FIRST & 42 - Fiber, Flavor and Future Growth

Issue #190 | Tuesday, September 8

Good Morning, Southwest Michigan! This week in FIRST & 42, an $87 million fiber project is creating a new digital link between Southwest Michigan and Chicago beneath Lake Michigan. Kalsec has opened a new spice processing center in Kalamazoo, expanding capacity to support global growth. Allison Allman of Kruggel Lawton CPAs has been named a 2026 MICPA Women to Watch Emerging Leader, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan is preparing to Paint The Town Green for youth mentorship. Plus, join us September 17 for the Chamber’s Choice Small Business Conference and Celebration, featuring practical small business insights, breakout sessions, networking, and the reveal of this year’s Chamber’s Choice Award winners.

BERRIEN COUNTY

$87M Project Builds New Digital Link from Chicago to Southwest Michigan

Construction is underway in St. Joseph on a new underwater fiber link that will connect Southwest Michigan to Chicago and strengthen broadband infrastructure across the region.

Learn More

Kalamazoo County

Kalsec Opens New Processing Center

Allison Allman Named MICPA Emerging Leader

Paint the Town Green for Youth Mentorship

Learn More

Quick Hits

● Michigan secured $145 million for passenger rail improvements, including major track upgrades between Kalamazoo and Dearborn. Read ›

● Portage has selected Karen Dempsey-Horan to become its first female city manager, with a November start expected. Read ›

● Kalamazoo Valley Community College will celebrate 60 years with a free community party September 18 at its Arcadia Commons Campus. Read ›

● WMU is connecting employers with students through three fall recruiting events, beginning with the Fall Engineering Expo on September 23. View ›

● Hanson International in St. Joseph received a state grant to expand EV tooling operations, retain 89 jobs, and add 15 new positions. Read ›

● James L. Liggins Jr. has been named the 2026 Michael Franck Award recipient for outstanding contributions to Michigan’s legal profession. Read ›

Upcoming Events

Chamber’s Choice Small Business Conference and Celebration

Join the Southwest Michigan First Chamber for an afternoon of small business insights, connection, and celebration at the Chamber’s Choice Awards.

Thursday, September 17 | 1 - 5 p.m.

Register

Small & Mighty: Year-End Books & Tax Time @ The Catalyst Center
Wednesday, September 9 | 12 - 1 p.m.

Paw Paw Wine & Harvest Festival @ downtown Paw Paw
September 11 through September 13

Kalamazoo Scottish Festival @ Kindleberger Park
Saturday, September 12

Monday Midday Mixer @ Gull Meadow Farms
Monday, September 14 | 11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m.

St. Joe Fall Fest @ Lake Bluff Park
Saturday, September 19 | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

denotes Southwest Michigan First event

Jobs Board

Looking to Hire?

List your open positions on our Jobs Board for only $50 per listing. Each post includes 60 days online plus newsletter and social promotion. It’s an easy way to connect with the region’s best talent.

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