2025 and early ’26 have been a banner year for the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce.
At its annual meeting Friday, chamber members got an update on the progress from President/CEO Arthur Havlicek and other chamber leaders. The organization has taken several steps toward actually becoming a ‘regional’ organization, with several business groups in Berrien County joining under the SMR Chamber masthead.
Working on the theme of ‘Stronger Together,’ the event featured a full update from CEO Havlicek which included the official announcement of the Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce joining the Regional Chamber’s family of organizations. This addition follows the Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce’s partnership in the fall of 2025, furthering regional alignment and helping to end the long-standing divide between North and South Berrien County.
Other takeaways from Business Recognition event included the addition of two new Chamber and Growth Alliances (CGA) across Berrien County. Those included the Central Berrien CGA representing six communities, including Baroda Township, Baroda Village, Berrien Township, Oronoko Township, the Village of Berrien Springs, and the Village of Eau Claire; and the Southwest Berrien CGA serving four communities, including Chikaming Township, City of New Buffalo, New Buffalo Township, and Three Oaks Township.
“The trajectory is right. The momentum is real. And for the first time in a long time, the direction is unmistakably forward,” added Havlicek. He has headed the Chamber for six years and was a recipient of MoodyOnTheMarket.com ‘s ’40 Under 40.’
SMR Chamber President/CEO Arthur Havlicek
