---
title: FIRST & 42 - Murals, Mobility, and More
---

Southwest Michigan’s people, ideas, and momentum all in one place.

| View in browser Issue #174  \|  Monday, January 12 In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Southwest Michigan First offices will be closed on Monday, January 19.   Good Morning, Southwest Michigan! This week in FIRST & 42, our newest FIRST & 42 original spotlights Jennifer Sawyer of The Barton Group as she begins her term leading NAWIC’s Kalamazoo/Battle Creek chapter. Clark Logic is growing at Fort Custer, adding capacity that strengthens the region’s industrial and distribution pipeline. Artists are being sought to bring large-scale murals to Church Street, adding new visual energy in downtown Kalamazoo. And Southwest Michigan businesses are being asked to weigh in and provide your critical input to help expand air service at AZO. Plus, kick off 2026 at the Chamber Connect Kickoff on Wednesday, January 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. at The Catalyst Center. KALAMAZOO COUNTY Building Opportunity: Spotlight on Jennifer Sawyer Jennifer Sawyer, vice president and co-owner of The Barton Group, begins her term as president of the National Association for Women in Construction’s Kalamazoo Battle Creek chapter, focused on mentorship, membership growth, and collaboration across the industry. Read Full Story Input Needed Help Expand Air Service at AZO Take Survey CALHOUN COUNTY Clark Logic Expands at Fort Custer Read More KALAMAZOO COUNTY Artist Sought for Church Street Murals Read More   Quick Hits ● Western Michigan University is inviting employers to participate in upcoming spring hiring events focused on internships and early-career talent. Register › ● Visit Southwest Michigan has launched a new radio station, 106.1 FM, featuring music and stories serving Berrien County. Read › ● A new Kalamazoo County program offers up to $7,000 in homebuying support for eligible residents, combining county grant funds with additional help from Independent Bank. Read › ● The YMCA of Greater Michiana is offering a $0 join fee throughout January, making it easier for individuals and families to access wellness support. Read › ● Founded in 1946, Wightman is marking its 80th anniversary throughout 2026 with milestones, employee spotlights, and project highlights. Read › Upcoming Events January Chamber Connect Kickoff Kick off 2026 with the Chamber at a casual celebration focused on you. Join current and future members for snacks and drinks as we celebrate 2025, share what we accomplished for small businesses, and preview what’s new for the year ahead. Wednesday, January 28 \| 4 - 6 p.m. Register 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. 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 Free Bowling Wednesdays @ Crafted Copper Wednesday, January 14 and 21 \| 4 - 10 p.m. Apocalyptic Improv @ Crawlspace Comedy Theatre Friday, January 16 \| 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Winterfest @ Heritage Park in Coldwater Saturday, January 24 \| 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Chili Cook-Off @ Downtown Three Rivers Saturday, January 24 \| 12 - 4 p.m. Jobs Board Graphic Design and Marketing Associate Southwest Michigan First is seeking a Graphic Design and Marketing Associate to support Consultant Connect and internal marketing efforts, creating strategic visual content, event collateral, and multimedia storytelling across the region. Apply Here Featured Supporters INVESTORS CHAMBER MEMBERS NEW: Do Something Co. NEW: Gull Meadow Farms NEW: Heritage Roofing & Exteriors NEW: Kalamazoo Behavioral Health Hospital NEW: Webster Electric, LLC Duncan Aviation Humphrey Products Company Lume Cannabis Co. Quote of the Day "Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed." Booker T. Washington 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 |
| --- |