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

| View in browser Issue #178  \|  Monday, March 9 Editor's Note: Before we begin this week’s issue of FIRST & 42, we want to acknowledge the tornadoes that struck Cass, St. Joseph, and Branch Counties on Friday, causing loss of life and significant damage across the region. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted, and we’re grateful to the first responders, utility crews, and volunteers supporting recovery efforts. If you’re able, please consider donating to local relief efforts or volunteering in the days ahead. If you’d like to volunteer or need assistance, visit our Tornado Relief Resources page for trusted links and local support options.   Good Morning, Southwest Michigan! This week in FIRST & 42, the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber has announced its 2026 Business Recognition Award winners, spotlighting standout businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders from across the region. In Edwardsburg, a new chapter is officially open as the Cass District Library celebrated the grand opening of its new Edwardsburg Branch. Member Insight Weekly is back with a fresh perspective on how to legitimize your presence in client meetings, and Western Michigan University is investing in next generation flight training with new tools and technology. We’re also looking ahead to connection time, so do not miss our March Chamber Connect at College HUNKS Hauling Junk, Moving, Storage Kalamazoo on Wednesday, March 18, for a casual after-hours meetup built for relationship-building. BERRIEN COUNTY 2026 Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Winners Announced Winners are in for the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber’s annual Business Recognition Awards, recognizing standout businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders across Southwest Michigan. The list spans new ventures on the rise and major institutions driving investment and impact. See Winners Cass County New Edwardsburg Library Comes to Life Read More Member Insight Weekly Legitimize Your Presence in Client Meetings Read More Kalamazoo County WMU Invests in Next-Gen Flight Training Read More   Quick Hits ● WMU Bronco men's ice hockey has advanced to the NCHC Frozen Faceoff semifinals. Read › ● Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra has named Amy Williams as its next president and CEO, with her start date set for May 26. Read › ● Kalamazoo RESA Career Connect is taking applications now for summer programs, including Summer Camp, Explore Ag STEAM Academy, and paid CareerNOW and 2Gen. View › ● GVSU’s Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur (MVE) Lab will hold its Battle Creek Final Pitch and Showcase on April 20 Read › ● Kruggel Lawton CPAs is helping deliver Capital Matters, an eight-week program building cash flow, budgeting, and credit skills, and highlighting how banks can partner in local growth. View › ● Lake Michigan Industrial Park has been named a Future Ready Sites Accelerator location by Indiana Michigan Power. Read › Upcoming Events March Chamber Connect Join us for our March Chamber Connect at College HUNKS Hauling Junk, Moving, Storage Kalamazoo, a casual after-hours meetup designed to help you build relationships and make the most of your Chamber membership. Wednesday, March 18 \| 4 - 6 p.m. Register Silver Tsunami: Entrepreneurship through Acquisition @ The Catalyst Center Thursday, March 12 \| 2 - 4 p.m. Small & Mighty Business Series @ Vicksburg Municipal Building Wednesday, March 11 \| 12 - 1:30 p.m. Kalamazoo Wings vs. Indy Fuel - Green Ice @ Wings Event Center Saturday, March 14 \| 7 p.m. 2026 KFS Filmmaker Showcase @ KP Cinemas Thursday, March 19 \| 6:30 - 9 p.m. A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac @ The Acorn Saturday, March 21 \| 8 p.m. Southwest Michigan Manufacturing Consortium @ WMU College of Engineering and Applied Sciences Thursday, March 26 \| 7:30 - 9 a.m. denotes Southwest Michigan First event Jobs Board Executive Chef - Brick + Brine Greenleaf Hospitality Group is seeking an innovative Executive Chef for Brick + Brine to lead the culinary vision and kitchen operations, evolving an elevated, craftsmanship-driven dining experience in the heart of Kalamazoo. Apply Here Economic Development Director \| Southwest Michigan First Chamber Associate \| Southwest Michigan First Graphic Design and Marketing Associate \| Southwest Michigan First Featured Supporters INVESTORS CHAMBER MEMBERS NEW: Adams Outdoor Advertising NEW: Coffee Rescue NEW: Paylocity NEW: Talsma Furniture Athletico Physical Therapy CRB Miller-Davis Company Total Spectrum ABA Quote of the Day "Connection gives meaning to our lives. Connection is why we’re here." Brené Brown 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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