Article Photographer: Trisha Dunham

As the world changes and evolves, so must our approaches to equity and inclusion. Traditional “diversity” workshops repeatedly teach how to profile groups of people and lack applicable skill building to increase engagement among individuals and groups.  The Center for Cultural Agility and our approach is designed for clients to focus on self and individual […]

Building a Better Home for Your Family’s Now and Future AVB built its current office in 1991 during the development of the 620 acres that is the Woodbridge Hills community. Now, more than 30 years later, AVB continues to reside in the centrally located office that boasts the same fabulous views with a few recent […]

More than 25 local leaders from a diverse range of sectors joined together at The Foundry last week to kick off the 2021 class of Leadership Kalamazoo. Participants represent both large and small organizations from our region including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, Live Your Song, Western Michigan […]

Miniature Custom Manufacturing (MCM) broke ground today on a 30,000-square-foot warehouse expansion at 170 N Leja Drive in the village of Vicksburg, Michigan. Once complete, the $3 million investment in new space will bring 50 new jobs to the area. After this latest addition is complete, MCM will be housed in three neighboring facilities totaling […]

The Product Design Program at the Western Michigan University (WMU) Richmond Institute for Design and Innovation (RIDI) is taking the concepts of design and innovation to a whole new level with its unique programming that prepares graduates to lead in the field of industrial design. Created in the fall of 2016, the program brings together […]

As a formally trained chef graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in Napa, California with vast experience abroad, specifically in Southeast Asia, Noel Corwin was ready to settle down in his career when the Great Recession hit in 2008. “A lot of pastry chefs and sommeliers were the first heads to roll in fine […]

Just like during WWII, companies throughout our country have stepped up to help fight the most recent battle against COVID-19. Locally, we’ve seen retooling and innovation from companies to equip our frontline workers and the entire community with the personal protective equipment (PPE) we need to be safe. On Wednesday, more than 40 companies were […]

Fueled by a deep love for food and bringing people together that dates back generations, Curtis Woods Junior was inspired to open his food truck, PJW Creole Cuisine as a way to support his goal of one day opening a restaurant where he could provide musicians a space to perform. “My great, great, great grandfather […]

The Southwest Michigan First Chamber provides local businesses with resources and opportunities to develop both professional skills and networks. To maintain the spirit of the Chamber community, the team transitioned events to virtual platforms while safety standards were adapted. Last week, the small business community ditched the Zoom calls and held its first socially-distanced Chamber […]

Speeding to the call for action, local companies Outerwears and JAC began making masks as soon as the need arose. Under the same ownership, both facilities specialize in cutting and sewing. Outerwears, located in Schoolcraft specializes in air filtration for general automotive and power sport use while JAC, based in Dowagiac focuses on creating health […]

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 […]

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 […]