**New Date!!** AJ's Uptown Relaunches as The Garage on Ferry Street
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Arthur Havlicek President & CEO info@smrchamber.com 269-932-4042 Greetings! After much consideration, owners Rick Moreci and William Ranick have decided to postpone the ribbon cutting until Monday, December 9th at 6:00 p.m. The public relaunch party on Friday, December 6th will still happen at 9:00 p.m. Updated Schedule of Events: Public Grand Reopening Celebration:Date: December 6th, 2024Time: 9:00 p.m. VIP Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Details:New Date:
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$3.1M SECURED TO SUPPORT SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN EMPLOYERS
Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren has secured $3.1M in competitive grants from the State of Michigan’s Going PRO Talent Fund to help 43 local employers enhance their workforce. The grants awarded provide funds to local employers for training, developing, and retaining employees. “Being a demand driven organization means that we put employers at the top of our priority list,” said Mark O’Reilly, Director of Business Solutions at Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren. “We know that training is
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United Federal Credit Union Strengthens Small Business Loan Program with Highly Experienced SBA Lend
United Federal Credit Union (United) is strengthening its Small Business Administration team with the addition of six highly experienced lending specialists, furthering the credit union’s commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs and fostering economic growth across the country. Leading the credit union’s SBA lending team will be Brad Rogers, United’s Commercial Credit Manager. Rogers has over 20 years of SBA lending experience with previous roles as SBA credit officer, underwriting manager, and
Horizon Bank Welcomes Stacey Stephens as Vice President, Senior Commercial Loan Officer
Bruce Piekarski, Market President, is pleased to announce Stacey Stephens as Vice President, Sr. Commercial Loan Officer. In her role, Stephens will expand market share through loan and deposit growth in Southwest Michigan & North Central Indiana, while maintaining and strengthening existing business client base. She will provide exceptional customer service and sound financial advice by leveraging industry experience and community involvement. Stephens holds a bachelor’s in public administration from
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Greater Bridgman Area Chamber & Growth Alliance Announces Holiday Village - December 14th
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Nancy Kiernan CGA Director 269-285-2152 nkiernan@bridgmancga.org Downtown Bridgman to Welcome Holiday Village December 14th December 2, 2024 Bridgman, Michigan – In what can easily be described as a Norman Rockwell Christmas event, Bridgman’s Holiday Village is set to once again transform the downtown into a day of family fun on Saturday, December 14th. The event, which is organized and orchestrated by the Greater Bridgman Area Chamber & Growth Alliance, an
Jeremy T. Butler and Friends Celebrate “A Candlelight Christmas” at the Box Factory
Jeremy T. Butler and Friends Celebrate “A Candlelight Christmas”at the Box FactoryST. JOSEPH, MI – Join the Box Factory on December 21 for “A Candlelight Christmas” with treasured songs of the season. Jeremy T. Butler, of Benton Harbor, and his merry band of musicians will take the stage to perform original and traditional Christmas music. Come and celebrate the holiday spirit with the whole family! “A Candlelight Christmas” takes place at 7PM on Saturday, Dec. 21, at the Box Factory for the Arts, 1101
SBN TO CELEBRATE UNITED'S INAUGURAL FLIGHT TO WASHINGTON DULLES ON DEC. 4, 2024
SOUTH BEND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO CELEBRATE UNITED’S INAUGURAL FLIGHT TO WASHINGTON DULLES ON DECEMBER 4, 2024 South Bend, IN. – Daily flights on United Express to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) from South Bend International Airport (SBN) take off on December 4, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. To celebrate, passengers on the inaugural flight will be treated to a gate party including a coffee bar, pastries, and SBN and United swag.Media should arrive at 9:00 a.m. at Airport Information to be escorted
The GhostLight Theatre (Benton Harbor) announces anonymous $100,000 challenge gift
The GhostLight Theatre announces that they have been given an incredibly generous anonymous gift of $100,000. The donor has agreed to match 2-to-1 any and all dollars raised up to $50,000 given towards the GhostLight 2025 Theatre Season. The GhostLight is pleased to announce this gift in order to springboard their fundraising efforts as well as to kick off donations this Giving Tuesday (Tuesday, December 3rd).The GhostLight has also received a 2nd anonymous donation in order to name the annual Emerging
COMMUNITY LEADERS TO DONATE FIRST BEARS TO SOUTH BEND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’S THIRTEENth ANNUAL BEAR
The thirteenth annual Bears in the Air program lands at South Bend International Airport (SBN) when community stakeholders donate the first bears to the program at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 3 at the “Bear Den” located in the atrium of the airport. St. Joseph County Airport Authority Board President David Sage will be joined by South Bend Mayor James Mueller, Robert L. Miller Sr. Veteran’s Center Resident Eugene Suggs, and Special Guests Martha Walorski, Isabella Hall, and Amelia Hall. Bears in the
AJ's Uptown Relaunches as The Garage on Ferry Street
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Arthur Havlicek President & CEO info@smrchamber.com 269-932-4042 AJ's Uptown Relaunches as The Garage on Ferry Street Ribbon Cutting & Relaunch Parties Set for December 5th & 6th December 2, 2024 Berrien Springs, MI - After years of service to the community, AJ’s Uptown Bar & Grill is embracing a bold new chapter in its rich history. On Thursday, December 5th, at 5:00 p.m. a special VIP Relaunch and rebrand of AJ’s Uptown Bar & Grill to The Garage on Ferry
ST. JOE WINTER BEER FEST RETURNS FEBRUARY 1, 2025, TICKETS ON SALE DECEMBER 1
ST. JOE WINTER BEER FEST RETURNS FEBRUARY 1, 2025,TICKETS ON SALE DECEMBER 1 ST. JOSEPH, MICH. — St. Joe Today invites everyone 21 years and older to come out of hibernation and meet up with friends at this lakeside destination during the 2025 St. Joe Winter Beer Fest. The event takes place on Saturday, February 1 from 12:00p-4:00p, outdoors, on the corner of Broad St. and Lake Blvd. in St. Joseph, Mich. With available tickets limited to only 1,050, Paul Knapp, executive director of St. Joe Today
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NOV. 29-30: HOLIDAY SHOPPERS WILL FIND GREAT BUYS THROUGHOUT SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN ON BLACK FRIDAY AND
HOLIDAY SHOPPERS WILL FIND GREAT BUYS THROUGHOUT SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN ON BLACK FRIDAY AND SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY, NOV. 29-30 ST. JOSEPH, MICH. — Holiday shoppers seeking great deals will find them throughout Southwest Michigan (SWMI), on Black Friday, November 29, and Small Business Saturday, November 30. “Discover unique, locally sourced gifts for everyone on your list,” said Paul Knapp, executive director of St. Joe Today. “From gourmet foods and handcrafted wines to one-of-a-kind toys and games, our
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Wishing you a safe and joyful Thanksgiving surrounded by the people and things you cherish most.
MERRY & BRIGHT WEEKEND, DEC. 6-8, FILLS DOWNTOWN ST. JOSEPHWITH HOLIDAY CHEER ST. JOSEPH, MICH. — Celebrate the winter season in Michigan’s Great Southwest! Merry & Bright Weekend invites the Southwest Michigan community to enjoy four festive events: Light up the Bluff, Reindog Parade, Santa’s House and the Holiday Artisan Fair. Light up the Bluff kicks off Merry & Bright Weekend on Friday, December 6. At 6:00p, the St. Joseph High School Choir begins with Christmas carols followed by the tree
Lake Michigan College to Host Law Enforcement Hiring Fair
People considering a career in public safety are invited to attend a Law Enforcement Hiring Fair hosted by Lake Michigan College from 5–7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10. The open house-style event will be held in the Hanson Technology Center on LMC’s Benton Harbor campus located at 2755 E. Napier Ave.Attendees can talk with representatives from city, township, and county law enforcement departments throughout Southwest Michigan about career opportunities within those organizations. Agencies expected to attend
Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday Garners Elite Award
Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Garners Elite Ranking Riverside, Michigan, November 24, 2024:Over the past year, Kampgrounds of America (KOA) has taken a new approach to recognize campgrounds for their superior excellence, through a new award appropriately named the Icon Award. This new award involves a more targeted criteria that incorporates guest surveys (through the Net Promoter Score), year-over-year growth, and overall brand engagement. It then recognizes the top ten percent of similar size parks
The Greater Southwest Chapter of Credit Unions Donate $9,000 to Michigan Food Pantries
The Greater Southwest Chapter of Credit Unions Donate $9,000 to Michigan Food Pantries SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN, NOVEMBER 25, 2024--On behalf of the Greater Southwest Chapter of Credit Unions, area credit unions are proud to donate a total of $9,000 to support three Michigan food pantries this holiday season. Each organization will receive $3,000 to help provide essential resources and nutritious meals to local families in need. The three recipient organizations are: Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes
2024 SWMI & National Housing Market Sales Higher August Sales, Selling Prices Continue to Set Records
In October, the local SWMI housing market nearly mirrored the market results in October 2023. Sales were higher in October than in September (269 vs. 255). Selling prices increased 2 percent in October 2024 over October 2023. Selling prices in October over the last four years continued to rise and set records in the year-over-year comparison back to 2006,” stated Alan Jeffries, Association Executive, Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS®, Inc. Jeffries continued, “The number of houses
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City of Buchanan partners with Cities Initiative to develop St. Joseph Riverfront Restoration Project
Project will help restore Buchanan’s connection to the St. Joseph River and create a world-class destination in small town Buchanan, Michigan The City of Buchanan is collaborating with the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative to develop designs to stabilize the shoreline and restore natural features along the St. Joseph River. The City’s goal is to revitalize community amenities along the river and address challenges such as shoreline erosion, flooding, invasive species, public access
OFFICIALS TO UNVEIL SBN'S NEW BUSINESS CENTER 11/22/24 at 10AM
OFFICIALS TO UNVEIL SOUTH BEND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’S NEW BUSINESS CENTER South Bend, IN. – A new business center has opened in the concourse at South Bend International Airport (SBN). A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. with St. Joseph County Airport Authority Board President David Sage, South Bend Regional Chamber Director of Member Relations, and Notre Dame Federal Credit Union President and CEO Thomas Gryp.Media should arrive at 9:45 a.m. at Airport
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
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United Federal Credit Union Hires Chief Commercial Officer to Lead Business Lending and Deposit Grow
United Federal Credit Union (United) is pleased to announce the appointment of Renee Johnson as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). Johnson will join United’s Strategic Leadership Team and will oversee all aspects of the Commercial business line, including Commercial Operations, Commercial Sales, and Small Business Association (SBA) lending. Renee Johnson, Chief Commercial Officer “Commercial and Small Business Lending is an integral part of United’s growth strategy that will be positively impacted by
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Online Edition of the Whirlpool Appliance Sale Now Online Through November 27th to Benefit United Way of Southwest Michigan
With the success of October’s in-person Whirlpool Appliance Sale, United Way of Southwest Michigan and Whirlpool Corp. are coming back together to offer the public even more appliances at deeply discounted rates as part of the Online Appliance Sale. The sale is open to the public online now through November 27th at WhirlpoolApplianceSale.com, and offers highly discounted Maytag, KitchenAid and Whirlpool brand ovens, ranges, refrigerators, dishwashers, washers and dryers at significant savings. All major
LMC Visual & Performing Arts Department Holding Auditions for Spring Musical
The Lake Michigan College Visual & Performing Arts Department will hold open auditions for the Spring production of “School of Rock,” based on the Paramount movie by Mike White, book by Julian Fellowes, lyrics by Glenn Slater, and new music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. This production will be directed by Susan Matheny and produced by LMC Instructor of Theatre Shalico Sain. Students and community members are invited to participate in auditions set for 12-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7; 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8;
MICHIGAN WORKS! CELEBRATES SIX AWARDEES IN HONOR OF NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK
MICHIGAN WORKS! CELEBRATES SIX AWARDEES IN HONOR OF NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK BENTON HARBOR, Mich.- National Apprenticeship week 2024 is underway and Michigan Works! joined forces with local employers to celebrate apprentices that have made a lasting impact in their industry. This nationwide celebration provides Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren the opportunity to highlight how Registered Apprenticeship Programs can help address some of our nation’s most pressing workforce challenges. To
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Honor Credit Union Expands to New Saint Joseph Location
Honor Credit Union Expands to New Saint Joseph Location BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 18, 2024 – Honor Credit Union is expanding to a new Saint Joseph location to accommodate new digital upgrades and growing teams. Beginning in early 2025, about 60 employees will relocate from Honor’s Operations Center in Berrien Springs to a currently vacant space on the corner of Glenlord and Hollywood Road. These include team members who work in Honor’s Contact Center, and Video Teller Machine
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Be Healthy Berrien Receives $45,000 AEP Foundation Grant to Support Benton Harbor Healthy Corner Sto
Be Healthy Berrien Receives $45,000 AEP Foundation Grant to Support Benton Harbor Healthy Corner Store and Farmers Market The American Electric Power (AEP) Foundation has awarded Be Healthy Berrien a $45,000 grant to enhance access to nutritious, locally sourced foods in Benton Harbor through the Healthy Corner Store Initiative and the Benton Harbor Farmers Market. These initiatives aim to improve food access for local residents and foster a healthier community. Anchored by United Way of Southwest
United Way of Southwest Michigan’s Rake a Difference Event Serves Over 330 Seniors in 2024
United Way of Southwest Michigan’s Rake a Difference Event Serves Over 330 Seniors in 2024Last Thursday, November 14, teams from all over Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren county took their rakes, gloves, and rain gear to yards throughout the area to help seniors in need of yard maintenance.The 14th annual Rake a Difference Event served 336 seniors around the three county community, with 134 teams involved in the event, encompassing a total of 1,319 volunteers that lent their time and talents to those in
ST. JOE TODAY’S WINTER EVENTS KICK OFF THE 2024 HOLIDAY SEASON
Getting into the holiday spirit is easy when you visit downtown St. Joseph! On Friday, November 22, kick off the holiday season with three great community events - Luminary, Window Wonderland and Countdown to New Year. Friday (November 22) evening will begin with the warm glow of hundreds of luminaries lining the streets of downtown St. Joseph from 5:00p-8:00p. Luminary, sponsored by The Boulevard Inn & Bistro, creates a great atmosphere for all ages to enjoy sales, specialty items, giveaways,
United Federal Credit Union Promotes Natalie Polaskey to Senior Relationship Development Manager in
United Federal Credit Union Promotes Natalie Polaskey to Senior Relationship Development Manager in Michigan Natalie Polaskey, Senior Relationship Development Manager ST. JOSEPH, Mich. – United Federal Credit Union (United) has promoted Natalie Polaskey to Senior Relationship Development Manager in Michigan. Polaskey is based at United’s St. Joseph branch at 2819 S. State St. “I am grateful for this opportunity to grow within United Federal Credit Union,” said Polaskey. “Most importantly, I am
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Join Krasl Art Center for an Enchanted Evening at Gnome By Night: An Artful Soiree
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Jamie Balkin Director of Events 269.983.0271 x121 jamie@krasl.orgJoin Krasl Art Center for an Enchanted Evening at Gnome By Night: An Artful Soiree [St. Joseph, MICH., NOVEMBER 13, 2024] - Krasl Art Center invites you to kick off the holiday season in style with an exclusive evening of art, entertainment, and shopping at Gnome By Night: An Artful Soiree on November 22, 6 - 9 pm! This special fall fundraiser offers first access to a night filled with magic and
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Krasl Art Center to Host Gnome Sweet Gnome: A Family Fun Event on November 23
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Jamie Balkin Director of Events 269.983.0271 x121 jamie@krasl.org Krasl Art Center to Host Gnome Sweet Gnome: A Family Fun Event on November 23 [St. Joseph, MICH., NOVEMBER 13, 2024] - Get ready to step into a world of whimsy and creativity at Krasl Art Center's "Gnome Sweet Gnome: A Family Fun Event!" Gather your family and friends for a delightful day filled with hands-on activities, gnome-inspired games, and magical moments on Saturday, November 23,
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Honor Credit Union Announces Winners of 2024 Annual Teacher Awards
Honor Credit Union is excited to announce the recipients of its Annual Teacher Awards for 2024, celebrating 15 years of supporting educators with a total of $40,000 awarded to 40 outstanding teachers across its 28 member center communities. Each winning teacher received a $500 digital gift card to enhance their classrooms, reflecting a $5,000 increase from 2023. Originally founded as Berrien Teachers Credit Union 90 years ago, Honor continues its mission to give back, and proudly honors the
LMC ensembles unite for annual Holiday Collage concert
LMC ensembles unite for annual Holiday Collage concert BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – The warmth and spirit of the season will fill the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Grand Upton Hall when the LMC Visual & Performing Arts Department presents its annual Holiday Collage concert at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4. The College’s complete lineup of instrumental and vocal ensembles will come together in song, accompanied by dramatic readings during this festive celebration. The evening features performances by the LMC
