Southwest Michigan First shares the good news of the region it serves on FIRST & 42—our own media platform where we communicate about the people and companies you should get to know, community events, economic updates and more.
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. 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.
Job Creation and Workforce Development Lower Regional Unemployment Rates
1/28/2022
Thanks to job creation and job opportunities, this past October showed another decline in Michigan’s unemployment rates in major labor markets according to the Michigan Department of Technology.
Find Professional Business Consulting through the First Path Program
11/28/2021
If you have ever considered starting a business and think that you have a worthwhile idea that deserves exploring, consider the business consulting offered through First Path program.
Job Creation and Seasonal Trends Lower Michigan Regional Jobless Rates
10/28/2021
Following the typical seasonal trends for August, the jobless rates within 15 of 17 of Michigan’s regional labor markets decreased thanks to job creation, open positions, and more.
Economic development in Kalamazoo has helped it to maintain its top spot on the cost-of-living index put together by The Council for Community and Economic Research.
Economic Development Leaders for Michigan Call for Legislation Passage
8/25/2021
The Economic Development Leaders for Michigan (EDLM) and Southwest Michigan First have called for the Michigan Employment Opportunity Act to be passed.
Community Development Brings in Fun for Fourth of July
6/25/2021
With fourth of July fireworks being such a big part of our tradition, your community development teams have gathered to provide where they couldn’t last year.
Meet David Thomas, a Leader in Community Development
6/22/2021
Southwest Michigan First would like to introduce David Thomas, the owner and professional counselor at Insight Associates LLC and a champion of community development.
Economic Development in Benton Harbor and St. Joseph from Whirlpool
6/22/2021
Whirlpool has recently announced that they are going to provide economic development to help with a rebuild of their Global Laundry and Dishwasher Technical Center in St. Joseph.
Economic Development Comes to Three Rivers from American Axle
6/22/2021
Approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund Board, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to announce economic development assistance that includes expansion of American Axle & Manufacturing Inc. in Three Rivers.
Michigan’s Returns to Full Capacity May Increase Job Creation
6/17/2021
Today, the end of COVID-19 restriction orders on gatherings and masking has been announced by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, which is going to increase job creation once again.
