Two of Berrien County’s largest business organizations are joining forces in what leaders are calling a historic move to unify and strengthen the region’s economic voice.
The Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce and the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber announced their official partnership Wednesday during a press conference at the Bertrand Innovation Center in Niles.
It’s the first time in Berrien County history that chambers of commerce have merged efforts at this scale. Officials say the collaboration will reshape how the business community advocates, competes, and delivers services across the county.
Together, the two organizations represent nearly 1,000 members. Leaders say the new alliance will allow them to speak with a stronger, more unified voice in Lansing, Washington, and beyond, while also bridging a long-standing divide between north and south Berrien County.
The Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1919, focuses on economic development and business advocacy in the Niles area. The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, established in 1954, serves Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties through collective-impact initiatives and regional advocacy.
Both chambers said the partnership marks a new chapter for Berrien County’s business community—one focused on shared success and regional cooperation.
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