Month: March 2020

Companies throughout Southwest Michigan including Fabri-Kal, Schupan & Sons, Tekna, and more are banding together to produce medical face shields for local healthcare workers treating patients impacted by the coronavirus. Early last week, Bronson Healthcare requested support from Southwest Michigan First to acquire additional Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). With input from health care professionals, the […]

One place that’s not closing its doors during this period is nature! That’s right, the great outdoors has decided to bloom for us in our time of need. In fact, Michigan’s Department of Recreation (DNR) has waived the need for the recreation passport to access state parks, trails, and forests. While getting outside is permitted […]

Your current wardrobe may consist of workout gear, jammies, and fuzzy socks, but soon, things will go back to normal. We promise! With a little extra time on your hands, and warmer weather in the air, this is the perfect time to purge your closet and add some new items. While you’re at it, grab […]

In these unprecedented times due to the spread of COVID-19, restaurants are among some of the hardest hit businesses. What you can do to make sure that your favorite eateries are still there to serve you after the situation returns back to what “we once knew as normal” is to order take-out and delivery and […]

During times of adversity, the Kalamazoo community is well known to step-up and support one another. This current pandemic is no different. Organizations, businesses, and individuals are continuing to step up and provide additional support for those in need. As resources become available, we will update this web page. For now, check out what is […]

The outbreak of Coronavirus has many people working from home. While those with an extra bedroom might already be set up to do the daily grind from a room down the hall where they sleep, no one saw a scenario where the majority of the nation now finds themselves stationed inside their “Home Sweet Home” […]

For the most recent version of resources, check out the Southwest Michigan First COVID-19 Response page. In response to the rapidly developing situation around COVID-19, both the federal government and Governor Whitmer’s office are working to support the needs of both employers and employees during these trying times. Below is a summary of the most […]

With a name originated from the word “zoo,” Zoetis puts animals at the core of what it does. Manufacturing many of its leading products in our region, Matthew Everhart, vice president of Pharmaceutical and Aseptic Operations, Global Manufacturing and Supply at Zoetis, said, “Kalamazoo is home to one of the largest and most important manufacturing […]

When it comes to good pizza, Kalamazoo really delivers. Whether you’re looking for thin crust or thick, sit down or carry out, meat lovers or veggie extreme, you can grab a slice in our region. We’ve boxed them up for you below. A treat smuggled straight out of Italy, Bimbo’s has served up slices since […]

We’re lucky in Southwest Michigan: There’s definitely a lot of women creating a big impact and to whom we can give a shout-out this coming International Women’s Day. We know we missed many great leaders, but let’s take a minute to celebrate these stand-out ones who are creating jobs and opportunities at companies doing business […]