Good Morning, Southwest Michigan! This week in FIRST & 42, we’re celebrating Portage philanthropists Charles Zhang and Lynn Chen-Zhang as recipients of the 2026 Ellis Island Medal of Honor. We’re also highlighting Beacon Kalamazoo’s national recognition from Healthgrades for clinical care and patient safety, Open Roads Bike Program’s $750,000 push to turn its new Vine Street home into a permanent community bike hub and youth development center, and the opening of Great Lakes Wrestling and Training Center in St. Joseph, where a new 9,000-square-foot facility is creating space for athletes of all ages. Plus, don’t miss the May Chamber Connect on Wednesday, May 27, an evening of networking, conversation, and new connections with the Southwest Michigan First Chamber.
KALAMAZOO COUNTY
Zhangs Receive Ellis Island Medal
Portage philanthropists Charles Zhang and Lynn Chen-Zhang will receive the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for their contributions to business, public service, and philanthropy.
● Bronson Healthcare is celebrating 125 years of care, innovation, and community impact across Southwest Michigan.
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● Kalamazoo is responding to downtown parking feedback with easier short-term parking, longer on-street limits, enforcement ending at 5 p.m., and “Park. Shop. Win.” running through September 5.
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● The Southwest Michigan Entrepreneurship Hub has launched as a new regional resource connecting founders to coaching, funding, accelerators, programs, and technical support.
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● Regional housing partners will gather Friday, June 12 for a Housing Summit focused on shared equity, development support, networking, and updates to Michigan’s State Housing Plan.
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● Michigan business leaders can join a four-part webinar series on child care solutions, employer benefits, financing tools, and workforce strategy.
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Upcoming Events
May Chamber Connect
Join us for the May Chamber Connect at Advia Credit Union and spend the evening building relationships, making new connections, and growing your network with the Southwest Michigan First Chamber.
Director of Public Policy and Strategic Initiatives
Southwest Michigan First is hiring a Director of Public Policy and Strategic Initiatives to lead regional policy work, build partnerships with civic and government leaders, support community outreach, and help advance strategic initiatives across Southwest Michigan.
"Have those uncomfortable moments. Because my strong personal belief is it is those moments that cause you to grow the most yourself, but that also differentiate you the most in your career."
Corie Barry
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