Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Expands Partnerships and CGAs in Berrien County

New agreements with Buchanan and Niles chambers, plus creation of two new CGAs, demonstrate regional cooperation.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber announced a new partnership agreement with the Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce, similar to its existing arrangement with the Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce. The chamber also highlighted the creation of two new Chamber and Growth Alliances (CGAs) in central Berrien County and Harbor Country, representing an unprecedented investment in economic development across the region.

Why it matters

The regional chamber's efforts to unify business and community leaders across Berrien County's traditional north-south divide are seen as crucial for the area to compete and win together as a cohesive region. The new CGAs will enable the chamber to dedicate full-time staff to drive growth in those specific communities.

The details

Under the new partnership agreement, the Buchanan chamber will retain its own board and brand identity while integrating into the regional organization's structure, similar to the Niles arrangement. The Central Berrien CGA includes Baroda Township, the village of Baroda, Berrien Township, Oronoko Township, the village of Berrien Springs, and the village of Eau Claire. The Southwest Berrien CGA includes Chikaming Township, the city of New Buffalo, New Buffalo Township, and Three Oaks Township.

  • The new partnership agreement with the Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce was announced on Friday, February 20, 2026.
  • The two new CGAs in central Berrien County and Harbor Country were created in the past year.

The players

Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber

A regional business organization serving Berrien County and surrounding areas.

Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce

A local chamber of commerce in Buchanan, Michigan that has partnered with the regional chamber.

Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce

A local chamber of commerce in Niles, Michigan that has an existing partnership agreement with the regional chamber.

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What they’re saying

“What makes this so important is that successful regions around the country are successful because they compete and win together. They're unified, they're aligned, and in Berrien County there has long been this north and south divide that's held us back. And by bringing these chambers under one umbrella, these business and community leaders all working together toward the common vision across community lines. We're one major step closer to thinking and competing and winning as one region.”

— Arthur Havlicek, President and CEO, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber (wsjm.com)

What’s next

The newly formed CGAs are in the process of hiring directors now, further growing the regional chamber's ranks.

The takeaway

The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber's efforts to unify business and community leaders across Berrien County's traditional divisions demonstrate the power of regional cooperation. By bringing local chambers under one umbrella and creating new CGAs, the chamber is positioning the area to compete and win together as a cohesive region.