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

Southwest Michigan First

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Kalamazoo, MI
Southwest Michigan First

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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, Enhancing, 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.

10/08/2026

Our team retreat this year was all about recalibrating. Together.

We took one day to slow down, reconnect, and get intentional about who we are as a team, how we communicate with each other and those we serve, and what we want to accomplish over the next year and beyond.

With CEO Jennifer Owens joining our team in August, it felt like the perfect time to pause and be intentional about the culture we want to build together.

Strategic advisor and executive coach Shea Petaja, Coach centered the day by giving us space to have honest conversations about connection, communication, and culture. We also took a deep dive into our strengths and how our differences enhance our team and the work we can accomplish. Then we shifted our focus from culture keeping to culture creating, working together to imagine what’s next and how we can each help carry that conversation forward.

The best part? We didn’t just talk about culture. We created it. Together. In the room.

After a morning of learning, reflection, and meaningful conversations, it was time to have some FUN!

We wrapped up the day at the Kalamazoo Game Show Experience, where the competition got serious—especially when the music trivia started. In the end, Rachael, Eric, and Stephanie walked away as our big winners!

We’re grateful for the opportunity to step away from the day-to-day, learn more about one another, explore our strengths, and invest in the team that makes Southwest Michigan First so special.

Our people are at the heart of our work. When we show up for one another, communicate with curiosity and intention, and build our culture together, we’re better equipped to serve the individuals, businesses, partners, and communities all across Southwest Michigan.

And that’s the work that matters most.

Go team!

10/07/2026

A little rain didn’t stop Southwest Michigan First Chamber members and business professionals from showing up to our September Chamber Connect!

We gathered at the Kalamazoo Nature Center's Camp Barn, a beautiful space surrounded by nature that can be rented for everything from corporate events to weddings and other special occasions.

We were also happy to hear from Heather Graves, president and CEO of the Kalamazoo Nature Center, as she shared some of the exciting programs, events, and activities coming up for individuals, couples, and families.

Attendees had the chance to meet new people, reconnect with familiar faces, and build the relationships that make our business community stronger. These are the kind of deeper connections that just don't happen over text or email.

Thank you to the Kalamazoo Nature Center for hosting and to everyone who braved the rain and joined us. We loved spending the evening connecting with our Chamber community!

10/06/2026

Last week, Southwest Michigan’s designers and creatives all came together for a revamped MIX Design Day 2026: Design Under Pressure.

The group explored what it means to be more resilient when faced with change and uncertainty, how cross-disciplinary collaboration and technology can create new opportunities, and why design is a team sport when it comes to building Southwest Michigan's design community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the day a success. We're grateful for the many sponsors, speakers, partners, and volunteers who brought it all together and made this day possible:

Sponsors:
◾Abonmarche
◾Landscape Forms
◾stryker
◾Wightman
◾Western Michigan University Richmond Institute for Design + Innovation

Speakers:
◾Cory Herbst, Stryker
◾Jessamyn Buck, Wightman
◾Gerah Dutkiewicz, Kzoom
◾Grace Engels, Multidisciplinary Design
◾Taylor Bird, Advia Credit Union

Here’s to the people and ideas shaping the future of design in Southwest Michigan!

10/05/2026

Please join us in welcoming Keystone Solutions Group as a new Investor!

Based in West Michigan and operating for more than 25 years, Keystone is a trusted partner to medical device companies around the world, providing contract manufacturing, packaging, assembly, kitting, converting, and sterilization management services.

Keystone supports a wide range of medical device products, from single-use disposables to reusable systems, helping customers bring innovative products from development to the shelf and into the hands of those who need them.

Led by President Jim Medsker, Keystone continues to grow its presence in Kalamazoo, including an expansion last year featuring a new 2,200-square-foot clean room and an additional 27,000 square feet of space.

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

Learn more here: https://keystone-pd.com/

Thank you, Keystone Solutions Group, and welcome to Southwest Michigan First!

10/01/2026

Congratulations to Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan on the grand opening of Gull Landing: A Goodwill Boutique in Richland!

The Southwest Michigan First Chamber team was proud to celebrate this important milestone in Goodwill's 70-year history with a ribbon cutting ceremony last week. As only the second Goodwill Boutique in all of Michigan, Gull Landing brings an elevated thrift experience to the community, featuring designer and name-brand finds in a modern boutique setting.

But Goodwill’s impact goes far beyond retail.

Every donation and purchase helps provide free employment services, GED education, job training, and other essential services that create opportunities and brighter futures for individuals, families, and communities across Southwest Michigan. Their stores also offer affordable goods that keep usable items out of landfills, which is truly a win for everyone.

Special thanks to Tim Culver, representing Matt Hall - State Representative, for an official tribute, and Jeff Hillman, executive leader in public policy, evaluation, and community development, for attending this event.

Congratulations to the entire Goodwill team and their continued investment in our region. And cheers to many more years of incredible community impact!

09/29/2026

We had quite the turnout at our FIRST & Foremost event featuring our new CEO earlier this month! Thank you to so many of our Investors and community partners for taking the time to warmly welcome Jennifer Owens back to Southwest Michigan First.

Jennifer shared stories from her leadership journey, the experiences and values that have shaped her approach to economic development, her passion for talent attraction and retention, and what excites her most about returning to Southwest Michigan. She also talked about her vision and priorities for our region and the many opportunities ahead.

It was a great way to kick off this next chapter with Jennifer, surrounded by the people who are helping move Southwest Michigan forward every day.

We’re grateful for the warm welcome and excited for what’s next!

09/28/2026

Tickets are on sale now for our 2027 State of Economic Development event!

Join 400 business, community, and economic development leaders on January 28, 2027, at the Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites Kalamazoo. This year’s theme is MOMENTUM...and there’s a lot of it in Southwest Michigan!

Connect with the people, projects, and partnerships driving our region forward. See what’s possible when regional leaders come together to shape the future of our region.

Fewer seats are available this year to allow for more networking and connection, so reserve your spot early!

Register today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/southwest-michigan-first-presents-the-state-of-economic-development-tickets-1994882463148

09/23/2026

We’re looking for a director of public policy and strategic initiatives to join our team!

This is a wonderful opportunity to build strong partnerships and advance initiatives that support the people, businesses, and communities throughout Southwest Michigan.

Are you collaborative, strategic, and community-driven? Do you thrive in a dynamic environment where relationship-building and meaningful impact go hand in hand? If so, we’d love to hear from you or someone in your network who may be a great fit.

Learn more and apply here: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4463023609/

09/22/2026

Congratulations to the husband-and-wife team behind Soak’n Sweets!

The Southwest Michigan First Chamber was proud to celebrate the grand opening of their new store with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

With a passion for quality, creativity, and thoughtful presentation, they’ve created a charming destination filled with USA-made bath and body products and thoughtfully curated gifts for birthdays, holidays, and more. And, if you're not sure what to get that special someone, you can choose one of their Surprise Build-A-Box options based on their favorite color!

Be sure to stop by and check out this new store on Westnedge featuring inspiring and whimsical gifts you won't find anywhere else.

We love all the creativity and happiness this unique business brings to our community. Thank you for choosing to invest in Kalamazoo.

Congratulations, Soak'n Sweets, and welcome to the Chamber!

09/21/2026

Congratulations to Kalamazoo Valley Community College on 60 incredible years!

For the last six decades, KVCC has lived out its mission to create innovative and equitable opportunities that empower all to learn, grow, and thrive.

We were honored to celebrate alongside KVCC President Dr. L. Marshall Washington, who marked this historic occasion by reflecting on the college’s incredible legacy of changing lives through education.

Thank you to the students, faculty, staff, alumni, partners, and community members who showed up Friday night to celebrate this incredible milestone. It was a wonderful outpouring of love and support for an institution that was created by the community, for the community.

Here’s to celebrating all that you’ve accomplished, and cheers to the next 60 years!

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

Website

https://www.southwestmichiganfirst.com/

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