Why early childhood belongs on every Michigan voter’s ballot
Why Michigan voters should pay attention candidates' stands on childcare and early learning.
Economic Development
Coverage of projects, big and small, and the people who create them, which promote the economic health of a community, including manufacturing, retail, office, and hospitality developments.
Latest in Economic Development
Vicksburg’s revitalized downtown drives growth, community spirit, and local spending — with incentives
Vicksburg has revitalized its historic downtown and introduced a bonus-incentivized community spending card to boost local business amid changing retail trends.
Back in business: How the Southwest Michigan First Chamber rebuilt membership and renewed its mission
After years of declining membership and organizational change, the Southwest Michigan First Chamber is rebuilding its influence by expanding business connections, fostering inclusion, and helping strengthen Kalamazoo's small business community.
Jennifer Owens joins Southwest Michigan First as new CEO, reflects on her years at Lakeshore Advantage
Jennifer Owens, outgoing Lakeshore Advantage President, reflects on past leadership as she joins Southwest Michigan First as new CEO.
Coalition proposes that no family pay more than 7% of their income for child care
Universal Childcare without Conditions centers affordability for families and sustainability for providers.
A new idea for the healthcare industry wins $100K at Cultivate 269 student pitch contest
A Western Michigan University graduate student won $100,000 in a Kalamazoo pitch competition for his AI-powered medical language platform, highlighting the region’s growing support for student entrepreneurs and high-impact startups.
Vintage clothing finds new life in Constantine’s historic heart
A new shop devoted to vintage clothing has opened in downtown Constantine, where owner Stacy Synstelien is turning decades of collecting and retail therapy into a small-town business rooted in history.
Housing pros answer the question: Are these places really affordable?
How do you define "affordable housing"? It turns out there is a precise definition.
Kalamazoo Women2Women builds connections, fuels growth for local businesswomen
Kalamazoo Women2Women, a growing local network founded in 2016, is fostering mentorship, collaboration, and business growth by connecting professional women across industries in a supportive, no-dues environment.
Plunge, sweat, connect: House of Plunge brings contrast therapy to Benton Harbor
House of Plunge in Benton Harbor’s Arts District combines cold plunges, saunas, and recovery therapies as a one-stop shop for “feeling darn good.”
Vicksburg’s revitalized downtown drives growth, community spirit, and local spending — with incentives
Vicksburg has revitalized its historic downtown and introduced a bonus-incentivized community spending card to boost local business amid changing retail trends.
Back in business: How the Southwest Michigan First Chamber rebuilt membership and renewed its mission
After years of declining membership and organizational change, the Southwest Michigan First Chamber is rebuilding its influence by expanding business connections, fostering inclusion, and helping strengthen Kalamazoo's small business community.
Jennifer Owens joins Southwest Michigan First as new CEO, reflects on her years at Lakeshore Advantage
Jennifer Owens, outgoing Lakeshore Advantage President, reflects on past leadership as she joins Southwest Michigan First as new CEO.
Coalition proposes that no family pay more than 7% of their income for child care
Universal Childcare without Conditions centers affordability for families and sustainability for providers.
A new idea for the healthcare industry wins $100K at Cultivate 269 student pitch contest
A Western Michigan University graduate student won $100,000 in a Kalamazoo pitch competition for his AI-powered medical language platform, highlighting the region’s growing support for student entrepreneurs and high-impact startups.
Vintage clothing finds new life in Constantine’s historic heart
A new shop devoted to vintage clothing has opened in downtown Constantine, where owner Stacy Synstelien is turning decades of collecting and retail therapy into a small-town business rooted in history.
Housing pros answer the question: Are these places really affordable?
How do you define "affordable housing"? It turns out there is a precise definition.
Kalamazoo Women2Women builds connections, fuels growth for local businesswomen
Kalamazoo Women2Women, a growing local network founded in 2016, is fostering mentorship, collaboration, and business growth by connecting professional women across industries in a supportive, no-dues environment.
Plunge, sweat, connect: House of Plunge brings contrast therapy to Benton Harbor
House of Plunge in Benton Harbor’s Arts District combines cold plunges, saunas, and recovery therapies as a one-stop shop for “feeling darn good.”
