LATEST NEWS

Business Consulting, Community Development, Economic Development, and More

Southwest Michigan First distributes positive news about the region it serves through FIRST & 42, a digital platform offering updates on what the organization and local businesses are doing, as well as other regional happenings, in our geographical latitude—parallel 42. You can enjoy FIRST & 42 news from us in two ways: when you want it on the standalone site or delivered straight to your inbox through our digital newsletter called “First & 42: The Kalamazoo Region’s Digital Daily” on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Subscriptions are free, so there is no excuse not to get all that you need to know fast and at your fingertips—meaning on your phone, computer or watch.

If you’re interested in staying up to date with all of our latest news and announcements, click the button below to explore all that FIRST & 42 has to offer.

First & 42

Welcome to the Website of Southwest Michigan First

Welcome to the Website of Southwest Michigan First

7/14/2021

As our regular visitors have likely noticed, our new website have surely noticed, our website has been completely redone.

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Fireworks: Looking to See Jelly Fish, Rings, and Waterfalls Sky High?

Fireworks: Looking to See Jelly Fish, Rings, and Waterfalls Sky High?

6/25/2021

Fireworks have been part of Fourth of July celebrations since 1777. Grab your favorite blanket and head out to these locations to check out the aerial displays near you.

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Meet David Thomas

Meet David Thomas

6/22/2021

A true community servant with a heart for helping others, David Thomas is the owner and professional counselor at Insight Associates LLC, and a public servant for leadership development in Kalamazoo.

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Whirlpool Invests $80 Million in Benton Harbor and St. Joseph

Whirlpool Invests $80 Million in Benton Harbor and St. Joseph

6/22/2021

Whirlpool Corporation, founded in 1911 and the world’s leading kitchen and laundry appliance company today, is planning to invest more than $60 million for economic development to rehabilitate and reconstruct its Global Laundry and Dishwasher Technical Center in the city of St. Joseph.

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American Axle Announces 100 New Jobs and $38.6 Million Investment in Three Rivers

American Axle Announces 100 New Jobs and $38.6 Million Investment in Three Rivers

6/22/2021

Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to announce economic development assistance for projects approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund Board today.

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Governor Whitmer Announces State Will Open to Full Capacity on June 22

Governor Whitmer Announces State Will Open to Full Capacity on June 22

6/17/2021

Governor Gretchen Whitmer today accelerated the end of all COVID-19 epidemic orders on gatherings and masking as COVID-19 cases continue to plummet following increased vaccinations.

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Get Ready For This Historic Four-Story Renovation Happening in Kalamazoo

Get Ready For This Historic Four-Story Renovation Happening in Kalamazoo

6/15/2021

266 Michigan Ave Kalamazoo, LLC plans to renovate a historic four-story building into a community and economic development in the Haymarket historic district of downtown Kalamazoo.

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