Month: September 2020

We’re honking our horns this week to celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation week! Truck drivers are a staple to our economy, powering the flow of goods that keep retail shelves stocked, food on the table, manufacturing processes running, and keep America moving forward. During the pandemic, drivers have also been critically important in transporting vital […]

Our region’s future is bright thanks to the strong leaders who are navigating change and cultivating successful teams today. These leaders are not only a catalyst for the change that is happening right now, but they are molding and shaping the leaders of future generations. FIRST & 42 is shining the spotlight on the region’s […]

New awards bring total of loans to $9 million, along with $10 million in grants already awarded through the program Low-interest loans intended to support businesses facing drastic reductions in cash flow and the continued support of their workforce in the face of COVID-19 pandemic Nearly 1,000 additional jobs retained for Michigan workers The Michigan […]

Overcoming the obstacles to virtual learning is easier when the community rallies its support for students and families. Here in Kalamazoo, several community partners are launching four Community Learning Hubs for students this fall that will be geographically based hubs for students to receive comprehensive services to support their virtual and in-person learning. The Kalamazoo […]

Our region’s future is bright thanks to the strong leaders who are navigating change and cultivating successful teams today. These leaders are not only a catalyst for the change that is happening right now, but they are molding and shaping the leaders of future generations. FIRST & 42 is shining the spotlight on the region’s […]

With the U.S. Open in full swing, you may be itching to serve some of your own aces out on the tennis court. It spin a long time since you’ve been able to watch many live sports, and we get it—you just want to get your game on. Tennis is a great sport to stay […]

Southwest Michigan First, the regional economic development catalyst based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, today announced 1,434 small business recipients are receiving average grant awards of $5,000 each as part of the state’s Michigan Small Business Restart Program. Grants must be used for expenditures made between March 1, 2020 and December 30, 2020 for necessary disbursements incurred […]

To help our community members make informed choices in the upcoming election, we asked candidates running for important local, state, and national seats to participate in our Forum to help you get to know them better. We will share responses as they are submitted. Stay tuned to become acquainted with your local legislative leaders. With […]

Our region’s future is bright thanks to the strong leaders who are navigating change and cultivating successful teams today. These leaders are not only a catalyst for the change that is happening right now, but they are molding and shaping the leaders of future generations. FIRST & 42 is shining the spotlight on the region’s […]

Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates declined in all 17 of Michigan’s major labor market areas during July 2020, according to data released from the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB). Michigan regions had particularly sharp July changes in unemployment levels, which were difficult to evaluate. The impact of the pandemic on employment trends can […]

The sports scene looks a lot different this fall with the cancellation or postponement of many fall sports, but this doesn’t mean you can’t get out and get your own game on come Friday nights or Saturday afternoons. It’s no big dill because our region has several convenient and state-of-the-art pickleball courts to show people […]

Our region’s future is bright thanks to the strong leaders that are navigating change and cultivating successful teams today. These leaders are not only a catalyst for the change that is happening right now, but they are molding and shaping the leaders of future generations. Throughout the coming months, FIRST & 42 will be shining […]