Article Photographer: Trisha Dunham

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 […]

The 269 MAGAZINE team sat down with two local leaders to talk trust, team development, emerging leadership, and more. Cyekeia Lee Director of Community Collaboration AT the Kalamazoo Promise Liz Semaan Executive Director AT Bronson Health Foundation — What does a great leader look like? Lee: A great leader is someone who includes the input […]

Do you have a hunger to grow both professionally and personally? Do you dream of being a catalyst for change in your community? If so, you are the leader Southwest Michigan needs. Turn on the TV, and you’ll see the stock market is hitting record highs. Or think back to previous reports by First & […]

Decreasing Talent Pool? Now, That’s Scary! Handmade airplanes flew as water poured through pumps and giant Jenga crashed to the ground. What seems like a day of fun for area middle school students at MiCareerQuest Southwest doubled as a glimpse into future career options, as well as a chance for area companies to influence future […]

Comstock Township will sparkle more brilliantly thanks to the 25,200-square-foot Forman Glass expansion that broke ground in June 2019. While the aesthetic impact Forman Glass brings to a project is dazzling, the company’s solutions are practical. This 57-year-old company specializes in providing comprehensive solutions for the “building envelope”—all exterior glass and metal panels. Forman Glass […]