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Issue #169  |  Monday, October 27

Good Morning, Southwest Michigan! This week, regional collaboration takes the spotlight as the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber and Greater Niles Chamber unite to strengthen Berrien County’s business community. Local voices share their vision in the final part of our Meet The Candidates series, while Blue Cross Blue Shield offers practical tips for smarter health decisions. Applications close soon for Leadership Greater Kalamazoo 2026, and Select Stay has the perfect Thanksgiving retreat waiting for you. Plus, don’t miss the Small & Mighty Business Series on Wednesday, October 29, a focused lunch-and-learn for small businesses.

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Meet The Candidates | Part 2

Local leadership shapes our future. Ahead of the November 4 election, Southwest Michigan First invited candidates for mayor, city commission, and other local offices to share their vision for growth, collaboration, and community. Read their responses in the final part of our Meet The Candidates series.

Read Responses
SMRC
Berrien COUNTY

SMRC and Greater Niles Unite for Regional Growth

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Sponsored Post

5 Tips for Smarter Health Decisions

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Last Chance: LGK 2026 Applications

Apply Now
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Sponsored Post

A Place to Gather This Thanksgiving 

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Calendar Icon Upcoming Events
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SMF Flame Small & Mighty Business Series: Cybersecurity
Learn practical steps to spot, prevent, and respond to cyber threats in a focused lunch-and-learn for small businesses.
Wednesday, October 29 | 12 - 1 p.m.
Register
SMF Flame Texas Township Business Community Townhall @ Charter Township of Texas
Tuesday, October 28 | 8:30 - 10 a.m.
MiCareerQuest Southwest @ Kalamazoo Expo Center
Tuesday, October 28 and Wednesday, October 29
1st Source Bank Grand Opening Ceremony @ 113 E. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo
Monday, November 3 | 1 - 2 p.m.
SMF Flame Monday Midday Mixer @ WMU Student Center
Monday, November 10 | 11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m.
SMF Flame November Chamber Connect @ ELITE Companies
Tuesday, November 18 | 4 - 6 p.m.
SMF Flame denotes Southwest Michigan First event
Regional Events
2025 Pumpkins on Parade @ St. Joseph County
Monday, October 20 through Friday, October 31
Alumni & Friends Huddle | CMU vs. WMU Football @ Heritage Hall
Saturday, November 1 | 12 - 1 p.m.
Hallowine @ Round Barn Winery & Estate
Saturday, November 1 and Sunday, November 2
Karaoke Night @ The Livery
Thursday, November 6 | 7 - 8 p.m.
Briefcase Icon Jobs Board
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Community Growth Fellowship
The Community Economic Development Association of Michigan is seeking a Community Growth Fellow to help Southwest Michigan First drive economic growth, strengthen workforce alignment, and prepare development-ready sites across St. Joseph and Branch Counties.
Apply Here
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INVESTORS
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CHAMBER MEMBERS
NEW: JV Studios, LLC
NEW: West Michigan Mortgage
Accident Fund
Charter Township of Oshtemo
Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan, Inc
Graphic Packaging Global Headquarters
Intersect Studio
Northwestern Mutual
Quote Icon Quote of the Day
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"If you love what you do and are willing to do what it takes, it’s within your reach."
Steve Wozniak
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Kalamazoo, MI 49007
269.553.9588
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