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Issue #167  |  Monday, September 29

In observance of Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day, our offices will be closed on Monday, October 13. FIRST & 42 will return to your inbox on Tuesday, October 14.

 

Good Morning, Southwest Michigan! The start of fall is already full of momentum, from announcing the 2026 State of Economic Development on February 5, recognizing winners at the Chamber’s Choice Awards, a Battle Creek native advancing on The Voice, and applications opening for the next class of Leadership Greater Kalamazoo. Plus, don’t miss MIX Design Day 2025 this Thursday, October 2 for an afternoon of bold ideas and hands-on creativity. Here is a look at the stories making an impact in our region.

SOED 2026
Register Now for The State of Economic Development

Mark your calendars! The 2026 State of Economic Development is set for Thursday, February 5 at the Radisson Plaza Hotel. Join 500+ business and community leaders for keynotes, panels, and networking that will shape the region’s future. Early bird tickets are available through Friday, October 31, so secure your seat today.

See What’s Planned
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Chamber Corner

Chamber's Choice Winners Announced

View Winners
The Voice
CALHOUN COUNTY

Battle Creek Native Advances on The Voice

Read More
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Join the Next Class of Leadership Greater Kalamazoo

Apply Now

Calendar Icon Upcoming Events
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SMF Flame MIX Design Day 2025: Cornerstone of Design
A full day of hands-on sessions, bold ideas, and networking that redefine design through creativity, leadership, and connection.
Thursday, October 2 | 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Register
SMF Flame Hiring International Students and Professionals @ The Catalyst Center
Tuesday, September 30 | 8 - 11 a.m.
SMF Flame Monday Midday Mixer @ HopCat Kalamazoo
Monday, October 6 | 11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m.
SMF Flame Vicksburg/Schoolcraft Business Community Townhall @ Hills Development
Tuesday, October 7 | 8:30 - 10 a.m.
TSA PreCheck® Enrollment @ Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport
Tuesday, October 7 through Friday, October 10 | 9 a.m - 5 p.m.
SMF Flame October Chamber Connect @ Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes
Wednesday, October 8 | 4 - 6 p.m.
SMF Flame Downtown Business Community Townhall @ The Catalyst Center
Tuesday, October 14 | 2 - 3:30 p.m.
SMF Flame The Black & Brown Connect Mixer @ El Concilio
Thursday, October 16 | 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
SMF Flame denotes Southwest Michigan First event
Regional Events
Gimme Gimme Disco @ Bell's Eccentric Café
Thursday, October 2 | 7 p.m.
Cranberry Harvest Days 2025 @ DeGrandchamp Farms
Saturday, October 4 and October 11 | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Antiques on the Bluff @ Lake Bluff Park
Sunday, October 5 | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
WMU Football vs. Ball State (Homecoming) @ Waldo Stadium
Saturday, October 11 | 3:30 p.m.
2025 Walk to End Alzheimer's @ Bronson Park
Saturday, October 18 | 9 a.m.
Briefcase Icon Jobs Board
YMCA
Development Director
Sherman Lake YMCA is seeking a skilled Development Director to lead fundraising strategy, manage donor relations and sponsorships, and oversee signature events that strengthen support for the YMCA’s mission.
Learn More
Supporters Icon Featured Supporters
INVESTORS
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CHAMBER MEMBERS
NEW! Maple Valley Insurance Group
NEW! Seniors Helping Seniors
NEW! ServiceMaster of Kalamazoo
Family & Children Services
High Performance Metal Finishing, Inc.
Horizon Bank
Specialized Staffing Solutions LLC
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP
Quote Icon Quote of the Day
Quote Author Photo
"There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind"
C.S. Lewis
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Kalamazoo, MI 49007
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