Article Photographer: Trisha Dunham

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 […]

We sat down with two local leaders to get their insights on success, development, motivation, and more. Joseph Thomas III FIELD Services and Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Manager at Kalamazoo County Ninth Circuit Court—Family Division Linda Apsey President and Chief Executive Officer of ITC Holdings Corp. — First Things First First big purchase? Thomas: My […]

Event Annual Holiday Art Sale Organization Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (KIA) Date and Time November 30 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
December 1 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Location 435 West South Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 — What roel does the KIA play in the community? When I first moved to Kalamazoo, the city […]

Did you know that Southwest Michigan is home to one of the nation’s largest centers of design-driven businesses? Everyday products like Kitchen Aid mixers, Sharpie markers, Yoplait cups, and Kellogg’s cereal boxes are all designed right here in our backyard. But design isn’t just for artists! No matter your profession, you have to think like […]

With Russ McFee, President of GHS Strings. 1959 | BORN IN BATTLE CREEK: My good friend’s grandfather was the doctor who delivered me at the community hospital. I always say he was the first person to see me alive on this earth. 1960s | BEST CHILDHOOD MEMORY: Back in the late ’60s, my parents took […]

Honor Credit Union, Arbor Financial Credit Union, and Huntington National Bank reveal insights on personal leadership and financial management for small businesses at the Chamber’s July Lunch & Learn event. July 24, 2019 | Southwest Michigan small business professionals from across the region joined together at the Chamber’s July Lunch & Learn to spark a […]

Forman Glass trades up to Southwest Michigan from their former home base of Fort Wayne, Indiana, bringing 20 new jobs to our region! FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 1, 2019 Contact: Joe Agostinelli partner Southwest Michigan First P.O. Box 50827 Kalamazoo, MI  49005-0827 269.553.9588 jagostinelli@southwestmichiganfirst.com Comstock Township, MI — Forman Glass, LLC, a residential and commercial […]

This year’s Kalamazoo marathon is off to a running start. Event: Kalamazoo Marathon Date: Sunday, May 5 Time: 8:00 a.m. Location: 3427 Gull Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49048 Ready, Set, Go! And They’re Off! We are so excited to be celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Borgess Run this year. We’ve grown over the past four […]