Displaying items by tag: Southwest Michigan First
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.
Former GOP House Speaker Lee Chatfield named new CEO of Southwest Michigan First
KALAMAZOO — Former Republican Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield has been named CEO of Southwest Michigan First, the economic development agency announced Thursday.
Economic development leadership changes could lend ‘fresh eyes’ to mission
West Michigan economic development organizations are in a transition period — much like the industry itself during the COVID-19 pandemic — as multiple agencies take on new leadership.
Despite new state law, no solid plans for Kalamazoo event center
KALAMAZOO — A new funding tool recently signed into law is intended to help finance an event center in downtown Kalamazoo, but it’s unclear if there is a desire or solid plans to move forward with the venue.
MEDC pilot program seeks to connect corporate purchasers with small biz during holidays
Calls to support small businesses during the holiday shopping season have perhaps never been louder than this year.
State COVID-19 relief grants reach thousands of West Michigan small businesses
Thousands of small businesses across West and Southwest Michigan have received grant funding from a state COVID-19 relief program.