Displaying items by tag: Southwest Michigan First
$550 million gift to Western Michigan University a ‘catalyst’ for the community
KALAMAZOO — Representatives from Western Michigan University announced on Tuesday that the school has received the largest private gift ever bestowed on a public university.
MiBiz Growth Report: March 15, 2021
Here's the MiBiz growth report for March 15, 2021.
Bethany Christian adoption policy draws cautious optimism from LGBTQ advocates
GRAND RAPIDS — Bethany Christian Services’ announcement this month that it would begin to help LGBTQ parents nationwide adopt children was a major policy reversal for the global adoption agency and, for civil rights advocates, appeared to be a step toward progress.
Kalamazoo County suspends contribution to, pursues ‘better relationship’ with Southwest Michigan First
KALAMAZOO — The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners voted 7-4 Tuesday to suspend its 2021 funding to Southwest Michigan First as the fallout continues over the organization’s brief hire of former GOP House Speaker Lee Chatfield as CEO.
Southwest Michigan First regroups after Chatfield resignation; questions remain over event center
KALAMAZOO — Former GOP House Speaker Lee Chatfield’s weeklong run as CEO of Southwest Michigan First spurred a wave of backlash from the community that has damaged the economic development organization’s reputation, officials say.
Chatfield resigns as Southwest Michigan First CEO after week of controversy
KALAMAZOO — Former GOP House Speaker Lee Chatfield has resigned as CEO of Southwest Michigan First, a week after his appointment generated controversy among local officials and some in the local business community.
Kalamazoo Community Foundation drops Southwest Michigan First membership as CEO backlash continues
KALAMAZOO — The Kalamazoo Community Foundation has dropped its membership with Southwest Michigan First effective immediately as backlash continues over the economic development organization’s hiring of former GOP House Speaker Lee Chatfield as its CEO.
State awards nearly 6,000 businesses with COVID-19 relief grants
State officials announced today that nearly 6,000 Michigan businesses have received grant funding totaling $52.5 million under a COVID-19 relief program signed into law late last year.
Advocates call on Southwest Michigan First to back civil rights expansion after CEO controversy
KALAMAZOO — LGBTQ advocates say Southwest Michigan First should support expanding Michigan’s civil rights law following backlash to the appointment of its new CEO, former House Speaker Lee Chatfield.
Kalamazoo pulls Southwest Michigan First funding after Chatfield appointment
KALAMAZOO — The Kalamazoo City Commission unanimously voted to withdraw $10,000 in annual funding for Southwest Michigan First on the same day former GOP House Speaker Lee Chatfield started as the economic development organization’s CEO.