Communication, and World Languages Department, has been named one of six inaugural First-Year Success Fellows by Strong Start to Finish, a national network dedicated to ensuring students complete gateway math and English in their first year of college and an initiative of the Education Commission of the States. Newmiller was selected for his accomplishments in advancing evidence-based reforms that improve student outcomes. At Lake Michigan College, he led his
AWARD WINNERS OF THE MICHIANA ANNUAL ART COMPETITION AT THE BOX FACTORY FOR THE ARTS
Award winners have been announced for the 2026 Michiana Annual Art Competition (MAAC), now on display at the Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St., until July 5. The MAAC in the Box is a juried, fine art competition designed to recognize and reward the excellence of artists in southwestern Michigan and Northwest Indiana. More than 150 original works by 120 artists were selected for the exhibit. Eight category awards, including painting (oil, acrylic, water-based); drawing; photography; fiber
Honor Credit Union Accepting Applications to Award $20,000 to Michigan Teachers for the 17th Year
Honor Credit Union Accepting Applications to Award $20,000 to Michigan Teachers for the 17th Year BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN – JUNE 2, 2026 – Honor Credit Union has officially opened applications for its 17th Annual Teacher Awards, continuing its long-standing tradition of celebrating and supporting educators across Michigan. This year, 40 teachers will each receive a $500 Amazon digital gift card to help bring their classroom dreams to life, totaling $20,000 in awards across the state. Honor’s
Lake Michigan College's Dr. Scott L. Pratt Named to OnCon Icon Top 100 Technology Professionals
Dr. Scott L. Pratt, Chief Information Officer at Lake Michigan College (LMC), has been named one of the OnCon Icon Top 100 Technology Professionals, a prestigious honor recognizing excellence among technology executives worldwide. The OnCon Icon Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of top organizations and leaders across industries. Recipients are selected entirely through peer voting. Voters chose leaders they felt demonstrated a strong mix of organizational success and positive impact,
Honor Credit Union Welcomes Tamiko Brown as Stevensville Branch Manager
Honor Credit Union Welcomes Tamiko Brown as Stevensville Branch Manager BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN – May 28, 2025 – Honor Credit Union is proud to welcome Tamiko Brown to the team as Stevensville Branch Manager. Brown brings more than a decade of experience in the financial services industry to her new role. She earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational management and has built her career serving in a variety of customer-focused and leadership positions. Brown is passionate about supporting
Local High School Musicals Featured and Awarded at LMC’s WAVE Awards honoring Excellence in High School Musical Theatre
Thirteen local High Schools participated in the fifth annual WAVE Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theatre at the Mendel Center Jenkins Theatre on the Benton Harbor Campus, 2755 E. Napier Ave. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. This year the WAVE Awards has grown to include students and arts educators from Berrien, Van Buren, and Cass Counties in Michigan and St. Joseph and Elkhart Counties in Indiana. The participating schools were evaluated by 10 adjudicators, and about 890 students
PRESS RELEASE: GREAT LAKES EYE CARE WELCOMES TWO DOCTORS: ??DR. JENNA STODDARD (OD) AND DR. ALEX STODDARD (MD)
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Alex Gaytán Practice Development Coordinator agaytan@greateyecare.com 269-428-3300 Ext. 266 GREAT LAKES EYE CARE WELCOMES TWO DOCTORS: DR. JENNA STODDARD (OD) AND DR. ALEX STODDARD (MD) Joining June 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 2, 2026 SAINT JOSEPH, MI — Great Lakes Eye Care is proud to announce the addition of two new doctors. Dr. Jenna Stoddard, OD, and Dr. Alex Stoddard, MD, to their team of dedicated eye care professionals. Dr.
GREATER BRIDGMAN CGA HELPS SECURE MDARD GRANTS FOR TWO LOCAL BUSINESSES
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Nancy Kiernan Director Greater Bridgman Area CGA nkiernan@bridgmancga.org GREATER BRIDGMAN CGA HELPS SECURE MDARD GRANTS FOR TWO LOCAL BUSINESSES FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 28, 2026 BRIDGMAN, MI — The Greater Bridgman Area Chamber and Growth Alliance (BCGA) is celebratingthe achievement of two local businesses that have received grant funding through the MichiganDepartment of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD), supporting economic vitality and
CE Competitive Edge LLC Named to PPAI 100 List for 2026
CE Competitive Edge LLC is proud to announce its inclusion on the prestigious PPAI 100 list for 2026. Recognized as one of the branded merchandise industry’s highest honors, the PPAI 100 celebrates the top 100 distributors and 100 suppliers based on comprehensive, data-driven evaluation.The PPAI 100 ranking assesses companies across a broad spectrum of performance indicators, including revenue growth, corporate social responsibility, technology adoption, workforce strength, employee satisfaction, and
Lake Michigan College Wine & Viticulture Technology program offering summer wine and cider tasting series
Southwest Michigan is home to one of the country's most celebrated wine regions, yet few who live in and visit the area have had the chance to truly explore what's in their glass. The Lake Michigan College Wine & Viticulture Technology program is changing that with a summer series of expert-led tasting sessions. The workshops are designed to deepen participants' understanding of wines and ciders from around the world and help them connect that knowledge to the vineyards and wineries right outside their
FROM CHILDREN'S DRAWINGS TO COMMUNITY LEGACY: BERRIEN SPRINGS LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO BRING DREAM PLAYGROUND TO LIFE
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Jennifer Marren Community Engagement Coordinator Village of Berrien Springs 269-473-6921 cec@villageofberriensprings.com FROM CHILDREN'S DRAWINGS TO COMMUNITY LEGACY: BERRIEN SPRINGS LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO BRING DREAM PLAYGROUND TO LIFE Ribbon cutting to officially take place Friday, June 26th, 3:00PM FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 26, 2026 BERRIEN SPRINGS, MI — A bold new community-driven effort is underway in Berrien Springs as residents, businesses,
Schnell & Waite - Other Brothers Folk & Americana Concert at the Box Factory on June 27
On Saturday, June 27 from 7-9PM, the Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St., presents an evening of music from duet Bill Schnell and Dennis Waite, joined with Mark Albers and Monte Blue. The once duet, now four performing under the name the “Other Brothers,” all with rich musical backgrounds, are prepared to entertain you with song and story!Make sure to reserve your seats! Tickets in advance are $20 for cabaret seating, $15 general admission at https://ticketstripe.com/Schnell_Waite, or $20 at the door.
2026 SWMI & National April Housing Market Higher Sales, Rising Mortgage Rate
“Sales in April for the local housing market surpassed 200 for the first time this year. Year-to-date sales were down for the fourth consecutive month in 2026 compared to 2025. The average selling price in April and year-to-date price were the highest in the year-over-year comparison dating back to 2006. Year-to-date, the total dollar volume was down 18 percent at the end of April. Th inventory of homes for sale did not increase to the level of listings in April 2025,” stated Luke Jeffries,
Southwest Michigan Study Explores How a Year-Round Marketplace Could Improve Food Access While Supporting Regional Agriculture
For generations, Southwest Michigan farmers have shaped the region's economy and identity, with the Benton Harbor Fruit Market (BHFM) serving as a key connection point between growers and buyers. Today, that system faces growing challenges. Farmers struggle with uncertainty in selling their products, and many residents lack consistent access to fresh, locally grown food. A regional feasibility study is now underway to explore whether a year-round local produce marketplace at BHFM could help address both
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
