For Immediate Release

Media Contact:

Arthur Havlicek

President & CEO

info@smrchamber.com

269-932-4042

Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce to Host Gubernatorial Candidate Mike Duggan for Public Town Hall

Former Detroit Mayor to address the public in St. Joseph as part of a day of advocacy events across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties

April 7, 2026

 

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce will host gubernatorial candidate Mike Duggan for a Public Town Hall on Monday, April 20, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Box Factory for the Arts in St. Joseph, Michigan. The event is open to the public and will feature remarks from Duggan at 5:30 p.m., followed by a fireside chat with Chamber leadership and an opportunity for questions from the audience.

 

As the region's "Voice for Business" and a 501(c)(6) organization, the Chamber routinely facilitates opportunities for elected officials and candidates to hear firsthand from local business leaders about the issues driving Southwest Michigan's economy. This town hall wraps up a full day of Chamber-organized advocacy stops that will bring Duggan through Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties.

 

“Our role as a chamber is to ensure that candidates for the state’s highest office understand the needs of businesses and communities in Southwest Michigan,” said Arthur Havlicek, CEO of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce. “We're pleased to welcome Mike Duggan to our region and looking forward to giving the public direct access to a leading candidate for governor.”

 

Duggan, the former Mayor of Detroit, has drawn significant attention in the 2026 gubernatorial race as an independent candidate. A February 2026 Detroit Regional Chamber survey showed Duggan at 30.1% among likely voters, narrowly ahead of Republican John James (28.9%) and Democrat Jocelyn Benson (28.0%), effectively creating a three-way dead heat.

 

To reserve your ticket, please visit the Eventbrite registration page. For more information, visit the Chamber’s website and social media pages, or contact Victoria Kostecki at Vkostecki@smrchamber.com.

 

Event Details:

  • What: Public Town Hall with Gubernatorial Candidate Mike Duggan
  • When: Monday, April 20, 2026 | 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. (Program begins at 5:30 p.m.)
  • Where: Box Factory for the Arts, St. Joseph, Michigan
  • RSVP: To reserve your ticket, visit the Eventbrite registration page. For more information, visit the Chamber’s website and social media pages, or contact Victoria Kostecki at Vkostecki@smrchamber.com.

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