Good Morning, Southwest Michigan! This week in FIRST & 42, take our five-minute reader survey and enter to win one of two $50 Amazon gift cards. A new 85-unit workforce housing project is coming to Burdick Street, Kalamazoo-Portage just cracked the top arts-vibrant communities list, landing at #31 nationwide, and Marshall secured a $500K state grant to help bring new housing and fresh business space downtown. Plus, don’t miss the Chamber’s Monday Midday Mixer at Airway Fun Center on February 9, a fast networking lunch with a simple round-robin format.
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● Battle Creek’s push to become an aviation and air mobility hub hit a new milestone with a partnership to coordinate drone and aircraft traffic.
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● Applications are open for Black Wall Street Kalamazoo’s BETA program, a cohort-based entrepreneur academy. Deadline is Friday, February 6
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● Terra Bautista of Urban Alliance was recognized by WMed for community impact during its 2026 MLK Day Celebration.
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● Honor Credit Union in Berrien County opened its 16th annual scholarship program, awarding $30,000 total to 12 graduating Michigan seniors.
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● WMed is partnering with WMU’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute to offer a hands-on Mini Medical School program beginning Friday, January 30.
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● Kalamazoo Craft Beverage Week runs January 31 to February 7 with local specials, tastings, and events across the region.
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Upcoming Events
Monday Midday Mixer
Join the Chamber for our Monday Midday Mixer at Airway Fun Center, a quick lunchtime networking event built for busy schedules. Connect with new people through a simple round-robin format, strengthen relationships that drive business, and enjoy lunch while you do it.
2026 Ice Fest
@ St. Joseph
Friday, February 6 through Sunday, February 8
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.
denotes Southwest Michigan First event
