MISSION
Our mission is to increase economic prosperity for all in Southwest Michigan. We pursue our mission by collaboratively advancing regional strategies and catalytic initiatives in the following areas:
• Economic Development: Retaining, Expanding, and Attracting Businesses
• Workforce Development: Enhancing, Preparing, and Aligning our Workforce
• Community Development: Advocating For, Enhanc
ing, and Promoting Vibrant Business Environments and Communities
VISION
We envision Southwest Michigan as one of the most economically prosperous regions in Michigan and the United States. Our work is advanced by harnessing the collective power of our existing leaders while cultivating, fostering, and equipping the next generation.
• Excellence - We provide the highest level of service and value to the region and believe that we can achieve more when we collaborate and work together. We value and develop our employees’ diverse talent, initiative, and leadership to provide superior quality in all that we do.
• Inclusivity - We believe that diverse, equitable and inclusive communities and workplaces create greater vibrancy and engagement. We value everyone and treat people with respect, dignity, and professionalism.
• Integrity - We build trust through honest and transparent relationships. We make responsible decisions that support community vitality and are ethical.
• Innovation - We research, anticipate, and respond to emerging trends to ensure a vibrant future for the region. We believe that the future is bright and we can curate the future through curiosity, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to challenge and change our best every day. DEI STATEMENT
As Southwest Michigan’s regional economic development organization, we are committed to fulfilling our mission to increase economic prosperity for all in our communities through inclusive and equitable actions that support businesses, entrepreneurs, and residents of all races, ethnicities, ages, sexual orientations, gender identifications, beliefs, disabilities, and backgrounds. When we feel free to be ourselves, we all thrive. We will support these ongoing efforts by actively working to:
• Increase wealth creation opportunities for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and other historically underserved communities through our programming and community engagement.
• Integrate diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within all areas of the Southwest Michigan First organization and its’ work.
• Provide equitable access to economic growth opportunities for all who live and work in Southwest Michigan.
• Strengthen and support partner organizations who share similar commitments. Our work will continue to evolve as we listen, learn, measure, and collaborate with our regional communities to increase economic prosperity for all. GUIDING MOTTO
The greatest force for change is a job.
