Month: January 2020

When Stryker Corporation began the search for a place to construct a $154 million research and development facility for its Instruments Division, it had to look no further than the home of its birth in Southwest Michigan. On January 27, 2020, several hundred corporate and community leaders celebrated in tandem as the ribbon was cut […]

At Southwest Michigan First, we believe our community’s core—the ultimate catalyst for growth— is the ability to identify, engage, and empower the right people. We must take a bold approach to developing the human capital required for a sustainable future. According to John Maxwell, “Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about […]

As featured originally in AND Magazine: AND Magazine is the premier business publication for Flint & Genesee County, published by the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce. Ron Kitchens is the managing partner of Southwest Michigan First; author of four books, including Community Capitalism and Uniquely You; and a trustee of Western Michigan University. His […]

It’s January in Southwest Michigan and there’s no better time to practice your double axle! We’ve found a few local skating spots for to slip and slide on over to. The Ice Rink at Millennium Park in Portage is the best place to take a date! Open Thursday to Sunday until 9:00 pm, you can […]