The Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce and Sturgis Bank will host the 2025 State of the Economy on Wednesday, December 3rd, at The Grand LV in Niles.
It’s an annual event that brings together business and community leaders from across the region to network, reflect on the past year’s achievements, and explore the economic trends shaping the year ahead. Attendees hope to gain meaningful insights into the forces driving local, regional, and state competitiveness, with updates from key leaders actively advancing economic development at every level.
Program Schedule
7:00 AM – Doors Open
7:30 AM – Arrival & Networking | Breakfast Served
8:00 AM – Welcome & Opening Remarks
8:10 AM – Panel 1: State & Regional Economic Outlook
8:40 AM – Panel 2: Local Municipal Economic Outlook
9:10 AM – Closing Remarks
Panel Moderator: Allison Hayes, Local Journalist & Broadcaster
Panel 1: State & Regional Economic Outlook
- Wendy Block, Senior VP of Business Advocacy, Michigan Chamber of Commerce
- Jonas Petersen, CEO, Southwest Michigan First
- Arthur Havlicek, CEO, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber
Attendees will gain insights into the economic forces shaping Michigan and specifically the Southwest Michigan region. The discussion will explore statewide policy priorities, competitiveness challenges, workforce needs, and major economic trends influencing business growth and regional development—equipping leaders with a better understanding of the opportunities and changes expected in the year ahead.
Panel 2: Local Municipal Economic Outlook
- Ann Young, Community Development Director, City of Niles
- Dan Fette, Director of Community Development, Berrien County
- Jim Ringler, Treasurer, Niles Charter Township
This panel provides a direct look at key projects and priorities driving the future of Niles, Niles Charter Township, and Berrien County. Topics include local development initiatives, infrastructure improvements, business attraction and retention efforts, and investments that support long-term growth and quality of life. The goal is for attendees to walk away with a clearer picture of what’s coming next—and how it will impact residents, employers, and the community as a whole.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Greater Niles Chamber to host the 2025 State of the Economy Breakfast, sponsored by Sturgis Bank,” said Arthur Havlicek, President & CEO of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber. “This event provides an opportunity to connect our business community, gain insight into the economic forces shaping Southwest Michigan, and better understand the trends that will define our region’s competitiveness in the year ahead.”
Tickets for the 2025 State of the Economy at The Grand LV are on-sale now at https://tinyurl.com/GNCStateoftheEconomy25 until December 2nd. Tickets are $25 for Chamber members and $50 for non-members.
2025 Event Sponsors
Title Sponsor:
- Sturgis Bank
Presenting Sponsor:
- The Batalis Agency-Farm Bureau Insurance and Horizon Bank
Event Sponsor:
- Lake Michigan College
