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title: FIRST & 42 - Fresh Wins This Fall
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Southwest Michigan’s people, ideas, and momentum all in one place.

| View in browser 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. 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 Chamber Corner Chamber's Choice Winners Announced View Winners CALHOUN COUNTY Battle Creek Native Advances on The Voice Read More Join the Next Class of Leadership Greater Kalamazoo Apply Now Upcoming Events 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 Hiring International Students and Professionals @ The Catalyst Center Tuesday, September 30 \| 8 - 11 a.m. Monday Midday Mixer @ HopCat Kalamazoo Monday, October 6 \| 11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. 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. October Chamber Connect @ Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes Wednesday, October 8 \| 4 - 6 p.m. Downtown Business Community Townhall @ The Catalyst Center Tuesday, October 14 \| 2 - 3:30 p.m. The Black & Brown Connect Mixer @ El Concilio Thursday, October 16 \| 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. 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. Jobs Board 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 Featured Supporters INVESTORS 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 of the Day "There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind" C.S. Lewis Like what you see? Share the newsletter or send us your local news tip. Share Your News Forward to a Friend Powered by Southwest Michigan First 180 E. Water Street, Suite 2690 Kalamazoo, MI 49007 269.553.9588 Unsubscribe    Manage Preferences    View in Browser |
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