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title: FIRST & 42 - Before the Feast
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Southwest Michigan’s people, ideas, and momentum all in one place.

| View in browser Issue #171  \|  Monday, November 24 Wishing you a joyful and restful Thanksgiving! Southwest Michigan First offices will be closed on Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 as we celebrate the holiday.   Good Morning, Southwest Michigan! This week in FIRST & 42, Southwest Michigan is celebrating major investments, standout leaders, and new ways to live and work in our region. American Axle & Manufacturing is committing $132.9 million to upgrade its Three Rivers plant and elevate it as a Center of Excellence; Vicksburg entrepreneur Zack Bishop of 4 Flutes Machining is named Michigan’s Emerging Leader of Manufacturing 2025; and Kalamazoo County advances $400,000 in community grants to fuel local projects and nonprofits. We also explore luxury short-term housing options in Kalamazoo and tools to help you better understand your health care costs. Plus, make plans to connect over Korean fried chicken at the Monday Midday Mixer at Dak Good on Monday, December 8, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. ST. JOSEPH COUNTY American Axle Invests $132.9M in Three Rivers American Axle & Manufacturing is upgrading its Three Rivers facility and designating it as a Center of Excellence through a $132.9 million reinvestment. The project preserves high-wage union jobs and strengthens Southwest Michigan’s advanced manufacturing edge. Read Full Story People Zack Bishop Named Emerging Leader in 2025 Read More Kalamazoo County $400K in Community Grants Approved View Details Sponsored Luxury Short-Term Housing in Kalamazoo Learn More Sponsored Estimating Your Health Care Costs Learn More   Quick Hits ● A new Farrand Hall café is coming to downtown Three Rivers in February 2026 with a casual, thoughtful menu backed by the team’s popular farm-to-table philosophy. Read › ● On January 29, 2026, over 300 regional leaders will gather at WMU’s new Student Center for AMPLIFY, a one-day leadership experience packed with 5+ high-energy keynotes, practical tools, and meaningful networking. Early bird tickets and sponsorships are now available. RSVP › Upcoming Events MIX Innovation Celebration Join us for the MIX Innovation Celebration, where Southwest Michigan’s design community comes together to honor standout companies, 2024 product launches, and top student innovators. Explore award-winning work, connect with creative professionals, and enjoy an evening of networking, music, food, and drinks. Wednesday, December 10 \| 4:30 - 7 p.m. Register Monday Midday Mixer @ Dak Good Monday, December 8 \| 11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. December Chamber Connect @ MRC artWorks Wednesday, December 10 \| 4 - 6 p.m. Black & Brown Connect Mixer @ The Catalyst Center Thursday, December 11 \| 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. The State of Economic Development 2026 @ Radisson Plaza Hotel Thursday, February 5 \| 11:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. denotes Southwest Michigan First event Regional Events Wicked Night: Kalamazoo Wings vs. Fort Wayne Comets @ Wings Event Center Wednesday, November 26 \| 7 p.m. Kait Rose & Co Presents: Fleetwood Magic @ Bell’s Eccentric Café Wednesday, November 26 \| 8 p.m. Marshall Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony @ Honolulu House Saturday, November 29 \| 6 - 7 p.m. Holiday Village 2025 @ Downtown Bridgman Saturday, December 6 \| 1 - 7 p.m. Jobs Board Looking to Hire? List your open positions on our Jobs Board for only $50 per listing. Each post includes 60 days online plus newsletter and social promotion. It’s an easy way to connect with the region’s best talent. Post a Job Featured Supporters INVESTORS NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS NEW: Dunkin' Donuts NEW: Overhead Door Co. of Battle Creek NEW: Panda Express C12 Fifth Third Bank Kalsec, Inc. O'Boyle Business Consulting Wightman Quote of the Day "The way to develop the best that is in a person is by appreciation and encouragement." Charles Schwab 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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