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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 20, 2026
St. Joseph, MI – For three years running, six hundred (600) of Southwest Michigan's top business leaders gathered together for the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber's Business Recognition Breakfast Annual Meeting & Award Ceremony presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Corewell Health, Honor Credit Union, and The Batilis Agency - Farm Bureau Insurance.
Working on the theme of Stronger Together, the event featured a full update from President & CEO Arthur Havlicek which included the official announcement of the Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce joining the Regional Chamber's family of organizations. This addition follows the Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce's partnership in the fall of 2025, furthering regional alignment and helping to end the long-standing divide between North and South Berrien County.
Other takeaways from the event included the addition of two new Chamber and Growth Alliances (CGA) across Berrien County. Those included the Central Berrien CGA representing six (6) communities, including Baroda Township, Baroda Village, Berrien Township, Oronoko Township, the Village of Berrien Springs, and the Village of Eau Claire; and the Southwest Berrien CGA serving four (4) communities, including Chikaming Township, City of New Buffalo, New Buffalo Township, and Three Oaks Township.
"The trajectory is right. The momentum is real. And for the first time in a long time, the direction is unmistakenly forward," added Havlicek.
The event wrapped up with the announcements from the day's live voting of the Business Recognition Award winners, representing a multitude of communities, including Buchanan, Niles, St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, Watervliet, and Sawyer.
BEST NEW BUSINESS AWARD: MCCOLLUM'S AT THE GRANT HOTEL
The Grant Hotel is a beautifully restored historic boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Buchanan, blending timeless charm with modern comfort. Inside, McCollum’s Restaurant & Bar delivers a lively, welcoming atmosphere with bold, creative dishes, a strong bourbon selection, and craft cocktails. Together, they create a destination where great food, great drinks, and small-town hospitality come together under one roof.
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD: ZO'S MINI DONUTS
Zo’s Mini Donuts is your go-to stop for fresh, delicious mini donuts served warm and made to order — all at a price that keeps things sweet for everyone.
They believe in keeping it simple (just like their menu): good treats, good times, and a whole lot of joy in every bite. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick snack or bringing friends along for the fun, there’s always a reason to say #meetme@zos.
Behind the magic are Lydia and Zoey — the sweet sisters who turned a shared dream into a growing business. Sisters by chance, business partners and best friends by choice, they are a dynamic duo with big goals and even bigger hearts. What started small has quickly grown into something special, and they’re just getting started. Follow along and see what’s next for Zo’s Mini Donuts! Stop by and see them in June for the summer season!
ECONOMIC IMPACT AWARD: COREWELL HEALTH
In 2025, Corewell Health in Southwest Michigan made a significant and lasting contribution to the region’s economic vitality by investing $55 million in healthcare access, workforce development, community partnerships, and local infrastructure. As one of the region’s largest employers and most trusted institutions, Corewell Health played a critical role in keeping jobs, healthcare dollars, and essential services rooted in Southwest Michigan.
Corewell Health expanded access to care through new and enhanced sites of service, including the opening of a cardiology clinic in Watervliet and the launch of a mobile health clinic designed to reach rural and underserved communities. These investments created new employment opportunities, supported local vendors, and reduced the need for residents to seek care outside the region, helping retain local economic activity.
Workforce development was a cornerstone of Corewell Health’s impact in 2025. The organization invested close to $1 million to expand medical assistant and student nurse apprenticeship programs, strengthen partnerships with local schools and colleges, and support paid youth internships that introduced young people to healthcare careers. These efforts built a strong local talent pipeline, addressed critical workforce needs, and created pathways to stable, family-sustaining employment.
Beyond its own operations, Corewell Health served as a catalyst for community growth through partnerships with nonprofits, municipalities, and community organizations. Through grants and sponsorships from the Corewell Health Foundation Southwest Michigan, the organization invested nearly half a million dollars in food access, mental health services, grief support, transportation, and preventive care initiatives that strengthened local organizations and communities.
Together, these efforts demonstrate Corewell Health’s role as an anchor institution committed to advancing both the health and economic prosperity of Southwest Michigan.
NON-PROFIT EXCELLENCE AWARD: MEALS ON WHEELS OF SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN
Meals on Wheels of Southwest Michigan serves older and vulnerable adult residents across Berrien and Van Buren counties by delivering nutritious meals that reduce hunger and social isolation. Providing more than 11,000 meals each month through home-delivered and congregate programs, the organization supports health, independence, and dignity for those most at risk of nutrition insecurity. As community needs evolve, Meals on Wheels of Southwest Michigan continues to innovate—most recently launching medically appropriate meals to better support seniors facing chronic health conditions and geographic isolation.
COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD: CITY OF BUCHANAN—DOWNTOWN INFRASTRUCTURE
The city of Buchanan secured a 40-year, $16.2 million low-interest loan from USDA Rural Development, supplemented by general and water and sewer funds, to address the aging system and upgrade the streetscape.
The project used a dig-once approach, replacing storm, sanitary, water, and road infrastructure simultaneously. This establishes the backbone for future projects, setting the community up for long-term success. Community engagement sessions and public meetings helped residents understand the importance of investing in the infrastructure that supports everything above ground.
RISING STAR AWARD: CHRIS BRITTON, NEW HEIGHTS CCDA
Chris Britton is a Christ-follower, husband, father of four, and the Executive Director of New Heights CCDA. Since 2017, he has helped establish and scale the organization into a multi-program nonprofit and social enterprise with significant regional impact. Guided by his faith and a commitment to serving others, Chris focuses on addressing systemic barriers that keep individuals and families trapped in cycles of poverty. He serves on the United Way Impact Cabinet, is Vice Chair of the Mosaic CCDA board, Chair of Children of Promise, and is involved with the Food Is Health Collaborative. Chris is committed to building effective organizations, developing leaders, and creating measurable economic and community impact across Southwest Michigan.
THE PAT MOODY AWARD: DR. MEGAN YORE, STURGIS BANK & TRUST
Dr. Megan Yore, Chief Marketing Officer for Sturgis Bank, has served in leadership roles for organizations in southwest Michigan for more than 25 years in the healthcare, education, and financial services industries. She holds a Doctor of Education in Ethical Leadership from Olivet Nazarene University and is a graduate of the Lake Michigan College Leadership Academy, among other academic credentials. With a heart for volunteerism, Megan has helped more than 20 area organizations grow and thrive through board service and pro bono marketing strategy consultation. She and her husband, Tom, happily remain life-long southwest Michigan residents.
AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR: DR. KIMBERLY PICHOT, ANDREWS UNIVERSITY
Dr. Kimberly Pichot is a dedicated educator and consultant with a profound commitment to empowering women in academia and in the business world. Throughout her career, she has championed female entrepreneurs and provided mentorship to aspiring female leaders.
With a keen focus on fostering academic excellence and practical business competencies, Dr. Pichot engages her students through innovative learning activities designed to inspire confidence and growth. Her passion for facilitating learning and professional development extends beyond the classroom, as she leads students in impactful community service initiatives.
Before joining Andrews University, Dr. Pichot made significant contributions through her own consulting business, Complete Success, Inc. Her dedication to empowering women is evident in her leadership roles and mentorship programs aimed at nurturing over 300 startups.
Over the past three decades, Dr. Pichot has empowered countless entrepreneurs to exceed expectations in their professional endeavors through specialized training and consulting services. Her expertise in organizational development, team-building, and strategic visioning has enabled organizations to thrive and succeed.
The full list of this year’s Chamber nominee and award recipient information will be made available at www.smrchamber.com.
Business Recognition Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony Sponsors:
Title Sponsors: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Corewell Health, Honor Credit Union, and The Batalis Agency—Farm Bureau Insurance
Presenting Sponsors: Comcast Business, DWC Cpa's, Four Winds Casinos, Horizon Bank, Sturgis Bank & Trust, and United Way of Southwest Michigan
Supporting Sponsors: 1st Source Bank, Berrien Community Foundation, Hungerford CPAs + Advisors, Indiana Michigan Power, an AEP Company, Kruggel Lawton CPA, Lake Michigan College, R. Yoder Construction, United Federal Credit Union, Wales Wealth Management Group, and Watermark Brewing Company / Solarium by Watermark
Contributing Sponsors: Andrews University School of Business Administration, Avid Health at Home, Mighty Dog Roofing, Nulty Insurance/Auto Owners Insurance, and South Shore Health & Racquet Club
Media Sponsors: ABC 57 News and Mid-West Family Marketing & Media
If you missed the breakfast, you can view the ANNUAL REPORT HERE.
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