FIRST & 42

The Evolving Role of Property Management in Southwest Michigan

As the Southwest Michigan housing market continues to grow and evolve, so does the role of property management. What was once viewed as a largely administrative function has...

Every Stitch Matters: Inside the Hand-Guided Process at Heirloom Stitching

In Nottawa Township, where open farmland and small businesses shape the landscape east of Three Rivers, a quiet manufacturing operation is turning out hundreds of boot uppers a...

Aligning Workforce, Housing, and Michigan’s Economic Competitiveness

Recent conversations in Lansing highlight an important reality for Michigan’s economy: long-term competitiveness will depend on how well the state aligns workforce development,...

AI Search and the Pitfalls of Chasing Google AI Overviews

Google search results never stop evolving. And, as a small business, it can be a huge challenge to stay on top of new updates, understand new features, and explore the new...

Southwest Michigan Brewery Earns National No. 1 Ranking for Best Beer Garden

Beyond the Bottom Line: Breaking the Three-Generation Curse in Family Business

In the world of family business, there is a haunting proverb often whispered in boardrooms: “Shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations”. The first generation builds the...

Tornado Relief Resources

Tornado Relief Resources This page includes trusted links and on-the-ground resources following the tornadoes that impacted Cass, St. Joseph, and Branch Counties. We will update...

2026 Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Winners Announced

Legitimize Your Presence: 4 Surprising Rules to Win Your Next Client Meeting

Introduction We’ve all been there: sitting across the table, or the screen, in a crucial business meeting, feeling the pressure to make a great impression. You have your pitch...

Local Partners Help Bring New Edwardsburg Library to Life

Several regional partners played a key role in bringing the new Cass District Library’s Edwardsburg Branch to life. The $7 million, 5.4-acre facility celebrated its grand opening...

Why Ownership Transition May Be Kalamazoo’s Most Underrated Economic Strategy

Main Street businesses have long been the foundation of Kalamazoo’s economy. They provide stable jobs, long-standing customer relationships, and a sense of place that national...

The Importance of Window Treatments: More Than Just a Finishing Touch

When designing a space, window treatments are often thought of as a final detail—but in reality, they play a much bigger role. The right window treatments do more than frame a...

Tornado Relief Resources This page includes trusted links and on-the-ground resources following the tornadoes that impacted Cass, St. Joseph, and Branch Counties. We will update this page as new information is confirmed. Last updated: March 9, 2026 Quick actions Get...

The Evolving Role of Property Management in Southwest Michigan

Mar 25, 2026 | Chamber Corner

Jenn Sorric - Real Property Management Cornerstone

As the Southwest Michigan housing market continues to grow and evolve, so does the role of property management. What was once viewed as a largely administrative function has become a strategic service that directly impacts investment performance, housing quality, and...

Southwest Michigan Brewery Earns National No. 1 Ranking for Best Beer Garden

Mar 11, 2026 | Thrive

USA Today 10Best

Every Stitch Matters: Inside the Hand-Guided Process at Heirloom Stitching

Mar 23, 2026 | Business, First & 42 Original

Eric Ringwelski | Southwest Michigan First

In Nottawa Township, where open farmland and small businesses shape the landscape east of Three Rivers, a quiet manufacturing operation is turning out hundreds of boot uppers a day through a process that depends as much on skilled hands as it does on machinery....

Aligning Workforce, Housing, and Michigan’s Economic Competitiveness

Mar 23, 2026 | Business, Places

Sean Moscynski | Southwest Michigan First

Recent conversations in Lansing highlight an important reality for Michigan’s economy: long-term competitiveness will depend on how well the state aligns workforce development, housing availability, and economic development policy. Last month, economic development...