Southwest Michigan Chamber Wins Statewide Award for Talent Attraction

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The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber has received a 2025 Make It in Michigan Award from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for its efforts to support economic growth and attract new residents to the region. The Chamber was honored under the 'People' pillar for its Discover Southwest Michigan initiative, a program designed to recruit prospective residents and connect them with career opportunities.

Why it matters

The award highlights the importance of regional collaboration in strengthening Michigan's long-term economic competitiveness, as the Chamber's work has helped expand population growth efforts and position Southwest Michigan as a destination for talent and investment.

The details

Over the past several years, the Chamber has coordinated efforts among employers, educators, community organizations, and regional partners to strengthen talent attraction and business investment across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. The Discover Southwest Michigan initiative was selected as a pilot through the state's Make MI Home Grant Program, which supports new approaches to attracting residents to Michigan communities.

• The Chamber's Discover Southwest Michigan initiative launched in May 2025.
• The 2025 Make It in Michigan Awards were presented on March 9, 2026.

What’s next

The Chamber plans to continue expanding the Discover Southwest Michigan initiative to attract more prospective residents to the region.