Article Author: Southwest Michigan First Team

Applications are now being accepted for Leadership Kalamazoo, Southwest Michigan’s premier leadership development program designed to equip a diverse cohort of current and emerging community leaders with the skills needed to transform our region, both now and in the future. Through a proven combination of hands-on learning, interactive sessions, and community engagement, this in-depth 10-month […]

Southwest Michigan First, in partnership with the Monroe-Brown Foundation and The Kalamazoo Promise, hosted three networking events in Kalamazoo this summer. Nearly 160 interns from 45 universities, 19 states, and nine countries participated in the Summer Intern Mixer Series this year. The series kicked off in May with a panel of former interns sharing their […]

Hope you’re hungry! Restaurant Week and Winter Cocktail Competition return to downtown Kalamazoo Thursday, February 16 through Sunday, February 26, 2023. With 15 unique bars and restaurants participating, now is a great time to dig in and drink up. Enjoy more than 70 fresh, new flavor combinations and a dozen specialty cocktails alongside old favorites […]

The Kalamazoo-Portage Metro area is once again ranked high on the list of affordable cities in the nation according to the Cost of Living Index (COLI). Among the 265 urban areas that participated in the 2022 Cost of Living Index, the after-tax cost for a professional/managerial standard of living in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is more than […]

Photo Caption: Discover Kalamazoo President and CEO Jane Ghosh (far left) presents an Industry Partnership Award to (from left to right) CEO Jonas Peterson, Partner Mason Everett, and Chamber Director Clarence Lloyd from Southwest Michigan First at a ceremony on Wednesday, December 14.  Discover Kalamazoo (DK) announced that Southwest Michigan First has been selected as […]

Over the past 12 years, Catalyst University has built up over 14,000 existing and emerging leaders in education, business, and service organizations to carry our community into the future. This year, we are inviting you to join us January 25 or 26 for a day filled with insightful leadership, speakers, and networking to build upon […]

Keidrain Brewster, a returned citizen that served 13 years in prison, has built his own trucking company and authored two best-selling books since his release just eight years ago. He delivered a powerful message at an event last week in the Catalyst Center sponsored by Urban Alliance and Southwest Michigan First. His first book, “From […]

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 […]