United Way of Southwest Michigan's ROCK THE BOAT Presented By Honor Credit Union is Back July 17, 2025
United Way of Southwest Michigan’s annual Rock The Boat cardboard boat races held in the St. Joseph River Channel is coming back Thursday, July 17, 2025 presented by Honor Credit Union. The event serves as one of the signature fundraising events for the organization, hosted by the Inn at Harbor Shores in St. Joseph. This unique event, which features life-size boats made entirely of cardboard, will be raced in heats in the river channel for spectators to see in-person and online
Cornerstone Alliance Launches Plan to Boost Berrien County Growth
Cornerstone Alliance has officially launched its 2025 Strategic Action Plan, a focused and action-oriented blueprint designed to expand economic opportunity, strengthen communities, and enhance development throughout Berrien County. Approved by the Board of Directors on March 18, this plan reflects the vision of newly appointed President & CEO Marla Schneider and marks a significant step toward a more coordinated and impactful approach to regional development.“Cornerstone Alliance has been a trusted part of
A Tribute to Louis Armstrong and More!
The Jim Cooper Trio, featuring Jim Cooper, Jim Allen and Kenny Cooper will pay tribute to Louis Armstrong at a special jazz concert on Saturday, April 12 at 7 p.m.Special cabaret seating will be available at $15 per person and general admission at $12 per person. Walk-in tickets are $15. Free admission for children 12 and under. Reserve your seating for this special tribute athttps://ticketstripe.com/jim-cooper-trio-tribute.Chicago Trumpeter Kenny Cooper will be featured for the tribute concert. He says
Southwest Michigan Dermatology Welcomes Dr. Brittany Valk, D.O
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Jennifer Pugh, RMA Aesthetics & Marketing Coordinator jpugh@swmderm.com 269-321-SKIN (7546) ext. 450Southwest Michigan Dermatology Welcomes Dr. Brittany Valk, D.O Dr. Valk will begin seeing patients Monday, May 19, 2025 April 10, 2025 St Joseph, Michigan – Southwest Michigan Dermatology, a renown regional dermatology practice, is excited to announce Dr. Brittany Valk, D.O. is joining its team of specialists in their St. Joseph office location. As the
Fresh Décor To Unveil Exciting Updates, Community Invited to Ribbon Cutting Celebration on April 15t
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Arthur Havlicek President & CEO info@smrchamber.com 269-932-4042 Fresh Décor To Unveil Exciting Updates Community Invited to Ribbon Cutting Celebration on April 15th For Immediate Release: April 9, 2025 Benton Harbor, MI – Fresh Décor is thrilled to invite the community to a special Ribbon Cutting Ceremony celebrating recent updates to its showroom and services. The event, hosted by the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, will take place on Tuesday,
Chikaming Township Rallies Support for Kohn Park: A Place for Music, Memory, and Connection
Chikaming Township Rallies Support for Kohn Park: A Place for Music, Memory, and Connection Sawyer, MI — April 8, 2025 – Chikaming Township is launching a crowdfunding campaign to support the final phase of fundraising for Kohn Park, a vibrant new public space coming to the heart of Sawyer. The campaign, hosted on Patronicity, seeks to raise $75,000 from community supporters—funds that will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) through the Public Spaces
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Major Residential Development Unveiled in Lincoln Charter Township
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Arthur Havlicek President & CEO info@smrchamber.com 269-932-4042 Major Residential Development Unveiled in Lincoln Charter Township Lincoln Charter Township Planning Commission Takes First Steps Toward Approving 200-Unit Residential Development to Address Housing Shortage April 8, 2025 Lincoln Charter Township, Mich - Great Lakes Capital, a real estate firm based in South Bend, Ind., has proposed a 200-unit residential development on the long-vacant
Palisades Restart Forges Ahead with Several Key Milestones Achieved
The Palisades restart remains on track, with the project progressing seamlessly on schedule and on budget, underpinned by strong safety and quality assurance metrics. Recent milestones achieved in operations, workforce development, regulatory approvals, and site preparations give credence to our mission to re-power the plant on the established schedule. A major milestone in the Palisades restart journey was reached with the Company securing full accreditation for its Operations Training programs. In a
The GhostLight Theatre’s 2025 musical season kicks off with Jason Robert Brown’s iconic 2-person show “The Last Five Years” – April 10-13 in Benton Harbor & April 18th at The Acorn in Three Oaks
The GhostLight Theatre continues its 2025 Theatre Season with The Last Five Years – a musical written by Tony Award winning composer Jason Robert Brown, & directed by Artistic Director Paul Mow (Bright Star, Rocky Horror, Cabaret). The Last Five Years will mark the 2nd production of The GhostLight Theatre’s 6th season, and it will be presented in the GhostLight’s Black Box Theatre space from Thursday, April 10th , through Sunday, April 13rd. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, curtain is at 7:30 p.m. and on
Lake Michigan College to Host Future Fair on April 16 Event to Connect Local Employers Can Connect with Students, Graduates, and Job Seekers
Lake Michigan College to Host Future Fair on April 16Event to Connect Local Employers Can Connect with Students, Graduates, and Job Seekers BENTON HARBOR, MICH. – Lake Michigan College will host its annual Future Fair on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in L310 in the Main Building on the Benton Harbor Campus at 2755 E. Napier Ave., Benton Harbor. The Future Fair offers local employers a unique opportunity to connect directly with motivated job seekers, including students
Last Call for MAAC 2025 Artists!
The MAAC is a local, juried, fine art exhibition designed to recognize, foster, and reward 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: Allegan, Berrien, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Van Buren, Barry, Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon
The Pillar Center Open House The Man Behind the Dad, The Strength Behind the Family
The Pillar Center Open HouseThe Man Behind the Dad, The Strength Behind the Family The Pillar Center Open House: The Man Behind the Dad Date: May 8, 2025 Time: 6:00 PM Location: The Pillar Center, 204 W Main Street, Benton Harbor, MI 49022 Join us for an inspiring Open House at The Pillar Center, where we celebrate The Man Behind the Dad—because strong fathers build strong families! What to Expect: Learn About Our Programs – Discover resources like The Dad Playbook, and health & wellness
First Michigan Section of The Marquette Greenway is Complete!
First Michigan Section of The Marquette Greenway is Complete! April 3, 2025 (New Buffalo, MI) A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. EDT to celebrate the opening of the first completed Michigan portion of the Marquette Greenway in New Buffalo City and New Buffalo Township. This event will take place at the Trailhead at Smith and Mechanic Streets in downtown New Buffalo (rain location is New Buffalo City Hall). The public is welcome, and coffee and donuts will be
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Wightman Announces New Ownership Members and Shareholder Promotions
Media ContactNicollette Cardwell, Director of MarketingWightmanP: 248.985.7711 | C: 517.914.1311Email: ncardwell@gowightman.com Wightman Announces New Ownership Members and Shareholder Promotions Benton Harbor, Mich.—Wightman, a full-service architecture, civil engineering, and surveying firm, is pleased to announce the appointment of four new associates to its ownership program. This strategic decision underscores the company's dedication to developing and rewarding talent while creating a robust
United Federal Credit Union Welcomes Two New Directors to its Growing Commercial Lending Team
United Federal Credit Union Welcomes Two New Directors to its Growing Commercial Lending Team ST. JOSEPH, Mich. – United Federal Credit Union (United) has hired Amanda Anderson as Director of Commercial Treasury and Merchant Solutions, and Paul Campisi as Director of Commercial Credit Delivery. These two new roles will support United’s growing commitment to its Commercial Lending team. “We are thrilled to have Amanda and Paul’s expertise added to the team,” said Renee Johnson, Chief Commercial
Cornerstone Alliance Welcomes Noell Stohler as Investor Relations Manager
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Christina Frank P: (269) 757-0291 cfrank@cstonealliance.org April 2, 2025 Cornerstone Alliance Welcomes Noell Stohler as Investor Relations Manager Benton Harbor, MI – April 2, 2025 – Cornerstone Alliance, the lead economic development organization for Berrien County, Michigan, is excited to announce the hiring of Noell Stohler as its new Investor Relations Manager. In this role, Noell will report directly to Executive Vice President, Christina Frank and will
ACCOMPLISHED AREA ARTISTS ‘FACE OFF’ AT LIVE PORTRAIT EVENT WITH MUSIC, COCKTAILS & SILENT AUCTION
ACCOMPLISHED AREA ARTISTS ‘FACE OFF’ AT LIVE PORTRAIT EVENT WITH MUSIC, COCKTAILS & SILENT AUCTION ST. JOSEPH, MI – Watch as 15 skilled artists from our community paint or draw from live models during this ‘decades’ themed event. Listen to live music, have a craft beverage, and even bid on the final artwork. The public is invited to the Face Off: A Live Portrait Event on Friday, May 2, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St. in St. Joseph, MI. A cash bar and
Honor Credit Union Helps Members Through Homebuyer Assistance Program
Honor Credit Union Announces Participation in Launch – Down Payment Assistance Program BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN— March 28, 2025—Honor Credit Union is excited to announce its participation in the Launch – Down Payment Assistance program, an initiative designed to help first-time homebuyers achieve their dream of homeownership. This annual program, offered in partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (FHLBank Indianapolis), provides financial assistance of up to $20,000 in
2025 SWMI & National February Housing Market Sales Slipped, Inventory Grows, Selling Prices Increase, and the Mortgage Rate Drops
“The local housing market sales slipped in February from a robust start in January (152 vs. 173). The average selling price for houses in February dropped 1.5 percent from that in January ($410,203 vs. $416,393). The year started with an elevated inventory, and in February the inventory increased 18 percent from February 2024,” stated Luke Jeffries, Association Executive, Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS®, Inc. Jeffries continued, “In February 2025, the market ended with an inventory
Andy Baker presents Midwestern folk at Box Factory for the Arts
Michigan songsmith Andy Baker brings his heart warming Midwestern folk to the Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St, St. Joseph, MI for a one man show on April 26 at 7 pm. Special cabaret seating will be available at $15 per person and general admission at $12 per person. Walk in tickets are $15. Free admission for children under 12. Reserve your seating for this event athttps://ticketstripe.com/andybaker. Andy Baker has spent 3 decades captivating audiences with his unique style of thoughtful Midwestern
Collaborative choir concert explores American choral music
The Lake Michigan College choral ensembles, along with several guest vocal groups, will pay tribute to American music during A Journey of American Voices at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, on the LMC Mendel Center Jenkins Theatre stage. The concert will explore American music’s rich tapestry, spanning from the earliest roots in traditional folk music, camp songs, and gospel to the vibrant landscapes of jazz, musical theatre, and blues. The performance will showcase the depth and diversity of the evolution of
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A Journey of American Voices: Collaborative choir concert explores American choral music
BENTON HARBOR, MICH. – The Lake Michigan College choral ensembles, along with several guest vocal groups, will pay tribute to American music during A Journey of American Voices at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, on the LMC Mendel Center Jenkins Theatre stage. The concert will explore American music’s rich tapestry, spanning from the earliest roots in traditional folk music, camp songs, and gospel to the vibrant landscapes of jazz, musical theatre, and blues. The performance will showcase the depth and diversity
A Tribute to Louis Armstrong and More! featuring the Jim Cooper Trio with special guest Kenny Cooper
The Jim Cooper Trio, featuring Jim Cooper, Jim Allen and Kenny Cooper will pay tribute to Louis Armstrong at a special jazz concert at 7 pm on April 12 at the Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad Street, St. Joseph, MI. Special cabaret seating will be available at $15 per person and general admission at $12 per person. Walk-in tickets are $15. Free admission for children 12 and under. Reserve your seating for this special tribute at https://ticketstripe.com/jim-cooper-trio-tribute. Chicago
MAAC 2025 - Call for Artists
The MAAC is a local, juried, fine art exhibition designed to recognize, foster, and reward 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: Allegan, Berrien, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Van Buren, Barry, Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties
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St. Joseph's Newest Eatery Brookies Cafe Opens Thursday
In two years, Jake and Brooke Arnold have expanded their business to include not one but five different restaurants in Southwest Michigan. The latest one being Brookies Café in downtown St. Joseph, which is set to open on Thursday, March 27th at 8:00 a.m. The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber will host a special ribbon cutting celebration on opening day at 10:00 a.m. with the ribbon cutting itself to take place promptly at 10:15 a.m. Brookies Café’s new St. Joseph location marks the second for that
Honor Credit Union Proudly Welcomes Kelly Williams as Niles Member Center Manager
Honor Credit Union Welcomes Kelly Williams as Niles Member Center Manager DOWAGIAC, MICHIGAN – March 20, 2025 – Honor Credit Union is excited to announce that Kelly Williams has joined the team as the new Niles Member Center Manager. In her new role, Kelly will focus on delivering exceptional financial services to Honor’s members while continuing to build strong community connections in the Niles area. Kelly brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having spent seven years with United
MICHIGAN GATEWAY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS GRANTS TO LOCAL CHARITABLE PROGRAMS - March 2025
The Board of Trustees for Michigan Gateway Community Foundation have approved the granting of $145,148 of funds from the Foundation to the following programs: 1. $24,479.10 from the Help4Homes Fund to the City of Niles for home repairs for low income and senior owned homes in Niles.2. $7,000 from the Niles Area Fund for the Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce to be used for the creation of digital storefronts for nonprofit organizations located in Niles.3. $835.41 from the Cass Community Fund for Cass
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Rock/Pop & Jazz Concert presented by the LMC Visual & Performing Arts Department
Rock favorites and jazz grooves on tap during Spring LMC music ensemble concert BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – The senses will be sent on a musical journey when the Lake Michigan College Visual & Performing Arts Department presents the Rock/Pop and Jazz Band Concert at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 9. The concert will be held in the LMC Mendel Center Hanson Theatre. Tickets are not required for this free general admission event. Groups providing the evening’s entertainment are the LMC Rock/Pop Ensemble directed by Don
Site Preparations to Begin for Lakeshore Trail, A Community Multi-Use Trail Along M-63
Site preparations are slated to begin this week for the new Lakeshore Trail, a multi-use trail along M-63 connecting the community to several parks and beaches along Lake Michigan and to downtown Benton Harbor and St. Joseph. To prepare the site for construction and grading of the new non-motorized trail north of Higman Park Road, approximately 2.5 acres will be cleared. The trail will be ADA-compliant with grades below 5% to allow many abilities and skill levels to utilize the trail. This
Kalabokis, Story, Zenk concert at Box Factory for the Arts
The collaborative hosts of the Box Factory for the Arts Open Mic, 1101 Broad Street, will take the stage for their own concert on Saturday, March 22 at 7 p.m. General admission tickets for the event are $12 in advance at https://ticketstripe.com/kalabokis-story-zenk or $15 at the door. Jim Kalabokis, Fred Story and Larry Zenk are known for their fine musicianship and harmony. The three performers are often heard individually and as part of other groups throughout the area as well as in the Chicago area.
Rock favorites and jazz grooves on tap during Spring LMC music ensemble concert
The senses will be sent on a musical journey when the Lake Michigan College Visual & Performing Arts Department presents the Rock/Pop and Jazz Band Concert at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 9. The concert will be held in the LMC Mendel Center Hanson Theatre. Tickets are not required for this free general admission event. Groups providing the evening’s entertainment are the LMC Rock/Pop Ensemble directed by Don Savoie and the LMC Jazz Band directed by Danny Lopez.The LMC Rock/Pop Ensemble is a rock stage band
Wightman Wins Surveying Conceptor Award for Elkhart Project
Wightman Wins Surveying Honorable Conceptor Award for Elkhart Project Benton Harbor, Mich.— Wightman was recently recognized with a Surveying Honorable Conceptor Award at the American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan (ACEC/Michigan) 2025 Engineering and Surveying Excellence Awards Gala, held on March 8 at the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum in Portage, Michigan. The full-service consulting firm received the award for its Elkhart Hydroelectric Dam Flowage Lands Mapping project for
Edgewater Automation to Present FIRST Robotics Competition in Berrien Springs, Michigan
Edgewater Automation is proud to sponsor and present the 2025 FIM District Berrien Springs Event, taking place March 14-16, 2025, at Berrien Springs High School. The event will bring together 38 high school teams from across the region, showcasing their engineering skills and innovative spirit in a series of robotics challenges. As part of the opening ceremony, Edgewater Automation President Tim Tate will deliver a speech, highlighting the company's commitment to fostering STEM education and supporting the
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
