Southwest Michigan First Chamber welcomed a full house to the first-ever Chamber’s Choice Small Business Conference and Celebration on Thursday, September 18 at Western Michigan University’s Dalton Recital Hall. In partnership with Varnum LLP, the afternoon gathered entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community leaders for practical insights and a region-wide celebration of small business impact.
Attendees heard two high-energy keynotes. Retail experience expert Lyn Falk shared how to future-proof customer experience with design and data that move minds and merchandise. Speaker and author Mimi Brown connected the dots between engaged teams and loyal customers, offering low-cost ways to lift culture, retention, and service quality. A networking break and happy hour framed the main event: the 2025 Chamber’s Choice Awards, presented by LMCU.
2025 Chamber’s Choice Award Winners
| Category | Sponsor | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Alumnus/a of the Year | WMU Alumni Association | Sarah Mead |
| Nonprofit of the Year | Visiting Angels of Southwest Michigan | Senior Care Partners PACE |
| Veteran-Owned Business of the Year | Kellogg Community Credit Union | Puppy Playground |
| BIPOC-Owned Business of the Year | City of Kalamazoo Community Planning & Economic Development | Dabney & Co. Cocktail Bar & Lounge |
| LGBTQIA+ Owned Business of the Year | Serotonic Marketing | Catherine Nails |
| Woman-Owned Business of the Year | YWCA Kalamazoo | Caring Companions |
| Chamber Member Business of the Year (Mid/Large >50) | People Forward | PNC |
| Chamber Member Business of the Year (Small <50) | Azimuth Centers for Excellence | Kzoom |
| Entrepreneur of the Year | Can-Do Kalamazoo | Chad Jacob, College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk, Moving & Storage |
| Chamber Ambassador of the Year | – | Rex Simpson, Hobby-Sports.com |