Honor Credit Union Welcomes Mary Ann Hurst as Community Development Officer
Honor Credit Union Welcomes Mary Ann Hurst as Community Development Officer BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN – August 4, 2026 – Honor Credit Union is pleased to announce Mary Ann Hurst as its new Community Development Officer (CDO), serving communities across Southwest Michigan, including South Haven, Coloma, Benton Harbor, and Hartford. Hurst brings over three decades of financial industry and leadership experience to her new role, along with a strong passion for community engagement and relationship
AMERICAN AIRLINES TO TRANSITION TO AIRCRAFT TO SERVE SOUTH BEND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO CHICAGO O’HARE ROUTE
Effective Monday, October 5, 2026, American Airlines will transition flights from South Bend International Airport (SBN) to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) from a luxury motorcoach service, operated by The Landline Company, to an aircraft. The flights will operate three times daily with the airline’s CRJ-700 regional aircraft with dual-class cabins and 65 seats. American’s flights complement existing jet service to Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) and Charlotte (CLT), providing one-stop access for
PRESS RELEASE: KRUGGEL LAWTON ANNOUNCES NEW BUSINESS LEADERSHIP SUMMIT IN SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN'
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Ashley Meyerdierks Marketing Manager 574.289.4011 ameyerdierks@klcpas.com KRUGGEL LAWTON ANNOUNCES NEW BUSINESS LEADERSHIP SUMMIT IN SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: AUGUST 4, 2026 SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Kruggel Lawton CPAs is expanding its signature CFO Summit with the introduction of a new program in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Building on nearly two decades of success, the firm is launching the Business Leadership Summit, designed to deliver timely
The Loading Dock To Host Chicago Alt Rock Band The King of Mars August 7
The Loading Dock, Buchanan's newest destination for live entertainment, community gatherings, and special events, will host Chicago alternative rock band The King of Mars on Friday, August 7th at 7pm. The concert comes after a kickoff weekend for the new venue’s live music schedule that included Buchanan native musicians now based in Grand Rapids, New Troy, and Detroit alt rock band Heat Above. The Loading Dock is Buchanan’s largest event venue and has a host of concerts and shows scheduled, among
2026 SWMI & National July Housing Market Sales Up, Small Change in Selling Prices, Inventory Grows
“Southwest Michigan’s housing market in June 2026 spiked to attain the highest monthly sales, with little change in selling prices from a year ago, and a substantial increase in inventory of houses for sale,” stated Luke Jeffries, Association Executive, Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS ® , Inc. Jeffries continued, “The number of houses sold in June jumped 20 percent to 302 from 252 in June 2025. Year-to-date, the number of houses sold decreased 5 percent (1200 vs. 1267).” The inventory of
Niles Residents Unveil Four Flags Fit, an Outdoor Fitness Club for the Community
A new community project is taking shape in Niles. Graduates of the Community Leadership Academy unveiled Four Flags Fit, an outdoor fitness club designed to bring residents together through shared physical activity, during a celebration Wednesday, July 29, at Apothica Teas in downtown Niles. The club aims to give neighbors regular opportunities to be active together outdoors, with possibilities including walking, biking, skating, tennis, pickleball, and soccer. Cohort graduates Geneva Nneka Okeke and
The Loading Dock Kicks off Live Music Slate with Full Weekend of Local & Regional Talent
The Loading Dock, Buchanan's newest destination for live entertainment, community gatherings, and special events, welcomes three talented local and regional musicians this weekend. The concerts mark the kickoff for the new venue’s live music ongoing schedule. Clarke Circle performs Thursday, July 30 at 7pm. He plays acoustic covers of great classic rock, pop, blues and a little bit of country…six decades worth of music! Artists ranging from Audioslave to Neal Young ..The Beatles to Weezer and many more
NJCAA recognizes 27 LMC student-athletes for academic excellence
The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) has recognized 27 Lake Michigan College Red Hawk student-athletes for outstanding academic achievement during the 2025-2026 season. Of the honorees, four Red Hawks earned First Team recognition with a perfect 4.00 GPA, 10 earned Second Team honors, and 13 earned Third Team honors. The students represent eight of the College's nine intercollegiate athletic programs, with academic honorees in men's and women's soccer, men’s and women’s cross country,
Call for Artists: 2027 Gallery Exhibition Series
Applications are now being accepted for the 2027 gallery exhibition season and beyond! Applications for this round of submissions are due by 11:59pm, September 13, 2026. Artists will be notified of their acceptance via email by October 16, 2026 (no phone calls please).The Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad Street, provides a unique opportunity for Michiana artists to gain exposure in a gallery setting. The organization, Berrien Artist Guild, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit has fostered the promotion of
Honor Credit Union Announces Free Community Shred Day in Buchanan
Honor Credit Union Announces Free Community Shred Day in Buchanan BUCHANAN, MICHIGAN – JULY 29, 2026 – Honor Credit Union, in partnership with Data Guardian, will host a Free Community Shred Day in Buchanan, MI. The event will be co-hosted at valued business partner, Harding’s Market on Thursday, August 13, from 6:00 PM-7:30 PM and will concludes Honor’s 2026 Shred Days. Buchanan’s Free Community Shred Day will operate as a drive-thru service, where Honor team members will assist in collecting
Southwest Michigan Welcomes “Best Regional Asset” at The Loading Dock Grand Opening
The Loading Dock officially opened its doors Saturday evening with a packed Grand Opening celebration that drew hundreds of guests, community leaders, elected officials, and visitors from across Southwest Michigan to experience Buchanan's newest event and performance venue. The celebration marked a significant milestone in the revitalization of the historic Clark Equipment building as attendees filled the venue to enjoy live music, tours of the facility, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and the debut of The
Niles Area Residents to Unveil Community Project July 29
A group of Niles area residents will unveil a community improvement project developed over the past few months during a celebration Wednesday, July 29, at Apothica Teas in downtown Niles. The event runs from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. and marks the completion of the second cohort of the Community Leadership Academy, a program led by Be Healthy Berrien and Corewell Health that equips residents with the skills, knowledge, and resources to create positive change in their neighborhoods. The project will be
10th Annual Watermark Golf Classic Presented by Honor Credit Union to Support Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Michigan
10th Annual Watermark Golf Classic Presented by Honor Credit Union to Support Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Michigan BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN – JULY 28, 2026 – The 10th Annual Watermark Golf Classic presented by Honor Credit Union will take place on Friday, August 21, 2026, with check‑in beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Indian Lake Hills Golf Course in Eau Claire, MI. The annual outing raises funds for the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) of Southwest Michigan, a local organization dedicated to
Open Mic Nights at the Box Factory Welcomes Performers of All Ages Every Wednesday Night!
Grab your family and friends for a lively evening of celebrating music, poetry and creative expression with other artists and community members at the Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad Street. We proudly open our doors to the public every Wednesday from 6:30-9:00p.m. for Open Mic Night! Performers of all ages and backgrounds are invited to take the stage in a safe and welcoming environment. It is a chance to present new material, gain performance experience and jam in front of a supportive
Local Retailer Thanks Teachers with a Special Back to School Discount.
Local Retailer Thanks Teachers with a Special Back to School Discount. Collinsville, IL – July 20th, 2026 – As families ready for a new school year, a Midwest staple is giving thanks to the educators who make it all possible. Glik’s, a family-owned specialty retailer established in 1897, is ecstatic to announce a Teacher Appreciation Week from August 3rd - 9th. For over 125 years, Glik's has been a part of back-to-school traditions, helping students head into the classroom with confidence. Through
Young Entrepreneurs Are Bringing Southwest Michigan Together, One Donut and One Dance Step at a Time
Zo's Mini Donuts and the Sunset Coast Country Dancers Team Up for a Beach Town Hoedown on July 24th and July 31st in Downtown St. Joseph ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — In a region known for its beaches and small businesses, two local ventures are proving that entrepreneurship can do more than turn a profit — it can build community. Zo's Mini Donuts, founded by teenage entrepreneur Zoey Heyn, has partnered with the Sunset Coast Country Dancers to host Donuts X Dancing, a free, all-ages Friday night gathering on the
Clark Logic Develops Custom Facility for Centria Autism in St. Joseph
Real estate developer and industrial services provider Clark Logic celebrated another milestone in the redevelopment of Hilltop Business Center on July 16 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Centria Autism‘s newly completed custom-designed facility at 211 Hilltop Road in St. Joseph, Michigan. The event marks the latest phase in the revitalization of the 522,467-square-foot mixed-use industrial and office campus, formerly known as the Hilltop Business Center, which Clark Logic acquired in 2023. Since then,
CHALK THE BLOCK KICKS AUGUST OFF WITH A SPLASH OF COLOR, JULY 31-AUGUST 2
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, July 31-August 2. 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 stroll
Honor Credit Union Welcomes Brian James as Financial Advisor with Honor Investment Services
Honor Credit Union Welcomes Brian James as Financial Advisor with Honor Investment Services BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN – JULY 21, 2026 – Honor Credit Union is pleased to announce the addition of Brian James as its newest Financial Advisor with Honor Investment Services. Brian brings nearly 15 years of financial services experience and a strong commitment to relationship-focused guidance to his members. Before beginning his career in financial services, James proudly served in the United States
New Heights Auto Services Helps Keep Local Families on the Road
Every day, customers bring their vehicles to New Heights Auto Services for oil changes, brake repairs, tires, and routine maintenance. What many don’t realize is that every repair also helps local families overcome one of the greatest barriers to stability: reliable transportation. One of those families is Elizabeth. Just months after leaving a shelter, Elizabeth was bicycling 10 miles to work and another 10 miles home each day. As winter approached, she knew she would soon lose her job. Without that
Laugh First: Gut Instinct Improv Takes Center Stage Before The Loading Dock's Grand Opening
Before the ribbon is cut and the doors officially open, Southwest Michigan has an opportunity to be among the very first to experience Buchanan's newest event destination. On Friday, July 24, The Loading Dock will welcome the public for a special preview event featuring Gut Instinct Improv, the wildly unpredictable improv comedy troupe known for turning audience suggestions into outrageous, unscripted comedy. The performance serves as the venue's soft opening—giving guests an exclusive first look at the
32 Volleyball Programs to Compete in the 1st Annual Michiana Volleyball State Line Clash Presented by NIVA This Saturday
Over 60 high school volleyball teams from 32 Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan programs will compete in the 1st Annual Michiana Volleyball State Line Clash, presented by NIVA, this Saturday, July 25, at the Mishawaka Fieldhouse. Originally created to connect programs across Michiana, the State Line Clash has become one of the largest high school preseason volleyball events in the region, fostering competition and connections among passionate volleyball communities. "When we first shared the idea for
ROCK THE BOAT Presented by Honor Credit Union Raises Over $37,000 for Southwest Michigan Programs &
Not even a slight haze from the Canadian wildfires could keep the campers away. United Way of Southwest Michigan's Rock the Boat Cardboard Boat Races, presented by Honor Credit Union, returned to the Inn at Harbor Shores on Thursday, July 16, as twenty-three cardboard boats went to Summer Camp on the St. Joseph River channel and netted nearly $37,500 for programs serving Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties.Of that total, nearly $14,000 came from crowdfunding by the teams themselves, as spectators and
The 2026 WCCGE Online Silent Auction is Now Live!
The WCCGE Online Silent Auction is Now Live! The Whirlpool Community Charity Golf Event Online Silent Auction is officially live, and there's never been an easier way to support the youth of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan. Each year, the Whirlpool Community Charity Golf Event makes a tremendous impact on our Club, helping provide life-changing programs, caring mentors, and opportunities that empower young people to reach their full potential. Whether you're a golfer or simply someone
Competitive Edge Strengthens Executive Leadership Team with Two Key Promotions
Competitive Edge (CE), a nationally recognized branded merchandise agency and one of the promotional products industry's Top 100 distributors, is pleased to announce two executive leadership promotions that reinforce the company's commitment to continued growth, exceptional client experiences, and organizational excellence. Effective immediately, Dawn Janis has been promoted to Chief Sales Officer (CSO) and Jill Wygonik has been promoted to Chief Experience Officer (CXO). These promotions reflect
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RIBBON CUT ON HILDEBRAND FRUIT FARMS' NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART PACKING FACILITY IN BERRIEN SPRINGS
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Arthur Havlicek President & CEO ahavlicek@smrchamber.com 269-932-4042 RIBBON CUT ON HILDEBRAND FRUIT FARMS' NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART PACKING FACILITY IN BERRIEN SPRINGS $4MIL Expansion Made Possible by MDARD Grant FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 16, 2026 ORONOKO TOWNSHIP, MI - Hildebrand Fruit Farms, a fourth-generation family farm and packing operation, welcomed community members, local officials, and business leaders to an open house and ribbon-cutting
Abbie Thomas & The Crazy Hearts Return to the Box Factory on August 15 for a Magically Musical Night!
The Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St., presents Abbie Thomas & The Crazy Hearts on Saturday, August 15 from 7-9PM. Abbie Thomas, a genre-bending singer-songwriter earning international attention, is joined by pianist/musical director Simon Kauffman Hurst, bassist Isaac Fisher, and drummer Arthur Schroeder. This concert will bring a night of soulful music to the Box Factory stage, with the warmth of 70s-era songwriting and hints of Blues and Jazz.Reserve your seats early online at
KRUGGEL LAWTON CPAs ANNOUNCES EXPANSION TO SUPPORT CONTINUED GROWTH IN SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Ashley Meyerdierks Marketing Manager 574.289.4011 ext. 266 ameyerdierks@klcpas.com KRUGGEL LAWTON CPAs ANNOUNCES EXPANSION TO SUPPORT CONTINUED GROWTH IN SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 15, 2026 SOUTH BEND, Ind.—Kruggel Lawton CPAs is pleased to announce the expansion of its Portage, Michigan office. On June 1, 2024, Kruggel Lawton partnered with Cole Gavlas, PC to further expand the firm’s reach in Southwest Michigan. With the
ROCK THE BOAT Presented by Honor Credit Union This Thursday in St. Joseph
More than two dozen cardboard boats hit the water this Thursday, July 16, when United Way of Southwest Michigan's Rock the Boat, presented by Honor Credit Union, returns to the Inn at Harbor Shores in St. Joseph. Racing begins at 5 p.m. along the St. Joseph River channel, and spectators are invited to come watch for free. This year's event theme is “Summer Camp,” with 24 teams from businesses, schools, and organizations across the region launching camp-themed creations in eight heats of racing, capped off
FREE WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY CONCERTS THIS SUMMER 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
Lake Michigan College's Teaching Winery Wins Three Medals at 2026 Michigan Governor's Cup
Student-made wines from Lake Michigan College’s commercial teaching winery, Lake Michigan Vintners, earned three medals in the 2026 Taste Michigan Governor’s Cup, the fourth annual edition of Michigan’s only statewide, industry-driven wine competition. The contest drew 214 entries from 44 wineries across the state, all judged in blind tastings by trade professionals from the Beverage Testing Institute.Lake Michigan Vintners’ 2025 Sauvignon Blanc and 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon each earned Silver Medals, while
Dame & Denise: Together Again for the First Time August 1 Concert at the Box Factory for the Arts
The Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St., presents Dame & Denise: Together Again for the First Time starring Denise McGowan Tracy and Elaine Dame as they come together for a night of celebration and song on Saturday, August 1 from 7-9PM. Join us for an intimate evening of timeless standards, storytelling, and joyful musical camaraderie; blending jazz, cabaret, and theatrical flair as these two seasoned performers share musical moments, accompanied by pianist Jeremy Kahn, in a program designed to delight
LMC students earn spots on Spring 2026 President’s, Dean’s Lists
Lake Michigan College has announced the names of students recognized for academic achievement during the 2026 Spring semester.There were 81 students named to the President’s List, achieving a 4.0 GPA at full-time status. The Dean’s List, meanwhile, includes 203 full-time students and 481 part-time students who achieved a 3.5 GPA or higher.President’s ListAlleganJeannie SalinasJovie SprayBangorCarter HullBlanca Martinez-ParraBarodaEllery KrugerBenton Harbor Caleb DamoahMaxwell HesterMadeline KelleyHailey
Lake Michigan College Police Academy cadets recognized during 2026 graduation ceremony
Lake Michigan College recognized 14 graduates of its Spring 2026 Police Academy during a ceremony on Wednesday, July 8, in the LMC Mendel Center Jenkins Theatre on the College’s Benton Harbor campus. LMC reintroduced its Police Academy in 2024 after a 42-year program hiatus to address a growing local need for the next generation of law enforcement professionals. With the completion of the third program session, 41 cadets have graduated and gone on to serve with 14 area city, township, and county departments
Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Endorses Southwest Michigan Regional Airport Millage Renewal
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Arthur Havlicek President & CEO ahavlicek@smrchamber.com Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Endorses Southwest Michigan Regional Airport Millage Renewal Chamber: SWMRA (KBEH): A Critical Asset for Health, Safety, Education, & Economic Growth FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 8, 2026 ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber (SMRC) today announced its formal endorsement of the 10-year millage renewal for the Southwest Michigan Regional
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Timeless Charm Meets Modern Luxury: St. Joe River Lodge Debuts in Buchanan
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Lisa Alford Owner St Joe River Lodge lisa@stjoeriverlodge.com TIMELESS CHARM MEETS MODERN LUXURY: ST. JOE RIVER LODGE DEBUTS IN BUCHANAN Community invited to attend the official ribbon cutting on August 20 at 5:30 PM FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 8, 2026 Buchanan, MI — The community is invited to celebrate the official grand opening of St. Joe River Lodge with a Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber ribbon-cutting ceremony and a Niles Chamber Third
2026 SWMI & National May Housing Market Brought Uptick in Sales For Start of Peak Selling Season
“Southwest Michigan’s housing market sales in May 2026 experienced a nice uptick that will hopefully bring a good peak selling season this summer. While the sales improved for May, they were down from May 2025. Homebuyers found the average selling price to be 6 percent higher and the median selling price 1 percent lower than in May 2025,” stated Luke Jeffries, Association Executive, Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS ® , Inc. Jeffries continued, “The number of houses sold in May fell 3 percent
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
Regional Chamber Honors and Celebrates the 2025 HYPE Winners
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Jasmine Hansen Events Director jhansen@smrchamber.com 269-932-4605 Regional Chamber Honors and Celebrates the 2025 HYPE Winners November 20, 2025 Stevensville, MI – Southwest Michigan’s brightest entrepreneurial talent gathered at the Watermark Solarium last night for the second annual HYPE – Highlighting Young Professional Excellence. Hosted by the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber in partnership with the Emerge Innovation Hub, this dynamic event
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
