by Kimberly Viers | Jun 4, 2021 | Uncategorized
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect treat to celebrate today’s holiday, we can assure you that you’re sure to score a hole-in-one kind of donut in our region. Whether you prefer sugar-coated, glazed, or filled, Southwest Michigan has what...
by Kimberly Viers | May 28, 2021 | Culture
We’re going to let you in on a little secret: today is National Hamburger Day! If you get the chance to enjoy a home-grilled burger this holiday weekend, we challenge you to get out and see how yours stacks up against the pros. And if you don’t, well, taste and...
by Kimberly Viers | May 26, 2021 | Leadership
Dr. Carmen Maring, principal at Gull Lake Middle School, is a passionate leader who is doing her part to make the middle school experience better for all students. “Everyone’s experience with middle school is varied, but overall, it’s not usually people’s...
by Kimberly Viers | May 24, 2021 | Business
Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced updates to the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (MIOSHA) COVID-19 emergency rules as many employers return to in-person work. The governor also announced an updated Michigan Department of Health and...
by Kimberly Viers | May 20, 2021 | Business
Kalamazoo RESA (KRESA) and Southwest Michigan First’s public-private partnership, formed ahead of the 2019 Career & Technical Education (CTE) millage campaign, remains strong as the two agencies are united in the goal of redesigning Kalamazoo County’s CTE system....
by Kimberly Viers | May 20, 2021 | Business
The ‘MI Vacc to Normal’ Plan now features two steps to get the state back to normal by July 1st. Here we go Michigan. Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced an updated MI Vacc to Normal plan, which outlines steps Michiganders can take to emerge from...
by Kimberly Viers | May 20, 2021 | Culture
Summer means it’s time to grill out and chill out in Southwest Michigan. FIRST & 42 has gathered a list of four of the sauciest barbecue joints in the region for you to dig into—napkins not required, but highly encouraged. Moe Pritchett, owner of Big Moe’s BBQ...
by Kimberly Viers | May 19, 2021 | Uncategorized
Cherise Buchanan is an active community member, entrepreneur, leader, connector, mentor, and much more. A member of the 2015 class of Leadership Kalamazoo, our region’s premier civic leadership development program powered by Southwest Michigan First, Cherise puts her...
by Kimberly Viers | May 17, 2021 | Business
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...
by Kimberly Viers | May 14, 2021 | Business
Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is updating the Gatherings and Mask Order to align with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s latest guidance on face coverings. The new order...
by Kimberly Viers | May 13, 2021 | Business
Access to broadband and high-speed internet is vital to people’s ability to work, learn and carry out business. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it more imperative than ever and building and strengthening broadband infrastructure throughout Michigan will be a driver of...
by Kimberly Viers | May 11, 2021 | Business
The number 55 was a big one announced by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on May 10, 2021. That’s right Michigan: Officially, 55 percent of Michiganders have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. This announcement marks the first milestone of the ‘MI Vacc...
