Southwest Michigan First

Southwest Michigan First Our mission is to increase economic prosperity for all in Southwest Michigan. VALUES
• Leadership - We believe in the transformational power of leadership.

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.

Please join us in welcoming Maid to Clean as a new Investor!Maid to Clean is a locally owned residential and office clea...
05/29/2026

Please join us in welcoming Maid to Clean as a new Investor!

Maid to Clean is a locally owned residential and office cleaning company serving Kalamazoo and surrounding communities. Their team takes pride in delivering efficient, friendly service with customized cleaning solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs and priorities.

With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and the belief that a clean, clutter-free environment creates peace of mind and renewed energy, Maid to Clean is making a positive impact in homes and workplaces across Southwest Michigan.

We’re grateful for their investment and partnership in helping us further our mission of increasing economic prosperity for all in Southwest Michigan.

Learn more and see their impressive before-and-after transformations here: https://maidtocleanmi.com/

Thank you, Maid to Clean, and welcome to Southwest Michigan First!

Ever wanted to know the story behind the design? Here's your chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at the new Kalamazoo...
05/28/2026

Ever wanted to know the story behind the design?

Here's your chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at the new Kalamazoo RESA Career Connect Campus at our next MIX with Kalamazoo RESA and Wightman event on Thursday, June 4.

Learn how this massive project was truly a community-driven design, take a deep dive into the unique cross-laminated timber elements of the facility, and hear from the next generation of design students during the optional, but highly recommended, Discover Design session at 4 p.m.

Then stay to connect with fellow creatives and tour the innovative space from 5 to 7 p.m.

Career Connect is helping develop the next generation of emerging talent, and this is your opportunity to hear the story behind how it all came to be.

Seats are filling up, so reserve your spot today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mix-with-kresa-and-wightman-tickets-1988851388040

Thank you to Kalamazoo RESA and Wightman for making this programming possible.

We're excited to welcome Molly Dixon as the new project manager for our economic development consulting division, Consul...
05/27/2026

We're excited to welcome Molly Dixon as the new project manager for our economic development consulting division, Consultant Connect! In her new role, Molly will support consulting and special projects for clients across the country and around the world, including curating exceptional events that showcase the best each community has to offer.

Please join us in welcoming Molly to our team! Learn more about her here: https://www.southwestmichiganfirst.com/staff/molly-dixon.

You can count on the Southwest Michigan First Chamber to celebrate businesses of all sizes and types! A prime example wa...
05/26/2026

You can count on the Southwest Michigan First Chamber to celebrate businesses of all sizes and types!

A prime example was the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Mathnasium in Portage last week. Mathnasium is a math-only learning center that offers customized learning plans, homework help, and test preparation services to students in grades K-12. Since every student is unique, the instructors formulate a plan to help them increase confidence, understand fundamental concepts, and build a strong mathematical foundation. They factor in each student's unique needs and learning styles, helping them achieve their goals and even make math fun!

We're especially thankful for Mathnasium's contributions to the community. Since opening in 2025, they have contributed more than $30,000 to West Michigan schools, further multiplying their impact. To sum it up, we are exponentially grateful to Mathnasium for investing in the lives of students and families in our community. Learn more here: https://www.mathnasium.com/math-centers/portage

Congratulations and welcome to the Chamber!

Join the Southwest Michigan First Chamber this Thursday, May 28, at 9:30 a.m. for the Kalamazoo Township Business Commun...
05/26/2026

Join the Southwest Michigan First Chamber this Thursday, May 28, at 9:30 a.m. for the Kalamazoo Township Business Community Townhall and hear directly from local leaders on the issues shaping the future of the Township.

You’ll get updates on road construction, public safety, future business and development plans, community projects, and more — plus the chance to meet Kalamazoo Township’s new police chief, Scott Jackson.

If you live, work, or do business in Kalamazoo Charter Township Township, this conversation is for you.

Space is limited, so register now to reserve your spot: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kalamazoo-township-business-community-townhall-tickets-1988197486202

For our Better Together event this month, a few team members headed over to Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes (KLF) to help proc...
05/22/2026

For our Better Together event this month, a few team members headed over to Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes (KLF) to help process donations. We listened to some tunes while we sorted and then packed up five large bins of donated food. And trust us when we say Clarence and Twayne were VERY thorough in checking those expiration dates!

Did you know that KLF is the largest independent food bank in Michigan, and that they've been operating since 1982? They serve more than 38,000 individuals each year and provide groceries to an average of 850 people every.single.day.

We are grateful for incredible community partners like KLF that work tirelessly to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry.

Thank you. We are .

And...that’s a wrap on our fourth and final session of First Up!This final session focused on professional resiliency, m...
05/22/2026

And...that’s a wrap on our fourth and final session of First Up!

This final session focused on professional resiliency, maintaining sources of renewal, developing a growth mindset, and learning how to step into difficult conversations with confidence and care. Participants also explored models for creating more peaceful and productive conversations in both work and life.

Most of all, we’re leaving inspired by this incredible group of young professionals and emerging leaders.

The future of our region is bright!

Raise your hand if you're a business owner looking to offer your employees retirement savings options—without breaking Y...
05/21/2026

Raise your hand if you're a business owner looking to offer your employees retirement savings options—without breaking YOUR bank!

Join the Southwest Michigan First Chamber next Wednesday, May 27, for our upcoming seminar as part of our Small & Mighty Business Series. This in-person session focuses on simple, affordable retirement savings options that businesses of any size can offer their employees. Learn how tools like SEP IRAs, tax deductions, and no-cost financial wellness resources can help you attract and retain great employees without added complexity or cost to your business.

Led by Michael Albrecht, CRPC®, financial advisor with Raymond James, and Andy McGrath from Brighthouse Financial, this practical session will walk through real-world examples and easy ways to get started.

Special thanks to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, our Education Series sponsor, for making this type of programming available and accessible.

Reserve your spot here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/small-mighty-business-series-retain-team-members-with-financial-wellness-registration-1988833786393

Child care is more than a family issue—it's a workforce issue. Join business leaders from across Michigan for a new, fou...
05/21/2026

Child care is more than a family issue—it's a workforce issue.

Join business leaders from across Michigan for a new, four-part webinar series to help employers explore practical childcare solutions that support working families and workforce stability.

Webinar 1: Why Child Care is a Workforce Strategy
Wednesday, June 3 | 2:30 – 4 p.m.

Hear insights from leaders representing the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Kalsec, and more.

Upcoming sessions will explore:
◾Policies and Benefits That Work — June 24
◾Financing Solutions and Tax Credits — July 15
◾Building the Child Care Ecosystem — August 12

All webinars are held on Wednesdays from 2:30 – 4 p.m.

Learn more and register here: https://tinyurl.com/pulsewebinar

This series is proudly supported by Pulse at the W.E. Upjohn Institute, in partnership with MiLEAP and Michigan’s business and economic development network.

The Southwest Michigan First Chamber is committed to offering programming and resources that help small- and medium-size...
05/20/2026

The Southwest Michigan First Chamber is committed to offering programming and resources that help small- and medium-sized businesses of all types build a sharper and more sustainable business across the greater Kalamazoo area.

Last week was especially exciting as we officially kicked off our first-ever Brick & Mortar Retail, Restaurant, & Service Storefront Growth Lab!

Proudly supported by Kabundant, the Retail Growth Lab is a six-week intensive program led by Julie Reinhardt, founder and principal of Brick & Mortar Retail Consulting Group. Julie draws on more than 25 years of retail industry experience to help these small business owners solve real challenges and walk away with practical tools they can use immediately.

This cohort represents a wide variety of industries and specialties—including food, clean beauty, nonprofit retail, custom apparel, and more—and is designed to help small business owners run their businesses with greater clarity and confidence.

We're excited to see what's ahead for this group!

Address

180 East Water Street
Kalamazoo, MI
49007

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

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