Annual Whirlpool Appliance Sale is Back August 23 & 24 in St. Joseph, Benefiting United Way of Southwest Michigan
ST. JOSEPH, MI – The Whirlpool Appliance Sale will take place in-person and earlier this year Saturday, August 23 from 8am-4pm, and Sunday, August 24 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. This year’s sale is moving to the former Rosback building at 125 Hawthorne Ave in St. Joseph. The sale is open to the public and offers 300+ discounted Maytag, KitchenAid, JennAir and Whirlpool brand ovens, ranges, refrigerators, dishwashers, washers and dryers at significant savings. All major appliances are new with a full one-year
Bridgman CGA Secures $40,000 MEDC Grant to Propel Redevelopment Efforts in Bridgman
The Greater Bridgman Area Chamber and Growth Alliance (Bridgman CGA), an affiliate of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber (SMRC), has played a pivotal role in helping the City of Bridgman secure a $40,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Bridgman City Manager Juan Ganum said the grant will support a vital update to the City’s Master Plan and improve local development processes—important steps in Bridgman’s pursuit of Redevelopment Ready Community (RRC)
LIVE FIRE TRAINING TO TAKE PLACE AUGUST 5 – 7, 2025, AT SOUTH BEND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Fire training with live burns will take place from approximately 8:00 a.m. until Noon on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, August 5 - 7, 2025, 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. About South Bend International AirportSouth Bend International Airport’s five air carriers provide nonstop flights to seventeen destinations: Atlanta,
2025 Cass County Kids Set to Receive Backpacks Filled with School Supplies from United Way of Southwest Michigan
CASS COUNTY, MI – United Way of Southwest Michigan is gearing up to ensure that every child in Cass County has the tools they need to succeed for the upcoming school year as part of School Supply Spectacular. The annual event is back for another year to provide free backpacks filled with essential school supplies to local students. Though registration for the event is now closed and all school supply recipient spots are filled, the media is still invited to cover this event. This year’s event will
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HYPE Returns: Shark Tank-Style Event to Empower Young Entrepreneurs in Southwest Michigan
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Jasmine Hansen Events Director jhansen@smrchamber.com https://smrchamber.com/hype/ (269) 932-4605HYPE Returns: Shark Tank-Style Event to Empower Young Entrepreneurs in Southwest MichiganEvent Set for Wednesday, November 19th at the Watermark Solarium in Stevensville FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 1st, 2025 SAINT JOSEPH, MI — The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, in partnership with Emerge Innovation Hub, is proud to announce the return of HYPE –
Watermark Brewing Co. Hosts 9th Annual Watermark Classic Presented by Honor Credit Union
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Chris Mason Co-Founder / Business Maneuverer chris@watermarkbrewing.com www.watermarkbrewing.com (269) 930-0380Watermark Brewing Co. Hosts 9th Annual Watermark Classic Presented by Honor Credit UnionEvent to Benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Michigan FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 30th, 2025 STEVENSVILLE, MI — Watermark Brewing Co. is thrilled to announce its 9th Annual Golf Outing - The Watermark Classic - presented by longtime community
Johnny L. Ford Shares His Life-Changing Struggle to Keep His Family’s Home
Johnny L. Ford knows what it’s like to face hard times. After the stock market crash of 2008, he and his wife, Jeanne, both lost their jobs and were faced with the possibility of losing their beloved Benton Harbor home. Johnny detailed their struggle through—and eventual emergence from—the recession and foreclosure crisis in his memoir, “There’s No Place Like Home: A Year in Foreclosure.” Johnny will bring his inspiring story to the stage at the Box Factory for the Arts on Saturday, August 23, from 7-9
United Achieves SBA Preferred Lender Status and Strengthens Commitment to Small Businesses
United Achieves SBA Preferred Lender Status and Strengthens Commitment to Small Businesses ST. JOSEPH, Mich. – United Federal Credit Union (United) is proud to announce that it has been named a Small Business Administration (SBA) Preferred Lender, a designation that recognizes the credit union’s expertise and commitment to helping small businesses succeed. This prestigious status allows United to streamline the SBA loan process, offering faster decisions and more efficient service to business
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Berrien County Cancer Service Announces Appointment of Tyanna Essig as Executive Director, Succeeding 13-Year Leader of the organization, Nancy Church, RN.
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Tyanna Essig, President/CEO Berrien County Cancer Service 269-429-3281 tyanna@bccancerservice.org Berrien County Cancer Service Announces Appointment of Tyanna Essig as Executive Director, Succeeding 13-Year Leader of the organization, Nancy Church, RN FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 29th, 2025 Saint Joseph, MI — The Berrien County Cancer Service, dedicated to providing compassionate in-home skilled nursing care and supportive resources for individuals
NRC Reauthorizes Palisades Operating License in Historic First for U.S. Nuclear Industry
In a major milestone for the U.S. nuclear industry, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has formally approved Holtec’s request to transition the Palisades Nuclear Plant from decommissioning status back to an operating license. The NRC’s action reflects its thorough review of Palisades’ licensing basis under the agency’s existing regulatory framework, marking the first time a previously shut-down U.S. nuclear plant has received approval to return to operations. “This is a proud and historic moment
2025 SWMI & National June Housing Market Slips From Robust Sales in May
“Southwest Michigan’s housing market sales in June 2025 slipped from the gain in May but were 5 percent higher than a year ago. Homebuyers found selling prices to be significantly higher than in June 2024.” stated Luke Jeffries, Association Executive, Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS ® , Inc. Jeffries continued, “The number of houses sold in June increased 5 percent to 252 from 239 in June 2024. Year-to-date, the number of houses sold increased 4 percent (1,267 vs. 1,217).” The inventory of
The Salvation Army – Benton Harbor, MI Corps to Celebrate 100th Year Anniversary!
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Lt. Mario Bledsoe Pastor and Corps Officer mario.bledsoe@usc.salvationarmy.org Phone: 269-927-1353 The Salvation Army – Benton Harbor, MI Corps to Celebrate 100th Year Anniversary! Join the Celebration on August 29th FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 24th, 2025 BENTON HARBOR, MI — The Salvation Army of Benton Harbor, serving West Berrien and Van Buren Counties, will celebrate its 100th anniversary on Friday, August 29th. In honor of this centennial
Focused On Student Success, LMC Foundation Offering Scholarships For Free Textbooks To Recent High School Graduates Attending LMC
Focused On Student Success, LMC Foundation Offering Scholarships For Free Textbooks To Recent High School Graduates Attending LMC Benton Harbor, MI. - Thanks to the donors of the Lake Michigan College Foundation, recent high school graduates will have another barrier removed to ease their transition to higher education. The LMC Foundation will be covering the cost of textbooks for LMC students who qualify under the LMC Guarantee, a financial aid program for in-district high school students. “Study
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Cornerstone Caregiving Celebrates Ribbon-Cutting of New St. Joseph/Benton Harbor Office
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Cornerstone Caregiving – Benton Harbor/St. Joseph Phone: (269) 247‑4565 Email:bentonharbormi@cornerstonecaregiving.com Cornerstone Caregiving Celebrates Ribbon‑Cutting of New St. Joseph/Benton Harbor Office Public Invited to Ribbon Cutting on August 7th FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 24th, 2025 SAINT JOSEPH, MI - Cornerstone Caregiving, a trusted provider of in‑home, non‑medical senior care services, is excited to announce the grand opening of its newest
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CHALK THE BLOCK KICKS AUGUST OFF WITH A SPLASH OF COLOR, AUGUST 1-3
ST. JOSEPH MI- 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, August 1-3. 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
Bricks & Minifigs®, the Saint Joseph one-stop shop to buy, sell, and trade all things LEGO®, will open August 2nd in the Southtown Center
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Fernanda Pineda Owner saintjoseph.mi@bricksandminifigs.com Bricks & Minifigs®, the Saint Joseph one-stop shop to buy, sell, and trade all things LEGO®, will open August 2nd in the Southtown Center FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 23, 2025 SAINT JOSEPH, MI - Bricks & Minifigs® is the largest franchised toy store of its kind specializing in the buying, selling and trading of new and used LEGO® sets, bulk bricks, and minifigures (“minifigs”). The store will be
Palisades Meets Key Regulatory Milestones and Makes Major Strides in Maintenance and Workforce Expansion to Ensure Timely Restart
Palisades Meets Key Regulatory Milestones and Makes Major Strides in Maintenance and Workforce Expansion to Ensure Timely Restart Holtec’s Palisades Nuclear Power Plant continues to move steadily toward restart, with major progress in physical refurbishment, Operator training, and positive feedback from independent nuclear industry reviewers. Our team remains on track to support a return to safe and reliable operations, pending
United Way of Southwest Michigan’s ROCK THE BOAT Presented by Honor Credit Raises Over $45,000
United Way of Southwest Michigan’s ROCK THE BOAT Presented by Honor Credit Raises Over $45,000The highly anticipated annual cardboard boat race on the St. Joseph River channel saw nearly a thousand spectators with 19 boats participating for a great causeST. JOSEPH, MI (July 22) – United Way of Southwest Michigan’s ROCK THE BOAT Cardboard Boat Races, Presented by Honor Credit Union, returned to the Inn at Harbor Shores for another great year of racing for a great cause Thursday, July 17, 2025. Nineteen boats
NEW SERVICE LANDS AT SOUTH BEND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
South Bend, IN. – Today South Bend International Airport (SBN) announced American Airlines will connect passengers to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) beginning October 6, 2025. The service will run four times daily, in both directions, on a luxury motorcoach operated by regional partner, The Landline Company.The 35-seat motorcoach has many of the features customers expect from the first-class cabin of a regional jet, including in-seat power, Wi-Fi, plentiful legroom, and leather seats.The
New Chamber Growth Alliance (CGA) Launches in Central Berrien County
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Arthur Havlicek President & CEO ahavlicek@smrchamber.com New Chamber Growth Alliance (CGA) Launches in Central Berrien County Announces Robert "Bob" Jones, Inaugural Director FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 22, 2025 Berrien Springs, MI - This summer, Central Berrien County will begin receiving additional community and economic development services thanks to its newly established Chamber Growth Alliance (CGA). Powered by the Southwest Michigan Regional
Chamber, LMC Launch New Management Accelerator Program
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Sarah Spoonholtz Membership Director sspoonholtz@smrchamber.com Chamber, LMC Launch New Management Accelerator Program Applications Due August 1st FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 22, 2025 Benton Harbor MI - The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, in collaboration with Lake Michigan College and Legata Leadership Solutions, is proud to announce the launch of its latest leadership development initiative: Management Accelerator. This cutting-edge program is
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Honor Credit Union Announces Free Community Shred Day in St. Joseph
Honor Credit Union Announces Free Community Shred Day in St. Joseph ST. JOSEPH MICHIGAN – July 18, 2025 – Honor Credit Union, in partnership with Data Guardian, is pleased to host a Free Community Shred Day in St. Joseph, MI. The event will take place at First Church of God in St. Joseph on July 26, from 9:00 AM-11:00AM. This event is one of 10 Shred Days spanning April through September and provides a convenient, secure way for community members to dispose of sensitive documents. Honor’s
Keith Scott’s Blues and Storytelling Bring Ol’ Time Chicago to the Box on August 9
Keith Scott’s Blues and Storytelling BringOl’ Time Chicago to the Box on August 9ST. JOSEPH, MI – Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf and Sonny Boy Williams are just a few of the Chicago blues titans that Keith Scott can introduce you to (if you don’t know them already) on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 7 to 9 p.m. This powerful performance of both original and classic blues is not to be missed, not only for the songs and the musicianship, but for Keith’s masterful storytelling about the famous blues artists with whom he’s
A Motown Christmas returns to the LMC Mendel Center in December
The magic of Motown and the spirit of the holidays come together for one unforgettable show as A Motown Christmas returns to the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Jenkins Theatre on Sunday, Dec. 21, at 3 p.m. Backed by a powerhouse band and horn section, this holiday spectacular stars The Motortown All-Stars, a dazzling lineup of vocalists and musicians who’ve performed with legendary Motown acts including The Temptations, The Miracles, and The Contours. Together, they bring Motown’s timeless hits and
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Attitudes Salon Unveils Stunning Rebrand and Remodeled Space
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Donna Hill 269-428-0424 IG: @attitudes_salon_st_joe FB: @attitudessalonstjoe www.attitudessalonstjoe.comAttitudes Salon Unveils Stunning Rebrand and Remodeled Space Join in the Celebration on Friday, July 25th For Immediate Release: July 16, 2025 Saint Joseph, Michigan – In 2024, Attitudes Salon, a premier hair salon in St. Joseph, Michigan, announced a significant rebrand aimed at elevating the salon guest experience and showcasing the salon’s commitment
United Way of Southwest Michigan’s ROCK THE BOAT Presented by Honor Credit Union Ready to Host 19 Ra
United Way of Southwest Michigan’s ROCK THE BOAT Cardboat Boat Races, Presented by Honor Credit Union, are back at the Inn at Harbor Shores on the St. Joseph River Channel this Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 5pm. The event is free to attend and open to the public with parking available down the street from the Inn at Harbor Shores on the opposite side of the Gast Parkway overpass. Media are invited to attend the event as a VIP by registering at this link, and, you can find a media kit for the event at this
Ken Flowers of Lake Michigan College Selected for the Aspen Institute’s Rising Presidents Fellowship
Benton Harbor, MI — The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program (Aspen) recently announced that Dr. Ken Flowers, Executive Vice President at Lake Michigan College, is one of 40 exceptional leaders selected for the 2025-26 Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship. Chosen from more than 120 applicants nationwide, Dr. Flowers joins a distinguished cohort of future college presidents who are dedicated to advancing student success and equity in higher education. The Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship
Freedom Center for the Arts presents ''summer songwriters''
Young "summer songwriters" will perform original work at 7 p.m. on August 2nd at the Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad Street, St. Joseph, MI. Tickets at https://ticketstripe.com/freedomcenter for the event are $15 for cabaret seating and $12 general admission. Tickets at the door will be $15 with children 12 and under admitted free. The inaugural "summer songwriters" program is hosted by Jeremy T. Butler of the Freedom Center for Arts and Education in Benton Harbor, MI. Musicians participated in a
Peats Cider Social Celebrates Five Years with Family-Friendly Bash on July 20th
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Dan Peat Owner dan@peatscidersocial.com www.peatscidersocial.comPeats Cider Social Celebrates Five Years with Family-Friendly Bash on July 20th For Immediate Release: July 15, 2025 Stevensville, Michigan – Raise a glass and cheers! Peat's Cider Social is celebrating five unforgettable years on Sunday, July 20th from 3–8 PM at its Stevensville taproom. What started as a dream to bring people together over small-batch, locally inspired hard cider has
LMC students earn spots on Spring 2025 President’s, Dean’s Lists
Lake Michigan College has announced the names of students recognized for academic achievement during the 2025 Spring semester.There were 69 students named to the President’s List, achieving a 4.0 GPA at full-time status. The Dean’s List, meanwhile, includes 195 full-time students and 474 part-time students who achieved a 3.5 GPA or higher.President’s ListBangorIsabel GarciaBarodaHailey Cote, Charley KrackerBenton Harbor Hailey Mercado, David Nichols, Emma Stout, Nathaniel TurnerBerrien CenterSteven
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WEDNESDAY NIGHT MARKET & FREE CONCERTS THIS SUMMER 2025 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
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Buchanan’s Got Talent: A New Community Showcase Celebrating Local Talent and the Arts
This summer, Cultural Arts Everywhere is thrilled to introduce a brand-new event to the community: Buchanan’s Got Talent, taking place on Tuesday, August 19 at 7:00 p.m. at The Buchanan Common.This special evening is designed to highlight and celebrate the incredible creativity and artistic talent that exists within our own town. From singers, dancers, jugglers, poets, and magicians to completely unique acts—we welcome all Buchanan residents to share their gifts on stage. Whether you're a seasoned performer
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
