The Box Factory Makers Market Returns on November 28th with Artisan/Maker Booths on all Three Floors!
The Box Factory Makers Market will once again transform the Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad Street, into a three-story artisan marketplace on Thanksgiving weekend!The bustling market takes place as part of Small Business Saturday, from 9am–5pm on November 28. The Box Bar will be open for guests to purchase alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks; food and desserts will also be available. A $5 donation is suggested at the door; the event is free for children 18 years and younger accompanied by an
City of Benton Harbor Kicks Off Its 160th Year Celebration Campaigns
The City of Benton Harbor is launching two community-focused efforts as it marks 160 years of history, progress, and pride. The two-part campaign spotlights Benton Harbor’s 160-year history and invites residents to “chip in” by helping clean, care for, and strengthen neighborhoods across the city. The first effort will share stories from Benton Harbor’s past and present, highlighting the people, places, organizations, and moments that have helped shape the community over the last 160 years. Through
GREATER NILES CHAMBER NAMES MARTIN MECHTENBERG EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Arthur Havlicek President & CEO Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber ahavlicek@smrchamber.comGREATER NILES CHAMBER NAMES MARTIN MECHTENBERG EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Registered architect and experienced economic development professional selected to lead the Chamber's next chapter October 26th, 2026 Niles, Michigan – The Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce and the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber (SMRC) today announced that Martin "Marty" Mechtenberg has been named
Lake Michigan College Recognizes Five Honorees at 2026 Alumni and Radde Achievement Awards
Lake Michigan College honored three alumni and two longtime community supporters Saturday, Oct. 10, at the 2026 Alumni and Radde Achievement Awards. The ceremony took place at 6 p.m. in Grand Upton Hall at the Mendel Center. Dr. Kenneth Flowers, ‘91, LMC president, opened the evening, and Board of Trustees Chair and Alumni Association President John Grover, ‘01, presented the alumni achievement and Gladys Peeples-Burks alumni serviceawards. “Their stories are our stories,” said Grover. “This college is
HALLOWEEN FESTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2026
St. Joe Today and participating businesses invite the SWMI community to enjoy two great Halloween events this October - Pumpkins on Parade and Halloween Trick-Or-Treat! SWMI businesses and restaurants will display their decorated pumpkins during Pumpkins on Parade, October 19-31. The community is invited to visit participating locations to view the pumpkins and vote for their favorite. Votes can be cast online at stjoetoday.com/voteuntil 11:59p October 30. The top three winners will be announced on
Lake Michigan College Marketing & Communications Team Earns Four Medallion Awards at NCMPR District
Lake Michigan College’s Marketing & Communications team has been recognized with four Medallion Awards at the recent National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR) District 3 & 5 regional conference, including two gold awards. The NCMPR Medallion Awards are the premier regional competition recognizing outstanding marketing, communications, and public relations achievements at community and technical colleges within each of NCMPR’s seven districts. The awards honor innovative work across all
Allison Allman Named One of Moody on the Market’s Bold Women of Business
Kruggel Lawton CPAs is proud to announce that Allison Allman, CPA, has been selected as one of Moody on the Market’s Bold Women of Business. The Bold Women of Business award honors 20 women who live or work in the Southwest Michigan counties of Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren and are making significant contributions to their communities through growth, leadership, and innovation. The award program is administered by Moody on the Market and Mid-West Family Southwest Michigan. As a Senior Assurance
Lake Michigan College Theater Program to Present a Bold, Futuristic Romeo & Juliet
The Lake Michigan College Theater program will present a stark, near-future reimagining of Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet Nov. 12-15 at the LMC Mendel Center Hanson Theatre on the College’s Benton Harbor Campus, 2755 E. Napier Ave. Performances are at 7 p.m. Nov. 12-14 and 2 p.m. Nov. 15. Tickets are $15 general admission and $5 for students under 18. Tickets are available at www.TheMendelCenter.com/events. Shakespeare's most famous love story collides with a fractured America in the not-too-distant future,
Southwest Michigan Regional Airport Hosts Storytime This Tuesday
Children and families are invited to the Southwest Michigan Regional Airport Tuesday, October 20, at 6:30 p.m. for Storytime on the Flight Line, an evening of reading, aviation and creative fun. Guest readers will include Chokwe Pitchford, 3rd District Berrien County Commissioner; Miyah Michelle, Miss Benton Harbor 2026; Alex Little, Benton Harbor City Manager; Ardale Clark, founder of Beyond Limits Entertainment; and DaShuna Robinson, Benton Harbor Area Schools Board President. Local nonprofit Sisters From
Lake Michigan College to Offer Two AI-Focused Extended Education Courses for Area Professionals
Lake Michigan College is offering two non-credit Extended Education courses in November and December to help area professionals use artificial intelligence with more confidence and clarity in their daily work. Kathleen Curtis Wolf, a consultant, facilitator, and AI strategist, will lead each session at the Todd Center on LMC's Benton Harbor Campus, 2755 E. Napier Ave. Artificial intelligence has moved quickly from a niche technical tool to a resource used across nearly every profession. Still, many workers
Join us for the Series 6 Annual Member Show Opening Reception at the Box Factory for the Arts on November 6!
The Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad Street will be exhibiting our Series 6 Exhibition – the Annual Member Show – from November 6-January 10, 2027! The public is invited to our free-to-attend Opening Reception on Friday, November 6, from 5:30-8PM. Meet the artists on view, purchase alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at the Box Bar, and grab some light snacks! This year’s exhibition theme is… “Now and Then!” over 300 Members were encouraged to exhibit one current artwork alongside a piece from
2027 LEADERSHIP ACCELERATOR APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Victoria Kostecki Program Manager Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Vkostecki@smrchamber.com smrchamber.com 2027 Leadership Accelerator Applications NOW OPEN! October, 15th,2026 St. Joseph, MI – The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, in partnership with Lake Michigan College and The Purpose Partners, is proud to announce that its Leadership Academy program, Leadership Accelerator, is now accepting applications for the 2027 Cohort. Designed for
Lake Michigan College Receives Gold-Level Certification for Serving Michigan Veterans
For the third consecutive year, Lake Michigan College has received Gold-Level certification as a Michigan Veteran-Friendly School from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Office, earning the top mark from the state agency. Colleges and universities are graded on seven important criteria for serving veterans, and the Gold standard is the highest certification available. Schools must offer services in at least six of the seven areas to qualify. "This designation recognizes your school’s commitment to creating
Rake a Difference Needs 600 More Volunteers by Friday So No Senior Is Left Waiting
United Way of Southwest Michigan is putting out an urgent last call for volunteers. Registration for Rake a Difference closes this Friday, October 16, and United Way still needs 600 more volunteers to serve every senior who has asked for help. So far, 350 seniors across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties have registered for the Thursday, November 12 event, with nearly half of those on the waitlist. Those seniors don't know yet whether a team is coming. United Way can't tell them until every volunteer
Comcast Business 2026 Cybersecurity Threat Report
A new Comcast Business Cybersecurity Threat Report found that artificial intelligence is accelerating the speed and scale of attacks across organizations and businesses of all sizes. Based on an analysis of 79.3 billion cybersecurity events, the report identified phishing and drive-by compromise attacks as the most common threats while highlighting the growing risks from stolen credentials, AI-driven attacks, and unmanaged devices connected to business networks. The findings underscore the importance of
Job Seekers and Prospective College Students Invited to Future Fair 2026
Lake Michigan College invites job seekers and prospective college students from the community to attend Future Fair 2026: Taking Flight. The free career fair and university expo will take place at the LMC Benton Harbor Campus on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Room L310/311, above the library. Attendees are encouraged to bring a resume if they have one, though it is not required. Employers looking to fill open positions and make connections for future openings will be available to answer
Honor Credit Union Gives $20,000 to Michigan Educators Through 2026 Teacher Awards
Honor Credit Union Gives $20,000 to Michigan Educators Through 2026 Teacher Awards BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN – October 14, 2026 – Honor Credit Union is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Annual Teacher Awards, marking 17 years of celebrating exceptional educators. This year, Honor recognized 40 teachers from its 27 branch communities across Michigan, awarding each a $500 digital gift card to enhance their classrooms, for a combined total of $20,000 invested in local education. Honor’s
Present Pillars Foundation Announces the 2026 Pillar Awards Gala: Fight Night
Present Pillars Foundation Announces the 2026 Pillar Awards Gala: Fight Night Powered by Indiana Michigan Power Foundation Present Pillars Foundation is proud to announce the 2026 Pillar Awards Gala: Fight Night – Step Into the Ring for Fathers & Families, presented by Indiana Michigan Power Foundation, on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Four Winds Casino South Bend. Indiana Michigan Power Foundation will serve as the event’s Heavyweight Champion, demonstrating its commitment to healthier fathers, empowered
Midwest Retailer, Glik’s, Celebrates 129 Years of Style
A retail legacy more than a century in the making is celebrating a remarkable milestone and you are invited! Glik’s, a family-owned specialty retailer established in 1897, is proud to celebrate 129 years of style, community, and family. Since its founding, Glik's has become a destination for customers seeking quality fashion apparel, trusted brands, and personalized service. In 1897, Joseph Glik took the next step in growing the business, moving beyond the horse-drawn wagon he had used to sell merchandise
More Than 400 Honor Credit Union Team Members Volunteer Across Michigan for CU Kind Day
More Than 400 Honor Credit Union Team Members Volunteer Across Michigan for CU Kind Day BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN – October 12, 2026 - On October 12, more than 400 Honor Credit Union team members will step away from their daily responsibilities to step up for their communities as part of CU Kind Day. CU Kind Day is an annual nationwide credit union movement that highlights the industry’s “people helping people” philosophy through volunteerism and acts of service in local communities. Across
Rivers & Roots Choir Concert to Feature LMC Concert Choir and MSVMA District 6 Middle School Honors
On Thursday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m., the Lake Michigan College Concert Choir, directed by Rebecca Derbas-Selvidge, will be joined by the Michigan School Vocal Music Association (MSVMA) District 6 Middle School Honors Choir, directed by Matthew W. Smith, for the Rivers & Roots Choir Concert. The program will celebrate through song the connection between the natural world and humanity. It will take place in the LMC Mendel Center Jenkins Theatre on the College’s Benton Harbor Campus, 2755 E. Napier Ave. Tickets
Lake Michigan College Names Dr. Kim Hodges Dean of Health Sciences
Lake Michigan College (LMC) is pleased to announce that Dr. Kim Hodges, DNP, RN, NE-BC, NPD-BC, has joined the College as Dean of Health Sciences. Hodges brings academic leadership, clinical practice, nursing professional development, and healthcare administration experience to LMC. She joins the College from Indiana University (IU), where she most recently served as Assistant Dean in the School of Nursing. Before that, she served as Clinical Assistant Professor in the IU Department of Community and
DOWNTOWN SPOOKTACULAR RETURNS TO DOWNTOWN ST. JOE ON OCTOBER 17
Downtown Spooktacular returns to Downtown St. Joe on Saturday, October 17, from 11a-4p. This Halloween-themed event hosts a variety of activities in Lake Bluff Park, Whirlpool Centennial Park and the North Pier Lighthouse at Tiscornia Park. Downtown Spooktacular activities include: Spooktacular Market | 11a-4p | Lake Bluff ParkOutdoor Halloween-themed Artisan Market! Spooky Lighthouse Tours | 11a-4p | Tiscornia ParkEnjoy a free day at the St. Joe Lighthouse! Lighthouse volunteers will share the rich
City of Benton Harbor Debuts Its Year in Review Magazine
The City of Benton Harbor has released Review: A Year in Review, a magazine reflecting on the City’s progress, projects, services, partnerships, and investments over the past year. Created as a resource for residents and community partners, the magazine provides an overview of the work taking place throughout Benton Harbor and the priorities guiding the City’s path forward. “Review: A Year in Review was created to reflect on the progress made over the past year and to share how the City has continued
Lakeshore Excellence Foundation Announces $750,000 in Major Projects for Lakeshore Public Schools
The Lakeshore Excellence Foundation (LEF) and Lakeshore Public Schools Superintendent Greg Eding announced plans for $750,000 in major projects to expand robotics opportunities, strengthen teaching, launch inclusive athletics and improve classroom emergency preparedness across the district. Eding and LEF Chairman J.C. Anderson shared the four-project investment Tuesday evening during the foundation’s Lancer Leader celebration at Solarium by Watermark. The reception honored current and new Lancer Leaders,
Local Horror Film “Whispers” Returns to The Loading Dock for Special Screenings and Filmmaker Q&A
A piece of Buchanan’s local filmmaking history is coming back to town this October when Whispers, a 2008 horror film filmed locally in Buchanan, is presented in two special screenings at The Loading Dock, 325 E. Front St., Suite 118, Buchanan, MI. The screenings will take place Sunday, October 25 and Wednesday, October 28, 2026. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the movie beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15. Following each screening, audiences will have the opportunity to hear directly from the people who
For Immediate Release: Great Lakes Eye Care Welcomes Dr. MacGregor Hall, MD to the Team
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Alex Gaytán Practice Development Coordinator | Administrator agaytan@greateyecare.com 269-428-3300 Ext. 266 Great Lakes Eye Care Welcomes Dr. MacGregor Hall, MD to the Team Joins today, October 5th October 5th, 2026 SAINT JOSEPH, MI – Dr. MacGregor Hall is a fellowship-trained cornea, cataract, and refractive surgeon whose clinical interests include corneal transplantation, refractive cataract surgery with specialty lens implants, vision correction
$4M Rural Development Fund grant opportunity available to strengthen rural communities
--- PRESS RELEASE --- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:Friday, Oct. 2, 2026MEDIA CONTACT: Chelsea Wuth $4M Rural Development Fund grant opportunity available to strengthen rural communities Rural communities may submit letters of intent through Nov. 2 LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP) is launching the latest round of the Rural Development Fund grant with $4 million available to support projects that strengthen rural communities, infrastructure, workforce and economic
Lake Michigan College’s Red Hawk Jazz Collective to Perform Oct. 21
An evening of jazz standards will fill the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Jenkins Theatre at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, when the LMC music program presents the Red Hawk Jazz Collective under the direction of LMC adjunct faculty member Danny Lopez. This immersive concert experience seats the audience on the Jenkins Theatre stage with the performers. Tickets are not required for this free general admission event. Among the planned selections are “Computer” composed and arranged by Bob Mintzer, “Fun Time”
Buchanan Celebrates Community Leaders at Annual Meeting
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Jasmine Hansen Events Director Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce jhansen@smrchamber.com BUCHANAN CELEBRATES COMMUNITY LEADERS AT ANNUAL MEETING Dennis Mori, Michigan Gateway Community Foundation and Tracy Dippo honored for their service to the Buchanan area FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 5th, 2026 BUCHANAN, MI — Business owners, community partners, and local leaders gathered Thursday, Oct. 1, at The Loading Dock in downtown Buchanan for the Buchanan Area
Michigan Secretary of State Mobile Office Coming to Lake Michigan College on October 15
The Michigan Secretary of State Mobile Office will visit Lake Michigan College on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Napier Avenue Campus, 2755 E. Napier Ave., Benton Harbor. The visit is open to the community. The visit's primary goal is to make voter registration easy and accessible ahead of the November 3 general election. Residents can register to vote for the first time or update the address on an existing registration on-site. The Mobile Office brings many services normally
Upcoming Extended Education Classes at Lake Michigan College
Lake Michigan College is offering several non-credit Extended Education courses designed for career advancement and skill building. Courses are offered at the Todd Center on LMC's Benton Harbor Campus, 2755 E. Napier Ave. Registration is required for all classes, and space is limited. Professionalism & Soft Skills Bootcamp Monday, Oct. 12 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | Registration deadline: Oct. 8Monday, Dec. 7 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | Registration deadline: Dec. 3$185 chamber members, $225 non-membersThis one-day
80th Anniversary Series - Sam Monte: From Benton Harbor Junior College to a Lifetime of Success
During Lake Michigan College’s year-long 80th Anniversary celebration, the College is featuring stories about some of the people who have been part of that history, and who, in the process, have been shaped by their connection to Lake Michigan College (1964 to present), and its predecessors Benton Harbor Junior College (1946-1954) and Community College and Technical Institute (1954-1964). Doors Opened: From Benton Harbor Junior College to a Lifetime of SuccessSam Monte remembers how Benton Harbor Junior
NEW FOOD AND DRINK OPTIONS OPEN AT SOUTH BEND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Officials gathered at South Bend International Airport (SBN) today for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of new food and drink options, both pre- and post-security. Within the last month, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, and The Lauber Overlook opened post-security offering travelers more options in addition to the existing food and drink offerings. Dunkin’ serves up signature coffees and refreshers along with donuts, pastries, and savory bites like avocado toast, snackin’ bacon, and ham and swiss
Wine & Roses Vocal Concert to feature LMC choral groups Oct. 14
Romantic ballads and familiar standards will fill the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Jenkins Theatre at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, when the LMC music program presents the Wine & Roses Vocal Concert. This free event will feature two student choral ensembles, Vox LMC and LMC Vocal Chamber, under the direction of LMC choral music faculty member Rebecca Derbas-Selvidge.This immersive concert experience seats the audience on the Jenkins Theatre stage with the performers. A cash bar featuring Lake Michigan
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
