Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber

BEYOND THE DESK: BRITTANY, JASMINE & MOLLY These three outstanding young professionals were able to attend last night's 50th Anniversary Celebration for Region IV Area Agency on Aging. Their participation highlights the dedication we have, not just within our roles, but beyond the desk, where we continue to engage with and support the community. We are fortunate to connect with and uplift other organizations in the area, working together to create a positive impact. It's events like these that remind us of the importance of building strong, meaningful relationships that extend far beyond the workplace. Are you interested in highlighting a young professional making a positive impact in the community through education and service? Please reach out to Jasmine at [email protected]. #beyondthedesk #youngprofessionals #NextGen

Hello, and welcome to a brand-new month and another Wisdom Wednesday! We hope you're loving these bi-weekly wisdom drops as much as we do. If you’re new here, every other Wednesday we spotlight local leaders who share valuable insights to inspire the next generation. This week, we’re thrilled to feature Tim Tate, President of Edgewater Automation. “Hard work, effort, and a commitment to self-improvement are the cornerstones of success in any field. Every challenge overcome and every skill refined will transform obstacles into opportunities, showing that resilience and dedication not only build a career but also shape a legacy of excellence."

Hello, Wisdom Wednesday! We hope you're enjoying these bi-weekly wisdom nuggets as much as we do! In case you didn't know, every other Wednesday we share insights and advice from our local leaders to inspire the next generation of leaders. This week, we're excited to feature Leanne Brownfield, AVP and Business Development Specialist at Sturgis Bank. · What is the best piece of advice you got from a mentor or leader? You may not always be the smartest person in the room but it is your choice to be the hardest working. · Think back to yourself as a young professional - what would you want to tell yourself? The success you see around came from years of experience. Be patient. · What inspires you to continue showing up and supporting our community. Supporting our community comes easy to me because I work, live and enjoy Southwest Michigan. · What advice do you have for young professionals seeking to establish themselves as leaders in our community? Being a leader in things that you are passionate about will come naturally to you. · What qualities do you believe are essential for effective leadership in our community? Honesty, Passionate, Caring, Motivated

We've teamed up with Lake Michigan College to offer a one-day Professionalism & Soft Skills Bootcamp, on Monday, September 30th. This is a perfect event for anyone on your team to get a refresher on time management, communication strategies, professional interactions, conflict management, personal brands, and more! Get registered today at: https://lnkd.in/gVqh7bzc

We couldn't have said it better, Dan Buckenmeyer, CEcD, EDP! It was a pleasure working with you and Southwest Michigan First on this, and equally so seeing so many organizations in the community come together to spotlight ALL of Southwest Michigan!

We are so incredibly proud of our Board Chair, Mark Lemoine, for being named the new Senior Vice President of Franchise Operations for Kampgrounds of America (KOA), Inc. Read the press release here: https://bit.ly/4dVjEH3

It's another beautiful day in Southwest Michigan for our initiative: Wisdom Wednesdays! Every other Wednesday, we bring you insights and advice from our local leaders to inspire the next generation of leaders. This week, we are proud to highlight Zack East, Senior Director of Organizational Sustainability for United Way of Southwest Michigan; On-Air Personality at 107.9 The Lake & 98.3 The Coast. What is the best piece of advice you got from a mentor or leader? Keep reading. Read whatever you can. Even if you don’t like reading. Read up on how to be a better person, a better leader, a better partner to your significant other and co-workers. It will make a difference in helping you grow your abilities and perspectives.

We are thrilled to share that we via our newest entity Discover Southest Michigan are a recipient of the Michigan Gateway Community Foundation's recent grant cycle! $10,000 from the George & LaVonne Sullivan Endowment, Niles Area Fund, Cass Community Fund and Michigan Gateway Community Foundation General Fund to support the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber in their efforts to address population decline, job creation and the creation of marketing materials, landing pages and community tours to promote the region of South Berrien and Cass Counties. https://lnkd.in/gJ8jf4pc

It's another Wisdom Wednesday! Every other Wednesday, we bring you insights and advice from our local leaders to inspire the next generation of leaders. This week, we are excited to highlight Jonathan Smith, Account Executive with ABC57 and an Ambassador with the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber. “I believe that staying true to yourself and your values and beliefs is vital to whatever you choose to do in life. Being authentic and genuine in all aspects of life is critical to success; whether that be personal or professional success. Some of the best leaders I know are truly honest and consistent in the way they interact with others. Regardless of whether you’re dealing with someone for the first time or the thousandth time, people want to interact with those that are consistent and genuine. Those traits also show through in the way you support community. People can tell if someone is just going through the motions or if they’re authentically passionate about serving others. Passion and authenticity are contagious.” “I also believe that curiosity and lifelong learning contribute to success in whatever you do. The most successful people I know are always seeking new knowledge and experiences. This doesn’t have to be specific to your career! Having diverse sets of experiences and knowledge can only help make you a more well-rounded individual.” “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. They happen to everyone. Be accountable, apologize if necessary, grow and try to do better in the future.”

Your Chamber in the News: Earlier this week the Lincoln Township Board of Trustees voted unanimously agreed to explore the formation of a Greater Stevensville Chamber and Growth Alliance (CGA) with the Village of Stevensville, marking another step forward for the collaborative economic development initiative aimed at fostering growth and prosperity in the community. https://lnkd.in/g3y7jFMA