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DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261117T120000
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DTSTAMP:20261020T193738Z
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SUMMARY:Small & Mighty Business Series: Build a Team That Drives Results
DESCRIPTION:Learn how to attract\, hire and retain the right people with Matt Jemilo of HR Collaborative.\n\n\nBuilding a strong team starts long before the first interview. From attracting the right candidates to keeping employees engaged\, hiring decisions play an important role in the success of any small business. \nJoin the Southwest Michigan First Chamber on Tuesday\, November 17\, as we welcome Matt Jemilo of HR Collaborative for a practical Small & Mighty Business Series session focused on building a team that supports your business goals and drives results. \nMatt will share strategies for standing out in a competitive hiring market\, connecting with the right candidates and creating an environment where employees want to stay. \nTopics will include: \n\nRefining your employer brand to attract talent that aligns with your mission and values\nUnderstanding your regional talent pool and how it impacts your recruiting efforts\nTips and tricks for navigating Indeed’s algorithm and helping your job postings stand out\nFostering engagement with new hires to improve retention and build a stronger team\n\nWhether you’re preparing to make your first hire\, growing your team or looking to improve your current recruiting process\, this session will provide practical insights you can apply to your business. \nThe event will take place at noon at Southwest Michigan First. Parking is included in the Southwest Michigan First parking structure. \nLunch is optional and available for an additional cost during registration. \nThe Small & Mighty Business Series is part of the Chamber Education Series. The Chamber Education Series also includes the Quarterly Business Breakfast Roundtable Series and is proudly supported by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. \nPlease Note: All ticket sales are final. If you are unable to attend\, you may transfer your ticket to a team member or partner organization. Please contact a team member for assistance. Eventbrite charges a nominal fee for online ticket purchases.
URL:https://firstand42.media/event_test/small-mighty-business-series-build-a-team-that-drives-results/
LOCATION:Southwest Michigan First\, 180 East Water Street\, #Suite 2690\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49007\, United States
CATEGORIES:Chamber Events
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261118T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261118T180000
DTSTAMP:20261020T193740Z
CREATED:20261020T193740Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T193740Z
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SUMMARY:November Chamber Connect | ELITE Companies
DESCRIPTION:Broaden your professional network with the Southwest Michigan First Chamber at our November Chamber Connect!\n\n\nPeople do business with those they know\, like\, and trust. Chamber Connect is designed to make those introductions feel easier\, more natural\, and a little less like traditional networking. \nThe November Chamber Connect has become a tradition with our friends and members at ELITE Companies. Join us from 4–6 p.m. for an evening of conversation\, connection\, hors d’oeuvres and drinks while building relationships with professionals from across the greater Kalamazoo business community. \nThis year\, ELITE Companies will also spotlight the NAWIC Kalamazoo/Battle Creek Chapter\, bringing attention to the local organization and its work supporting women in the construction industry. \nWhether you’re looking to meet your next business partner\, collaborator or client—or simply reconnect with familiar faces—we hope you’ll join us for one of our biggest Chamber Connect events of the year. \nWe can’t wait to see you there! \nParking: Parking is available in nearby downtown lots and ramps\, including Lot 9 at 162 E. Water Street\, as well as on-street parking throughout the area. Please follow posted parking signage and payment instructions.
URL:https://firstand42.media/event_test/november-chamber-connect-elite-companies-2/
LOCATION:Kalamazoo Beer Exchange\, 211 East Water Street\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49007\, United States
CATEGORIES:Chamber Events
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261124T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261124T130000
DTSTAMP:20261020T193742Z
CREATED:20261020T193742Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T193742Z
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SUMMARY:Southwest Michigan First | Chamber Member Orientation
DESCRIPTION:Join us for this member-exclusive event to learn how you can get the most out of your Southwest Michigan First Chamber membership.\n\n\nJoining 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 Member Orientation to help answer those questions and set you up for success. At this in-person event\, we’ll share: \n\nAn overview of the Southwest Michigan First Chamber\nHow to leverage your benefits to get the most out of your membership\nKey members of the Southwest Michigan First and Chamber team\nAnswers to all your questions!\n\nWho should attend? \nYour Chamber membership serves the entire team\, from your executives to marketing and sales to your HR professionals. Anyone in your organization is encouraged to engage with us. This event will help ensure the alignment needed to maximize your investment. \nPlease note this event is for Chamber members only. If you’d like to learn more about all the benefits of becoming a member of the Southwest Michigan First Chamber\, click here or email chamber@southwestmichiganfirst.com. \nYou must register in advance for this complimentary and member-exclusive event. Lunch will be provided. Learn how to make the most of your investment. Register today! \nThank you for your membership. We look forward to serving you. \nPlease park in the structure off Edwards Street. Parking will be validated at the event. \n\n\n\nThe Southwest Michigan First Chamber would like to thank Millennium Catering & Events for sponsoring this series.
URL:https://firstand42.media/event_test/southwest-michigan-first-chamber-member-orientation-6/
LOCATION:The Catalyst Center\, 180 E Water Street\, Suite 1000\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49007\, United States
CATEGORIES:Chamber Events
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261124T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20261124T180000
DTSTAMP:20261020T193743Z
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LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T193743Z
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SUMMARY:Paw Paw Connect at St. Julian Winery
DESCRIPTION:Meet Paw Paw-area businesses and community leaders for an easygoing evening of networking at St. Julian Winery.\n\n\nConnect with Paw Paw-area businesses and community leaders for a relaxed evening of conversation\, networking\, and new connections in the beautiful setting of St. Julian Winery. \nJoin the Southwest Michigan First Chamber and the Paw Paw Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday\, November 24\, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. for this special collaborative event bringing together professionals from across the region. \nNo formal program. No pressure. Just an opportunity to step away from the workday\, meet new people\, strengthen relationships\, and discover the connections that help our local business community thrive. \nWhether you’re a longtime member of the business community or looking for new ways to get connected\, we’d love to see you there!
URL:https://firstand42.media/event_test/paw-paw-connect-at-st-julian-winery/
LOCATION:St. Julian Winery & Distillery\, 716 South Kalamazoo Street\, Paw Paw\, MI\, 49079\, United States
CATEGORIES:Chamber Events
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20261210T173000
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SUMMARY:The Chamber Reserve | An Exclusive Member Dinner
DESCRIPTION:An invitation-only evening of exceptional dining and meaningful connections for the Chamber's top-tier members.\n\n\nIntroducing The Chamber Reserve\, a new invitation-only dining experience created exclusively for members of the Southwest Michigan First Chamber’s two highest membership tiers. \nFor our inaugural gathering\, we’re bringing together a select group of Chamber members for an intimate evening at Falco in Richland\, centered around great food\, meaningful conversation\, and the relationships that strengthen our business community. \nGuests will enjoy a thoughtfully prepared three-course plated dinner\, complete with beer and wine\, while connecting with fellow business and community leaders in a relaxed\, welcoming setting. \nUnlike a traditional networking event\, The Chamber Reserve offers an opportunity to spend more time getting to know one another\, exchange ideas\, and build lasting relationships beyond the everyday business setting. \nEvent Details \nThursday\, December 10\, 2026 \n\n5:30 p.m. – Doors Open\n6:00 p.m. – Dinner\n8:00 p.m. – Evening Concludes\n\nLocation: Falco | 9975 M-89\, Richland\, MI 49083 \nRegistration: $55 per guest\, including a three-course plated dinner\, beer\, and wine. \nGuests will select their preferred entrée during registration. Please also indicate any dietary restrictions or food allergies so accommodations can be coordinated with the restaurant. \nPlease Note: This event is exclusively for invited members of the Southwest Michigan First Chamber’s two highest membership tiers. Space is limited to 30 guests\, and advance registration is required by December 6. \nWe look forward to welcoming you to the first Chamber Reserve. \nPhoto courtesy of photographer Lori Morgan Gottschling.
URL:https://firstand42.media/event_test/the-chamber-reserve-an-exclusive-member-dinner/
LOCATION:Falco\, 9975 Michigan M89\, Richland\, MI\, 49083\, United States
CATEGORIES:Chamber Events
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20270128T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20270128T161500
DTSTAMP:20261020T193746Z
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SUMMARY:Southwest Michigan First Presents: The State of Economic Development
DESCRIPTION:Join 400+ leaders shaping the future of Southwest Michigan’s economy at the State of Economic Development 2027.\n\n\nIt’s All About MOMENTUM\n \nNow in its fourth year\, Southwest Michigan First’s signature State of Economic Development has become the region’s premier gathering of regional leaders\, business executives\, entrepreneurs\, investors\, and community decision-makers. \nDiscover the people\, projects\, and partnerships driving our region forward. This is where meaningful conversations begin\, new collaborations take shape\, and leaders align around a shared vision for the future of Southwest Michigan\, one in which we all benefit. \nFrom transformative investments in downtown Kalamazoo to major business expansions\, infrastructure improvements\, and community revitalization efforts\, our region is entering an exciting new chapter. The next several years will bring projects and initiatives that reshape how we live\, work\, connect\, and compete while creating new opportunities for businesses\, residents\, and future generations. \nAs we celebrate four years of bringing leaders together\, we will focus on the momentum our region has built and the opportunities we can create when we move forward together. \n \nWhy Attend?\nFeaturing a keynote address from Jennifer Owens\, the new CEO of Southwest Michigan First\, attendees will gain insights into the opportunities\, challenges\, and strategies that can help our region continue building momentum and creating a future of shared prosperity. \nWhether you want to better understand regional trends or identify new opportunities for collaboration\, you will gain valuable insights and connections you will not find anywhere else. \nGain PerspectiveHear from business leaders\, economic experts\, and community voices about the investments\, trends\, and opportunities shaping our region. \nBuild ConnectionsConnect with executives\, entrepreneurs\, investors\, and community leaders committed to moving Southwest Michigan forward. \nShape the FutureBe part of the conversations influencing the decisions\, partnerships\, and strategies that will define our region for years to come. \nIf you are a business leader\, community partner\, entrepreneur\, investor\, or someone passionate about Southwest Michigan’s future\, this is your opportunity to connect with the people helping define what comes next. \nTogether\, we will harness the power of momentum.Together\, we will shape the future of Southwest Michigan. \nThis is what MOMENTUM feels like. We invite you to be part of it. \n \nProgram Agenda\nAgenda details are coming soon. \n \nRegistration Details\nTickets are $199 per person. \nDuring checkout\, you will be asked to provide information for each attendee\, including: \n\nFull name\nEmail address\nCompany or organization\nDietary preferences\nMobility restrictions\n\nThis ensures we have complete and accurate records for everyone attending. \nRegistration is limited\, so reserve your spot early. \n \nSponsorship Opportunities\nSponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels\, with benefits that may include reserved seating\, onstage recognition\, and logo placement on event materials. \nSponsor logos will be added as commitments are confirmed. \nFor additional sponsorship information\, visit the 2027 State of Economic Development sponsorship page. \n \nContact\nFor questions\, please contact Nick Riashi at nriashi@southwestmichiganfirst.com or 248.766.4342. \nRegister now to secure your spot. \nPlease note: All ticket sales are final and nonrefundable. If you are unable to attend\, you may transfer your ticket to a fellow team member or partner organization. Please contact a member of our team if a ticket transfer is needed.
URL:https://firstand42.media/event_test/southwest-michigan-first-presents-the-state-of-economic-development-2/
LOCATION:Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center | Arcadia Ballroom\, 100 West Michigan Avenue\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49007\, United States
CATEGORIES:Chamber Events
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