Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Wins State Economic Development Award

The organization was recognized for its work in talent attraction and population growth initiatives.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 6:49pm

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The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber has received a 2025 Make It in Michigan Award from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, recognizing the chamber's efforts to support economic growth and attract new residents to the region. The chamber was honored for its work under the 'People' pillar, which includes coordinating employer, educator, and community partnerships to strengthen talent attraction and business investment across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties.

Why it matters

The award highlights the importance of regional collaboration in strengthening Michigan's long-term economic competitiveness, as the state works to grow its population and workforce. The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber's initiatives, such as the Discover Southwest Michigan program, demonstrate innovative approaches to talent attraction that could serve as a model for other communities.

The details

The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber was selected as one of two winners in the 'People' category of the Make It in Michigan Awards. The organization was recognized for its work coordinating efforts among employers, educators, community organizations, and regional partners to bolster talent attraction and business investment in the region. The chamber's Discover Southwest Michigan initiative, a program designed to recruit prospective residents and connect them with career opportunities, was also highlighted as a successful pilot through the state's Make MI Home Grant Program.

  • The Make It in Michigan Awards were presented on March 9, 2026 during the MEDC's annual Leadership Summit.
  • The Discover Southwest Michigan initiative launched in May 2025.

The players

Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber

A nonprofit business advocacy organization serving Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties in Southwest Michigan. The chamber was recognized for its work in talent attraction and population growth initiatives.

Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The state's chief economic development agency, which created the Make It in Michigan Awards to highlight organizations supporting the state's economic development strategy.

Quentin L. Messer Jr.

The CEO of the MEDC, who praised the impact of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber's Discover Southwest Michigan initiative.

Arthur Havlicek

The President and CEO of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, who accepted the award on behalf of the organization.

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What they’re saying

“The award reflects the increasing importance of regional collaboration in strengthening Michigan's long-term economic competitiveness.”

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

“The chamber's work through the Make MI Home grant helped expand its population growth efforts, generating strong interest after launching last May.”

— Quentin L. Messer Jr., CEO, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (moodyonthemarket.com)

What’s next

The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber plans to continue its Discover Southwest Michigan initiative and explore additional ways to collaborate with regional partners to attract talent and investment to the area.

The takeaway

The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber's recognition by the MEDC demonstrates the value of innovative, collaborative approaches to economic development and population growth. As Michigan works to strengthen its long-term competitiveness, the chamber's model of regional cooperation and targeted talent attraction programs could serve as a blueprint for other communities across the state.