Good Morning, Southwest Michigan! This week in FIRST & 42, Crain’s Grand Rapids Business profiles Southwest Michigan First CEO Jennifer Owens as she returns to the organization and looks ahead to what’s next for the region. The Kalamazoo Event Center is opening opportunities for local food and beverage vendors, with applications launching on Monday, October 12. Former Kellogg CEO and U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez is returning to Kalamazoo on Thursday, October 15 to share lessons from a career that took him from cereal sales to the U.S. Cabinet. Kalamazoo-based Overneath Creative has launched OnCall Content, giving businesses a simpler way to book video and photo production by the hour. Plus, join us Thursday, October 8 at The Crossroads Mall for the Black & Brown Connect, an engaging conversation exploring how AI is being used beyond ChatGPT and what it can mean for you and your business.
KALAMAZOO COUNTY
Crain’s Profiles Jennifer Owens’ Return to Southwest Michigan First
Crain’s Grand Rapids Business sits down with Southwest Michigan First CEO Jennifer Owens to discuss her return to the organization, leadership approach, and priorities for the region. *Crain’s subscription required.
● St. Joseph County employers adding jobs may be eligible for up to $500,000 in training support through the Michigan New Jobs Training Program, administered locally by Glen Oaks Community College.
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● Motmot earned $425,000 and advanced to the PitchMI Championship after winning the AI & Software semifinal in Kalamazoo.
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● Kalamazoo-based Proteos, which grew from the 2003 Pfizer layoffs, joined NIS to form TrueCourse Biosciences, led by CEO Dr. Lindsey Gottler.
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● Goodwill is celebrating their 70-year anniversary on Oct. 15 with guest Steve Preston, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International.
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Upcoming Events
Black & Brown Connect Mixer
Join the Black & Brown Connect for an engaging mixer exploring practical ways AI is being used beyond ChatGPT and what it can mean for you and your business.
Fall Farm Experience
@ Stickley Family Farms
Fridays - Sundays through October 31
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Jobs Board
Fire Protection Designer
Shambaugh & Son L.P. is hiring a Fire Protection Sprinkler Designer. This role will design fire sprinkler system layouts, complete hydraulic calculations, coordinate with project partners, and build technical expertise through hands-on training and the company’s Design Academy. Learn more and apply today.
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