Show Me The Money Day
PRESS RELEASE #2 — SHOW ME THE MONEY DAY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Emerge Innovation Hub Hosts “Show Me the Money Day” to Help Entrepreneurs Access Funding and Financial Resources Benton Harbor, MI — Emerge Innovation Hub will host Show Me the Money Day, a financial empowerment event created to help small business owners better understand funding opportunities, loans, grants, and financial tools available to support business growth. This interactive event connects attendees with financial experts,
Honor Credit Union's Kim O'Donoghue Appointed to Home Builders Association of Southwest Michigan Board
Honor Credit Union’s Kim O’Donoghue Appointed to Home Builders Association of Southwestern Michigan Board BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN — February 26, 2026 — Honor Credit Union is proud to announce that Kim O’Donoghue, Assistant Vice President of Real Estate Sales at Honor Credit Union, has been appointed to the board of directors for the Home Builders Association of Southwestern Michigan (HBA of Southwestern Michigan). The HBA of Southwestern Michigan represents builders, developers, and industry
Lake Michigan College Visual & Performing Arts Department to make an on-stage splash with the spring musical Big Fish
A musical of epic proportions swims onto the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Jenkins Theatre stage when the LMC Visual & Performing Arts Department presents Big Fish. Performances are at 7 p.m. March 26-28 and 2 p.m. March 29. Tickets are available online at www.TheMendelCenter.com/events. Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, Big Fish follows a son, Will Bloom, who longs to connect with his father, Edward Bloom. As a child, Will felt he never
MICHIGAN WORKS! TO HOST HIRING EVENT APRIL 29
If you’re looking for a job, you’ll want to join Michigan Works! at their next hiring event where an estimated 25 employers will be meeting with candidates to fill their open positions. The next event will take place on Wednesday, April 29 from 10:00 am- 2:00 pm at the Michigan Works! Service Center, located at 499 West Main Street in Benton Harbor. The last Michigan Works! hiring event brought 17 employers and 191 job seekers together, resulting in many on-the-spot interviews and filled positions. In
Lake Michigan College political science student selected to serve on Michigan Collegiate Student Advisory Task Force
Lake Michigan College political science student Emma Goos of St. Joseph has been named to the nonpartisan Collegiate Student Advisory Task Force by the Michigan Department of State. She will serve in this capacity through the end of 2026.The task force, which is student-run with support from the Secretary of State's office, brings together students from universities and community colleges across Michigan who are passionate about civic engagement. They will serve as liaisons between the Secretary of State’s
Wolf Financial Advisory Continues Strategic Growth with Addition of Local Business Leader Chad Lange
Wolf Financial Advisory is proud to announce that Chad Lange has joined the firm as a Financial Advisor. Rooted in Southwest Michigan, Chad brings more than 30 years of business leadership experience and a deep commitment to helping families and individuals build a confident financial future. After a successful three-decade career leading teams and driving business growth, Chad now channels that same dedication, discipline, and care into guiding clients through life’s most important financial decisions.
Nominations Now Open for Best New Business Awards in Cass and Van Buren Counties
Market One is excited to present the sixth annual Market One Awards, honoring organizations in Cass and Van Buren Counties that are making a meaningful impact on the vitality of our local economy. Market One is seeking nominations from the public for the Best New Business of the Year awards from February 25 to March 25. Two awards will be available: one to recognize a business from Cass County and another to recognize a business from Van Buren County. “Small businesses are the heartbeat of our
2026SWMI & National January Housing Market Sales Slip, Inventory Growth Slows, Selling Prices Increase, and the Mortgage Rate Drops
“The snowy weather throughout January posed numerous challenges in SWMI, including dampening the housing market. The number of houses sold in January fell to 135 houses, the lowest level since 2015. The year started with a 14% drop in inventory of houses for sale, record setting selling prices, and a small reduction in the mortgage rate,” stated Luke Jeffries, Association Executive, Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS ® , Inc. Jeffries continued, “In January 2026, the market ended with an
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DOWNTOWN ST. JOE COMES ALIVE WITH WEEKEND EVENTS, MARCH 6-7
On Friday, March 6, visitors can stroll through downtown St. Joseph and enjoy March Mannequins, sponsored by The Boulevard Inn & Bistro, Visit Southwest Michigan, Sturgis Bank, Full of Crepe and MidWest Family Marketing & Media. Windows will display community volunteers as they pose perfectly still, like mannequins. Watch storefronts of participating businesses come alive from 6:00p-7:30p. This year’s theme features Movies. Attendees can vote for their favorite windows at stjoetoday.com/vote. Voting
Lake Michigan College Welcomes NFL Veteran and Mental Health Advocate TJ Duckett for Break the Stigma Mental Health Awareness Month
Lake Michigan College's Student Well-Being and Accessibility office is proud to announce a special visit from TJ Duckett, former NFL player and mental health advocate, as part of Break the Stigma Mental Health Awareness Month. Throughout February, the college has hosted a series of events aimed at reducing mental health stigma, increasing awareness of campus and community resources, and encouraging students to seek support when needed. On Wednesday, February 25th, Duckett will share his lived experience
Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Announces 2026 Business Recognition Award Winners
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Arthur Havlicek President & CEO info@smrchamber.com 269-932-4042Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Announces 2026 Business Recognition Award Winners FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 20, 2026 St. Joseph, MI – For three years running, six hundred (600) of Southwest Michigan's top business leaders gathered together for the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber's Business Recognition Breakfast Annual Meeting & Award Ceremony presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield
Char Jones and The Freedom Band 3.14.26
The Box Factory for the Arts presents Char Jones & The Freedom Band on Saturday, March 14, 7-9PM. Guests can expect a soulful evening with Char's original music as well as fan favorites by artists such as Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, The Beatles, and more. So get ready to be moved "in the moment" and groove all the way home!Tickets are $20 for cabaret seating and $15 general admission at ticketstripe.com/charjones, or $20 at the door. Free admission for children 12 and under. A cash
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ST. JOE TODAY HOSTS SAVOR THE SHORELINE, RESTAURANT MONTH, HELD MARCH 2-31, 2026
Get a taste of Southwest Michigan as select restaurants offer specials during St. Joe Today’s restaurant month celebration, Savor the Shoreline, held March 2-31! Sponsored by Sturgis Bank, The Inn at Harbor Shores and Infusco Coffee. “We are thrilled to bring the community together for Savor the Shoreline,” says ST. Joe Today’s Executive Director, Paul Knapp. “This event celebrates the diverse flavors and friendships that make our community so special. It’s a showcase of our local talent, and we’re
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Wightman Announces New Office in Lima, Ohio to Serve Energy and Survey Clients
Wightman, an award-winning architecture, engineering, and survey firm, has announced the opening of its newest office at 241 S Main Street, Suite 3, Lima, Ohio 45801. This strategic expansion marks an exciting chapter in Wightman’s commitment to support energy-sector clients across Ohio while also offering comprehensive land surveying services to public and private clients. The new Lima office allows Wightman to respond more quickly to client needs and provide hands-on support for projects throughout
The GhostLight Theatre presents a new original devised piece, VOLTA, from Philadelphia ensemble The Hum - February 27th and 28th, 2026
The GhostLight Theatre presents a new original devised piece, VOLTA, created and performed by the Philadelphia-based ensemble The Hum, featuring Southwest Michigan native Aiden Ankli, and Philadelphia residents William Acker, Tenara Calem, Arantxa Chavez, and Jo Kramer Bailey. The limited, three-performance run includes shows on Friday, February 27th at 7:30pm, and Saturday, February 28th at 3:00 and 7:30pm. The show is one hour long. General admission tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the
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:
Annual Edible Horticulture Event at Fernwood – February 28, 2026 10 am - 2 pm
Fernwood Botanical Garden will host its annual Edible Horticulture Event on Saturday, February 28, bringing together chefs, farmers, and gardeners from across the Michiana region to celebrate local food and sustainable growing practices. Participants will hear from regional food leaders about what’s happening behind the scenes in kitchens, farms, and orchards, and learn how their work strengthens local communities and food systems. The event includes presentations from featured speakers Tara Newman of The
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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
Health Elevated Pelvic Health Therapy named a 2026 Micro Business of the Year by Michigan Celebrates Small Business
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Amy Underwood | OTR/L Founder amy@healthelevatedpllc.com 269-262-1403 Health Elevated Pelvic Health Therapy named a 2026 Micro Business of the Year by Michigan Celebrates Small Business FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 13, 2026 SAINT JOSEPH, MI – Health Elevated PLLC has been recognized by Michigan Celebrates Small Business as a 2026 Micro Business of the Year. The honor will be presented to Health Elevated at the 22nd
SOUTH BEND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT SETS PASSENGER RECORD IN 2025
South Bend International Airport (SBN) set an all-time annual passenger record in 2025 when 1,111,002 ticketed airline passengers passed through its gates. The previous record was in 1997 with 991,457 passengers. SBN has seen passenger growth year-over-year for the last five years. The 2025 record marks substantial growth of 23.5% above 2024. With this growth came other records. Forty-one of the 50 busiest days ever occurred in 2025. Seven of those days were in the top ten. While every month of the year
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Village of Berrien Springs Announced A New Era for Wolf's Prairie Playground at Grove Park
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Jennifer Marren Community Engagement Coordinator 269-473-6921 ext. 5 cec@villageofberriensprings.com Village of Berrien Springs Announces A New Era for Wolf's Prairie Playground at Grove Park FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 6, 2026 BERRIEN SPRINGS, MI – On April 28, 2002, the Village of Berrien Springs opened Wolf’s Prairie Playground at Grove Park. For more than two decades, it has been cherished by the
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."
MICHIGAN WORKS! ANNOUNCES EMPLOYER LINEUP AT UPCOMING JOB FAIR - Feb 10
If you’re looking for a job, you’ll want to join Michigan Works! at their next job fair where an estimated 25 employers will be meeting with candidates to fill their open positions. The next event will take place on Tuesday, February 10 from 10:00 am- 2:00 pm at the Michigan Works! Service Center, located at 499 West Main Street in Benton Harbor. The last Michigan Works! hiring event brought 20 employers and 192 job seekers together, resulting in many on-the-spot interviews and filled positions. In
LMC students earn spots on Fall 2025 President’s, Dean’s Lists
Lake Michigan College has announced the names of students recognized for academic achievement during the 2025 Fall semester.There were 54 students named to the President’s List, achieving a 4.0 GPA at full-time status. The Dean’s List, meanwhile, includes 229 full-time students and 470 part-time students who achieved a 3.5 GPA or higher.President’s ListBarodaEllie BrownBenton Harbor Nicole ClarkHailey MercadoOlivia PrusaNoora ZaalBerrien SpringsColton DubuqueLily MorrowShiloh RosengrenMarina
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
