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October 22, 2025
NILES, MI – The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber and the Greater Niles Chamber have announced a formal partnership designed to strengthen regional collaboration, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the support available to businesses in Southwest Michigan.
Under the agreement, the Greater Niles Chamber will retain its local identity, governance, and membership base while integrating into the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber’s operational infrastructure. The model preserves Greater Niles’ local focus while providing access to the broader resources, systems, and institutional capacity of a larger regional organization.
It also represents a deliberate step toward greater regional alignment across Berrien County, where leaders have long discussed the need to reduce fragmentation and build the kind of collaborative environment that defines successful regions across the nation.
"For the Greater Niles Chamber, this decision was based on both vision and track record," said GNC Board Chair Bryan Van Itallie. "Over the past several years, we have seen SMRC establish itself as a trusted and effective advocate—leading policy efforts while advancing economic and community development projects that are reshaping the region. Recognizing that unity is our greatest competitive advantage, we formalized a long-term partnership to achieve more together than either could alone."
"We are honored to partner with the Greater Niles Chamber and build on the strong foundation they have created," said SMRC Board Chair Olivia Starks. "Together, we are creating alignment that doesn't just serve today's businesses—it sets the stage for a stronger, more resilient, and more united Southwest Michigan for decades to come."
With nearly 1,000 members between the two organizations, this partnership places them among the largest chamber networks in the State of Michigan. Local officials say the increased influence comes at pivotal moment for the City of Niles, Niles Charter Township, and Bertrand Township. New housing, industrial expansion, and infrastructure investments already reshaping the area's economic landscape, leaving the communities poised for additional growth.
"When businesses evaluate our area, it's important they see it as part of a coordinated regional ecosystem, not an isolated community," said City of Niles Mayor Nick Shelton. "SMRC's commitment to regionalism makes them the right partner at the right time, and we're grateful for their partnership."
"As a manufacturer competing on a global stage, a strong and unified business voice matters,” said Shaun Phy, President and Integrator at C&S Machine in Bertrand Township. “This partnership gives our region a clearer voice, sharper focus, and greater ability to attract the investment and talent we all need to grow."
"Prosperous regions don't succeed by accident," added SMRC President and CEO Arthur Havlicek. "They succeed when leaders have the courage to put collaboration ahead of competition and make deliberate choices to align around shared priorities. This partnership is one of those choices, and it signals that Southwest Michigan is serious about competing—not just with neighboring regions, but with communities across the Midwest and beyond."
The organizations also announced they have begun a search for a dedicated Director to lead GNC's programming and economic development efforts on the ground in Greater Niles.
Interested candidates are encouraged to visit www.smrchamber.com to learn more and apply.
Today's speakers included:
Arthur Havlicek, President & CEO, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber | Bryan Van Itallie, Board Chair, Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce | Olivia Starks Board Chair, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber | Shaun Phy, President and Integrator, C&S Machine | Dustin Jankoviak, Owner, 2nd and Main | Ric Huff, City Administrator, City of Niles | Nick Shelton, Mayor, City of Niles | Marge Durm-Hiatt, Township Supervisor, Niles Charter Township | Dr. Trevor Kubatzke, President, Lake Michigan College | Eric Hoppstock, Superintendent, Berrien RESA | Jonas Peterson, Chief Executive Officer, Southwest Michigan First
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