by Kimberly Viers | Jun 4, 2021 | Business
Michigan’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate decreased slightly by two-tenths of a percentage point to 4.9 percent in April, according to data released by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget. Employment in Michigan edged up modestly by 6,000...
by Kimberly Viers | Jun 4, 2021 | Leadership
More than 25 local leaders from a diverse range of sectors joined together at The Foundry last week to kick off the 2021 class of Leadership Kalamazoo. Participants represent both large and small organizations from our region including Blue Cross Blue Shield of...
by Kimberly Viers | Jun 4, 2021 | Business
Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to announce that five communities around Michigan have been awarded a total of $100,000 in grants to support the downtown enhancement and improvement projects. Communities receiving...
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...
