The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber has received a statewide honor recognizing its efforts to support economic growth and attract new residents to the region.
The organization was awarded a 2025 Make It in Michigan Award by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which created the awards this year to highlight organizations helping advance the state’s economic development strategy. The awards recognize work under three focus areas — People, Places, and Projects — with two winners selected in each category.
The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber was honored under the “People” pillar for its work addressing population growth and workforce development in the region. Over the past several years, the Chamber has coordinated efforts among employers, educators, community organizations, and regional partners to strengthen talent attraction and business investment across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties.
State officials highlighted the Chamber’s Discover Southwest Michigan initiative, a program designed to recruit prospective residents and connect them with career opportunities in the region. The program was selected as a pilot through the state’s Make MI Home Grant Program, which supports new approaches to attracting residents to Michigan communities.
Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber President and CEO Arthur Havlicek accepted the award on behalf of the organization. He said strong partnerships and coordinated strategies are key to helping Michigan grow its population and workforce while positioning Southwest Michigan as a destination for talent and investment.
“Through our partnership with MEDC and the Michigan Growth office, we were given access to a pretty sophisticated platform that allows us to take interested applicants — we’ve had over a 1000 applicants representing. over 3 ,000 prospective new residents — (and) ask them a series of questions to see if they’re eligible for the program,” said Havlicek.
According to Chamber and MEDC officials, the initiative generated strong interest after launching last May, receiving 1,175 applicants.
“We get a lot of information, including what industry they work in, what jobs they’re looking for, and what’s the wage that they’re seeking. And we’re able to use all that to help play matchmaker to positions that might be a good fit here in Southwest Michigan,” Havlicek added.
MEDC Chief Executive Officer Quentin L. Messer Jr. praised the program’s impact, noting the Chamber’s work through the Make MI Home grant helped expand its population growth efforts.
The award was presented March nine during MEDC’s annual Leadership Summit at the MotorCity Casino in Detroit, where economic development leaders from across Michigan gathered to discuss the state’s economic outlook.
The Chamber says the recognition reflects the increasing importance of regional collaboration in strengthening Michigan’s long-term economic competitiveness.
Founded in 1954, the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is a nonprofit business advocacy organization serving Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties.
Image credit: Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber.
