FIRST & 42 - Before the Ball Drops

Issue #173 | Monday, December 29

In observance of the New Year, Southwest Michigan First offices will be closed Wednesday, December 31 and Thursday, January 1.

Good Morning, Southwest Michigan! This week in FIRST & 42, major manufacturing news, leadership development, and long-range economic strategy are shaping the region’s business outlook. Ford is expanding the vision for its Marshall BlueOval plant with plans to produce home energy storage batteries alongside EV batteries; applications are now open for the Next Level Leaders fellowship; and a local business spotlight shows how Jeannie Cleaning is growing with support from the Chamber. We also look at how Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is helping close gaps in mental health access through collaborative care. Plus, more than 500 regional leaders will come together for Southwest Michigan First’s third annual State of Economic Development 2026 on Thursday, February 5, setting the tone for the year ahead.

CALHOUN COUNTY

Ford’s Marshall Plant Targets Home Power

Ford says Marshall BlueOval will add batteries for residential energy storage, alongside batteries for a future mid-size electric truck, with production targeted for summer 2026. The site is still hiring and officials expect more than $2 million a year in new city tax revenue once it’s operational.

Read Full Story

KALAMAZOO COUNTY

Applications Open for Next Level Leaders

Jeannie Cleaning Grows with Chamber Support

Closing Gaps in Mental Health Access

Learn More

Quick Hits

● Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport is gathering input from Southwest Michigan businesses to strengthen and expand air service. Survey ›

● Cornerstone Alliance’s Andrew Haan has earned the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) credential from the International Economic Development Council. Read ›

● W.K. Kellogg Foundation announced 16 Michigan leaders were selected for Class Four of its Community Leadership Network fellowship. Read ›

● Kruggel Lawton’s Courtney Watts has been promoted to partner, effective January 1, 2026. Read ›

● Wheel the World named Kalamazoo County a verified-accessible destination, mapping more than 130 locations through a yearlong effort led by Discover Kalamazoo. Read ›

Upcoming Events

The State of Economic Development 2026

Grab your ticket before they sell out and join more than 500 regional stakeholders, C-suite executives, and community leaders for Southwest Michigan First’s third annual State of Economic Development.

Thursday, February 5 | 11:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Register

Monday Midday Mixer @ Cove Lakeside Bistro
Monday, January 12 | 11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Downtown Community Business Townhall @ The Catalyst Center
Tuesday, January 13 | 2 - 3:30 p.m.

Small & Mighty Business Series: Social Media @ The Catalyst Center
Wednesday, January 21 | 12 - 1 p.m.

Chamber Member Orientation @ The Catalyst Center
Wednesday, February 4 | 12 - 1 p.m.

denotes Southwest Michigan First event

Regional Events

Countdown to Noon! @ Air Zoo
Wednesday, December 31 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

New Years Fest @ Bronson Park
Wednesday, December 31 | 6 p.m.

Indy Fuel vs. Kalamazoo Wings: Jersey Giveaway @ Wings Event Center
Sunday, January 4 | 3 p.m.

Keith Scott Blues Band @ Bohm Theatre
Monday, January 5 | 7 - 10 p.m.

Jobs Board

Administrative and Finance Director

The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra is seeking an Administrative & Finance Director to run daily office operations, support the Interim President and CEO, and serve as staff liaison to the Board. The role also supports finance and HR compliance with the VP of Finance and HR, and helps coordinate concerts and donor events.

Apply Here