Events

This event is part professional, part social, and all about creating a collaborative network in a space that is built by and for us!

BRING YOUR OWN MUG from home and join us for coffee and conversation on Tuesday, November 18 at the Rise & Thrive Coffee Connect.It’s time to Rise & Thrive!We know schedules can be packed with work, family, and other commitments. If evening events don’t fit your routine, Rise & Thrive Coffee Connect is the perfect […]

Join us on Monday, December 8 for the Monday Midday Mixer—network, build relationships and boost your business over lunch.People do business with those they know, like, and trust. Relationships are the foundation of the best business partnerships, and the Southwest Michigan First Chamber is here to help you build those connections.We’re thrilled to announce a […]

Join us on Monday, January 12 for the Monday Midday Mixer—network, build relationships and boost your business over lunch.People do business with those they know, like, and trust. Relationships are the foundation of the best business partnerships, and the Southwest Michigan First Chamber is here to help you build those connections.Join us for an opportunity […]

Join the Chamber for this quarterly downtown discussion, including a number of updates and changes as we continue building our downtown.The Southwest Michigan First Chamber invites you to the next Downtown Business Community Townhall on Tuesday, January 13We look forward to hearing from you and some of our local city and community leaders on the […]

Learn simple lighting, framing, and editing tips from photographer Kris Walker so your social media photos look polished and professional.Join us for this month’s Small & Mighty Business Series as we welcome professional photographer Kris Walker to share practical ways any organization can look better on social media. Learn how to work with light, compose […]

Broaden your professional network with the Southwest Michigan First Chamber at our January Chamber Connect!The Chamber is ready to kick off the year right with a little celebration focused on YOU. Last year, we tackled some important issues, advocated for small businesses around the County, and launched some new tools to help businesses get found […]

Network with local women in business and learn tools for confidence and self advocacy from Jennifer Tangeman of Clean by Design.Women2Women is a place for women in business to connect, encourage one another, and build strong relationships through kindness, advocacy, and mentorship.Join us for a networking lunch featuring Jennifer Tangeman, Owner and CEO of Clean […]

Join us for this member-exclusive event to learn how you can get the most out of your Southwest Michigan First Chamber membership.Joining the Chamber is an important step for many businesses. But what is the best way to maximize your investment? The Southwest Michigan First Chamber invites all new or returning members to our Chamber […]

Join 500+ leaders shaping the future of Southwest Michigan’s economy at the State of Economic Development 2026.The Road AheadJoin more than 500 regional stakeholders, C-suite executives, and community leaders for Southwest Michigan First’s third annual State of Economic Development.In 2023, we launched The Path to Regional Prosperity—a bold three-year strategic action plan that set the […]

Join us on Monday, February 9 for the Monday Midday Mixer—network, build relationships and boost your business over lunch.People do business with those they know, like, and trust. Relationships are the foundation of the best business partnerships, and the Southwest Michigan First Chamber is here to help you build those connections.Join us for an opportunity […]

Join the Chamber to discuss updates in Portage and collaborate on ways to move our community forward.The Southwest Michigan First Chamber invites you to the next Portage Business Community Townhall on Tuesday, February 10.We look forward to hearing from you and some of our local community leaders on the issues that matter most. We want […]

Broaden your professional network with the Southwest Michigan First Chamber at our February Chamber Connect!Join us for our February Chamber Connect at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, a casual after-hours meetup designed to help you build relationships and make the most of your Chamber membership.Whether you are a current member or thinking about joining, this […]

Bring your favorite mug and join us for coffee and conversation at the Rise & Thrive Coffee Connect on Tuesday, February 17.It’s time to Rise & Thrive!We know schedules can be packed with work, family, and other commitments. If evening events don’t fit your routine, Rise & Thrive Coffee Connect is the perfect way to […]

Learn practical ways to grow your network, build Centers of Influence, and use LinkedIn, plus real tips for confident in-person networking.Join us for this month’s Small & Mighty Business Series for Networking 101, led by Chad Goodwill, Vice President at First Source Bank. This practical session is designed to help you build relationships that lead […]

Join the Chamber to discuss updates in Richland/Augusta/Galesburg and collaborate on ways to move our community forward.Join the Southwest Michigan First Chamber for the upcoming Richland/Augusta/Galesburg Business Community Townhall on Tuesday, February 24!This is your chance to connect with local city and community leaders, share your insights, and explore opportunities that shape the future of […]

Join local women in business for a networking lunch with Brea Oakes, who will share insights on leadership in action.Women2Women is a welcoming community where women in business connect, support one another, and build meaningful relationships grounded in kindness, advocacy, and mentorship.Join us for a networking lunch featuring Brea Oakes, owner of Brea Oakes Photography, […]

This event is part professional, part social, and all about creating a collaborative network in a space that is built by and for us!“One who walks with the wise and successful shall be wise and successful.” - African ProverbThe Black & Brown Connect Mixer is rolling in 2026 and the first event is ready for […]

Join us for a special evening as we launch the robust 2026 calendar at this MIX Pop-Up Event.Join Us for an Evening of “Cutting Edge Kicks”!We’re “kicking off” 2026 with a celebration of KICKS! Join us for a two-part Pop-Up MIX event. Meet us at HUB Bar & Grill on the Kalamazoo Mall for networking […]

Join us on Monday, March 9 for the Monday Midday Mixer—network, build relationships and boost your business over lunch.People do business with those they know, like, and trust. Relationships are the foundation of the best business partnerships, and the Southwest Michigan First Chamber is here to help you build those connections.Join us for an opportunity […]

Join us on Wednesday, March 11 for a Small & Mighty Business Series session on retail securities that actually work.Are you unwittingly inviting retail theft in your business practices?While sometimes shoplifting is a crime of opportunity, retail theft isn't always random. More often than not, it’s calculated. And the good news is, so is the […]

Join Southwest Michigan First for a discussion focusing on the succession ecosystem.Your Legacy. Their Opportunity. Our Community’s Future.Join Southwest Michigan First for a community conversation on business succession, ownership transitions, and the next generation of local entrepreneurs.If you are a business owner approaching retirement, you have built something valuable. Not just a company, but a […]

Broaden your professional network with the Southwest Michigan First Chamber at our March Chamber Connect!People do business with who they know, like, and trust. Come get to know your next business partner, collaborator, or client in a behind-the-scenes space hosted by College HUNKS.Your network is only as strong as the relationships it's built on. That's […]

Join us on March 24 for the Kalamazoo City & Township Business Townhall—connect with leaders, discuss key issues, and stay informed.The Southwest Michigan First Chamber invites you to the Kalamazoo City and Township Business Townhall on Tuesday, March 24 beginning at 2 p.m.This event is a great opportunity to engage with Kalamazoo City and Township […]

Join us for this member-exclusive event to learn how you can get the most out of your Southwest Michigan First Chamber membership.Joining the Chamber is an important step for many businesses. But what is the best way to maximize your investment? The Southwest Michigan First Chamber invites all new or returning members to our Chamber […]

Join us at the Texas Township Business Community Townhall to discuss local business initiatives.The Southwest Michigan First Chamber invites you to the Texas Township Business Townhall on Tuesday, April 7, beginning at 8:30 a.m.This event is a great opportunity to engage with Texas Township leaders, discuss key business-related happenings, and stay informed about the latest […]

Join local women in business for a networking lunch with Anita Ritter on Savvy Women, Smart Investors and taking control of your future.Women2Women is a welcoming community where women in business connect, support one another, and build meaningful relationships grounded in kindness, advocacy, and mentorship.Join us for a networking lunch featuring Anita Ritter of Anita […]

Learn the basics of Bitcoin and crypto for business with Amber Harris and the MI Bitcoin Trade Council.Join us for this month’s Small & Mighty Business Series for Bitcoin for Businesses, led by Amber Harris with the MI Bitcoin Trade Council. This practical session is designed to help you understand Bitcoin and crypto in plain […]

Join us on Monday, April 13 for the Monday Midday Mixer—network, build relationships and boost your business over lunch.People do business with those they know, like, and trust. Relationships are the foundation of the best business partnerships, and the Southwest Michigan First Chamber is here to help you build those connections.Join us for an opportunity […]

Broaden your professional network with the Southwest Michigan First Chamber at our April Chamber Connect!People do business with who they know, like, and trust. Come get to know your next business partner, collaborator, or client in a behind-the-scenes space hosted by the Kalamazoo Growlers.Your network is only as strong as the relationships it's built on. […]

Bring your favorite mug and join us for coffee and conversation at the Rise & Thrive Coffee Connect.It’s time to Rise & Thrive!We know schedules can be packed with work, family, and other commitments. If evening events don’t fit your routine, Rise & Thrive Coffee Connect is the perfect way to start your day with […]

Let's come together for a lively community discussion on boosting local businesses and creating a thriving environment for all!Join the Southwest Michigan First Chamber for the upcoming Vicksburg/Schoolcraft Business Community Townhall!This is your chance to connect with local city and community leaders, share your insights, and explore opportunities that shape the future of the Vicksburg/Schoolcraft […]

Join the Chamber for this quarterly downtown discussion, including a number of updates and changes as we continue building our downtown.The Southwest Michigan First Chamber invites you to the next Downtown Business Community Townhall on Tuesday, April 28We look forward to hearing from you and some of our local city and community leaders on the […]

Get ready to celebrate talent and showcase our seniors at the MIX at RID+I event on April 30th.Get ready for an unforgettable evening of creativity and inspiration! We are thrilled to invite you to a special event celebrating the expanded WMU Richmond Institute for Design + Innovation (RID+I) program. This is your exclusive opportunity to […]

Join local women in business for a networking lunch with Shannon Jacobs on personal branding & visibility.Women2Women is a welcoming community where women in business connect, support one another, and build meaningful relationships grounded in kindness, advocacy, and mentorship.Join us for a networking lunch featuring Shannon Jacobs with Slick Raven Marketing, who will share insights […]

Learn how to supervise interns with confidence through practical tips on onboarding, feedback, inclusion, and expectations.Join us for an interactive training designed for professionals preparing to supervise interns this summer. Whether you are hosting an intern for the first time or looking to strengthen your approach, this session will cover the key practices that help […]

Join us on Monday, May 11th for the Monday Midday Mixer—network, build relationships and boost your business over lunch.People do business with those they know, like, and trust. Relationships are the foundation of the best business partnerships, and the Southwest Michigan First Chamber is here to help you build those connections.Join us for an opportunity […]

Give your employees a path to save – without adding costs to your business – with practical, affordable options for businesses of any size.If you’re a small business owner, offering meaningful employee benefits can feel out of reach, but it doesn’t have to be. Hosted by the Southwest Michigan First Chamber, this one-hour seminar is […]

Broaden your professional network with the Southwest Michigan First Chamber at our May Chamber Connect!People do business with who they know, like, and trust. Come get to know your next business partner, collaborator, or client in a behind-the-scenes space hosted by the Advia Credit Union.Your network is only as strong as the relationships it's built […]

Join us on May 28 for the Kalamazoo Township Business Community Townhall to connect with local leaders and hear key updates.The Southwest Michigan First Chamber invites you to the Kalamazoo Township Business Community Townhall on Thursday, May 28 beginning at 9:30 a.m.This event is a great opportunity to connect with leaders from the City of […]