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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.

First & 42

New arena plans: See designs for water features, courtyard, parking deck, slimmer street

4/27/2024

Kalamazoo will narrow one of its downtown roads to make way for wider sidewalks, a parking structure and an outdoor plaza.

Discover Kalamazoo Sports estimates $28.5M influx from visitor spending in 2023

3/28/2024

With more than 70 sporting events held in Kalamazoo in 2023, Discover Kalamazoo Sports has estimated $28.5 million in direct visitor spending went into the local economy.

Mattawan Schools receive $150K grant to improve STEM equipment, programming

2/29/2024

Mattawan Consolidated Schools announced Wednesday that they have been awarded a $150,000 grant in support of STEM programming.

Industrial Recycler Opens $20M ‘Green’ Aluminum Plant Near Kalamazoo

1/28/2024

Industrial recycling and metals distribution company Schupan & Sons Inc. has opened a new production facility near Kalamazoo that will help meet growing demand for recycled “green” aluminum.

The Michigan Strategic Fund closes out 2023 with investments that support and grow businesses and communities across Michigan

12/27/2023

Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to announce Michigan Strategic Fund approval of a wide range of projects that, in total, will create or retain 956 jobs and generate nearly $253 million in investment in Michigan.

Southwest Michigan First Receives $600,000 Grant from W.K. Kellogg Foundation

11/28/2023

Funds will allow Southwest Michigan First to expand community, economic and workforce development projects in southwest Michigan with a focus on Calhoun County.

WMU president outlines vision for student success in State of the University address

10/30/2023

Striving toward student success: that was the vision for Western Michigan University as WMU President Edward Montgomery gave the 2023-24 State of the University Address Wednesday afternoon.

2 new life science companies ‘graduate’ from WMed Innovation Center

9/28/2023

The WMed Innovation Center is an incubator for growing science and technology businesses. The 69,000-square-foot building offers lab space and office space companies can rent out. Companies get access to high quality materials and support services, according to the WMed Innovation Center website.

Invest in the Future of Southwest Michigan and Beyond with the WMU Bronco Challenge

8/28/2023

Western Michigan University (WMU) is about to launch the second year of an innovative sustainability initiative after a successful inaugural year in 2022-23.

KRESA’s CareerNOW Program Opens Free Culinary Pre-Apprenticeship for Young Adults

7/28/2023

Kalamazoo RESA’s CareerNOW program, in collaboration with local organizations and Firekeepers Casino Hotel, is thrilled to announce a free Culinary Skills Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

Gov. Whitmer Announces 350 New Jobs After Winning Business and Housing Investments Across the State

6/14/2023

Three business expansion projects and one community development project expected to create a total of 350 new jobs and generate a total private investment of more than $25 million have received support from the Michigan Strategic Fund

Western Michigan University Hosts Corporate Engagement Southwest Michigan Corporate Leadership Breakfast

5/28/2023

On April 26, 2023, Western Michigan University’s (WMU) corporate engagement team hosted the first Southwest Michigan Corporate Leadership Breakfast, inviting local industry partners to campus to hear about WMU’s new approach to building strategic partnerships.