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Kalamazoo Tech Hub - Networking Meetup
2025-11-13 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | Ty’s Joint, 1301 Portage St, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001, United States
Meet local tech pros & innovators at Kalamazoo Tech Hub! Network, share ideas, and connect with the city’s growing tech scene.

November Women in Business Luncheon
2025-11-14 11:30 - 13:00 (America/Halifax) | Squirrel Hollow Golf Course, 12111 Helmer Rd S, Battle Creek, MI, 49015, United States
Join the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce for the November Women in Business Luncheon on Friday, November 14, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Squirrel Hollow.
This engaging program provides an opportunity for women to connect, share experiences, and explore pathways for personal and business growth while strengthening relationships within the community.
Tickets are $20 per person. https://www.zeffy.com/…/women-in-business-keiara-b-gladney
Reserve your seat today and be part of an inspiring afternoon of connection and conversation.

Startup Zoo November Pitch Night
2025-11-14 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Halifax) | Start Up Zoo Office, 229 E Michigan Ave, Suite 335, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Join us for an inspiring night where innovators, mentors, and supporters unite to connect, celebrate, and share ideas.
Whether you’re a founder, mentor, friend, or funder, this is where connections spark and ideas take flight.
You belong in this space — where ideas grow, connections happen, and dreams move forward.

Mariah’s high notes aren’t the only thing heating up this November — see you at Pitch Night! !

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pitch-night-tickets-491562585927?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8bX7cNdx_WT7alzlqzVqN9hDwKSWBLKYfxygTL4VCkhjDffoF750SJQjDSgJXeqWjf5cbdutFqa_q0Ab5BB8eEpCeXYA&_hsmi=388615175&utm_content=388615175&utm_source=hs_email

Rise & Thrive Coffee Connect
2025-11-18 07:30 - 09:00 (America/Halifax) | Kalamazoo Valley Culinary/Allied Health Building, 418 East Walnut Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
It’s time to Rise & Thrive!
We know schedules can be packed with work, family, and other commitments. If evening events don’t fit your routine, Rise & Thrive Coffee Connect is the perfect way to start your day with great conversations and community insights.
Join us this month on Tuesday, November 18 at the KVCC Culinary Allied Health Building to hear directly from our partners about their impact and discover opportunities to support their programs. Space is limited, so RSVP now.*
The Rise & Thrive Coffee Connect series is sponsored by Honor Credit Union. Together, we hope this series stokes pride in where we all live, work, and play, making us all ambassadors of Southwest Michigan. Thank you for helping us build a more connected and informed business community.
Don’t forget to bring your favorite mug! Coffee will be served, and we encourage you to sip sustainably while connecting with fellow business leaders.

The 5 Truths of Marketing with Dr. Kelley O'Reilly
2025-11-18 11:30 - 13:00 (America/Halifax) | Haworth College of Business, Dean’s Office Conference Room, 2300 Business Court, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Let’s face it: marketing isn’t what it used to be, but the fundamentals still matter.

Let’s face it: marketing isn’t what it used to be, but the fundamentals still matter. In this engaging session, Dr. Kelley O’Reilly will revisit the time-tested concepts that should still drive your strategy, regardless of your industry or marketing role. Whether you’re in branding, digital, content, or communications, this talk will help you reconnect with the “why” behind your work and leave with actionable ways to sharpen your impact.

Thank you to our event sponsor, LKF Marketing.
LKF Marketing is a full-service marketing agency based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, offering intelligent marketing solutions since 1989. The agency specializes in advertising, marketing strategy, public relations, and website design and development, and has built a reputation for holistic client partnerships, aiming to act as an extension of their clients’ teams.

November Chamber Connect | ELITE Companies
2025-11-18 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Detroit) | Kalamazoo Beer Exchange, 211 East Water Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Build Your Professional Network at the November Chamber Connect!
Your professional network is one of your most valuable assets as a business leader—and the Southwest Michigan First Chamber is here to help you expand and strengthen it. Whether you’re looking to build new connections, foster collaborations, or share insights with like-minded professionals, our Chamber Connect events provide the perfect opportunity.
The November Chamber Connect has become a tradition with our friends and members at ELITE Companies. Plus, the Kalamazoo Beer Exchange is open and welcoming you back to see some of the changes they’ve made. Join us for the best in hors d’oeuvres and drinks at one of the biggest events of the year!
Interested in learning more about Chamber membership? Reach out to Kevin Crittenden at kcrittenden@southwestmichiganfirst.com.
We can’t wait to see you there!

Barrels, Bottles & Brews - Kalamazoo In Person Networking
2025-11-19 16:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax) | MI

Women Who Care Quarterly Meeting
2025-11-19 17:00 - 18:30 UTC | Revel & Roll West, 4500 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, United States
Join us for the quarterly meeting of Women Who Care of Kalamazoo County. We are 100+ women who give to a 501(c)3 charity, based on nomination presentations from our members, and a collective vote.
Doors open at 5, we will start promptly at 5:30.

Southwest Michigan Real Estate Meetup: 2-Year Anniversary Celebration
2025-11-19 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Halifax) | The Link Community Event Center, 311 West Michigan Avenue, 49037, MI, 49037, United States
Join us as we celebrate two years of growth, connection, and collaboration in the Southwest Michigan real estate community!

For the past two years, the Southwest Michigan Real Estate Meetup has been a space where investors, agents, contractors, lenders, and entrepreneurs come together to learn, network, and build opportunities that strengthen our region.
Now, it’s time to celebrate how far we’ve come — and look ahead to where we’re going next.
🔹 Event Details
📍 Location: The Link Event + Community Center
311 W Michigan Ave, Battle Creek, MI
📅 Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2025
🕠 Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
🔹 What to Expect

Networking with local real estate professionals and investors
Insightful discussion about the growth of real estate in Southwest Michigan
A look ahead at opportunities and collaboration for 2026
Light refreshments and community connections

HYPE (Highlighting Young Professional Excellence)
2025-11-19 17:30 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | Watermark Solarium, 2688 Kimmel Street, Stevensville, MI, 49127, United States
HYPE is set to inspire and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs on November 19, 2025, at the . The event, designed for young professionals aged 21-40, will feature a dynamic panel discussion and a Shark Tank-style pitch competition, providing a unique platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas and compete for valuable capital and in-kind support. Exact prize amounts will be announced as we get closer to the event.
Event Schedule
The event begins with a panel discussion highlighting young entrepreneurs who have built successful businesses in Southwest Michigan. In the second part of the event, a Shark Tank style Pitch Competition takes place, with the panelists serving as the judges.

The Panel
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Registration & Networking
5:30 PM – 5:40 PM: Welcome & Opening Remarks
5:40 PM – 6:20 PM: HYPE Panel Discussion
6:20 PM – 6:30 PM: Intermission
The Pitch
6:30 PM – 6:40 PM: Pitch Competition Rules
6:40PM – 7:45PM Top 7 Finalists Pitch
7:52 PM – 8:15 PM: Winners Announced
8:15PM-8:30PM: Final Remarks

Rising Tides Kzoo
2025-11-20 08:45 - 22:15, 2025-11-27 08:45 - 22:15, 2025-12-04 08:45 - 22:15 (America/Halifax) | 24208 Front Street Suite A, 24208 Front Street Suite A, Mattawan, MI, 49071, United States
The goal of our meetings is to build lasting friendships, see how we can help each other, and refer business to one another.

Christian Business Roundtable - Virtual Event
2025-11-20 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Halifax) | Zoom, https://u49318761.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.Cf4v6EIa-2BjtwXG-2BCJULMV4oN1KGKEjp-2F3x-2BKK1-2FH0YUPo-2BWAJ-2BWpNJDXhp-2BnZ4nia-2FNpFHHIVMchIm74X-2F-2F28g-3D-3DXRW0_xOQYXbIIu33VnUQaDqx-2BQdokVYyMaE0XBXMq7BExq9sx602NeB9DJ0cjfO7PwUGOlhxYAo5d6jV-2FNXmGbLmRRIcj1X-2FtKfn3Vf43xsQ7sTaQsSyaktbLBejQ94pw2xX3-2BmcNEkfTGuaeveD5gML9dfmbmmz9Gzvfpeh4vzuqfj-2FyScwrZD5mBurmrDCfS-2FNVBjoRv-2BTfPDaVlp8YDJq2YcjDefh8bJ8J3JvqpMKLG75K4rn4N3nyJ8rAka8gp4IURosVyKYoPJOzvSX5-2Fw-2BpCTvtDMWXjTM65ZL4IWEDJDqB5uE8p8UHq1-2FIN8N6P8xt5Ru3DapsAXFu2nxpkBuD5uSP-2BGfE9PMZ9i5fCXxeGQo8DO4a8tMXbIw5g05UE4uN
Holiday Schedule: November 20 with Jeffrey Brittan
Every 4th Thursday @ 4:00 pm
Via Zoom

PMAWM Happy Hour
2025-11-20 16:30 - 18:30 (America/Halifax) | Revel & Roll West, 4500 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, United States
Join us at Revel & Roll in Kalamazoo for PMAWM’s Happy Hour! Network with fellow multifamily professionals in the Kalamazoo area.

🔗LINK: Shape the City 🏙️
2025-11-20 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax) | 600 Kitchen & Bar, 600 E Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
We’re back to shape Kalamazoo’s future! 🙌
Earlier this year, we imagined what our city could be 💭. Now, we’re checking in on what’s happening and how we can keep the momentum going.
Assistant City Manager Rebekah Kik will share updates on the city’s planning efforts📈, and we’ll dig into hands-on ways for us to influence how Kalamazoo grows, builds, and spends 🤑
Expect conversations, activities, and a crowd full of other people like you who want to see our city thrive 🥰
Doors: 5:01
Networking: around 6
Shape the city: shortly after networking
Food and drink will provided!
Some of our highest attended events have been around learning and influencing the future of our community 🤓 So come on out and take part in a once in a 10 year process!

Kalamazoo Town Hall: The Business Case for Civil Rights
2025-11-20 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Halifax) | Kalamazoo Town Hall, 100 West Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Overview
Join us at Kalamazoo Town Hall to discuss why civil rights are essential for businesses to thrive.
A community discussion exploring how civil rights, inclusion, and equitable opportunity strengthen local economies and drive sustainble growth.

5:30 – 5:45 p.m. | Welcome & Introductions5:45 – 6:45 p.m. | Panel Discussion & Q&A: The Business Case for Civil Rights6:45 – 7:30 p.m. | Networking, Community Connections, and Resource Sharing
We are committed to ensuring all attendees can fully participate in this event. If you require any accommodations due to a disability or other accessibility needs, please contact Zach Garton in advance at zggarton2001@gmail.com. Early notice is appreciated to allow sufficient time to meet your request.
Highlights:
2 hours
In person
Free parking

Christian Business Roundtable - Kalamazoo Midday
2025-11-25 11:30 - 13:00 (America/Halifax) | Grand Traverse Pie Company, 5303 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI, 49002, United States
Kalamazoo Midday – November 25 with JR Harper & Kellie Simmons
Every 4th Tuesday @ 11:30 am
Grand Traverse Pie Company
5303 S Westnedge Ave
Portage, MI 49002

Kalamazoo Rotary Weekly Meeting
2025-12-01 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-12-08 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Halifax) | Cityscape Event Center, 125 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007

1 Million Cups
2025-12-03 08:30 - 10:00 (America/Halifax) | WMed Innovation Center, 4717 Campus Drive, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, United States
A monthly event that brings entrepreneurs and the Kalamazoo community together over coffee and conversations.

Portage Rotary Weekly Meeting
2025-12-03 11:45 - 13:00, 2025-12-10 11:45 - 13:00 (America/Halifax) | The Portage Zhang Senior Center, 203 E. Centre Avenue, Portage, MI, 49024
Join us as we focus on programs that impact us professionally and personally, building friendships, building our membership, and supporting our community through projects that have an impact! If you are not a member and would like more information about our club or joining, please browse the site, contact a member for more information, or fill out a new member application here.

Lakeshore Networking
2025-12-03 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax) | Historic Hotel Nichols, 201 Center Street, South Haven, MI, 49090, United States
A suggested contribution of $5 is appreciated to help cover administration and marketing costs. Simply drop your contribution in the event jar.

Bonus: Include your business card, and we’ll promote your business on our social media!

Host: Scott & Kary Whiteford – Historic Hotel Nichols
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hotelnichols
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehotelnichols
Website: https://hotelnichols.com

Co-Host: David McCarty – The Great Mead Hall & Brewing Company
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatMeadHall
Website: https://greatmeadhall.net

RSVP Here: Click to Register

AMA Holiday Mixer
2025-12-04 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Halifax) | Jac’s Cekola’s Pizza, 3112 South 9th Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Get ready to jingle and mingle at our Holiday Mixer! It’s the perfect way to kick off the festive season with good vibes and great company.

Join the AMA Southwest Michigan Chapter for our Holiday Mixer happening at Jac’s Cekola’s Pizza on December 4, 2025, at 5:00 PM!
Join us for a festive evening filled with delicious food and wonderful company. It’s the perfect opportunity to mingle, make new friends, and celebrate the holiday season together. Don’t miss out on this chance to spread some cheer and enjoy the holiday spirit.
See you there!

Monday Midday Mixer
2025-12-08 11:45 - 13:00 (America/Halifax) | Dak Good, 5317 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI, 49002, United States
Join us on Monday, December 8 for the Monday Midday Mixer—network, build relationships and boost your business over lunch.

People do business with those they know, like, and trust. Relationships are the foundation of the best business partnerships, and the Southwest Michigan First Chamber is here to help you build those connections.
We’re thrilled to announce a new opportunity to grow your business network while enjoying a delicious lunch—introducing our Monday Midday Mixer series sponsored by John Grace Restoration and Construction!
This lunchtime connect is specifically designed to help you expand your network and enhance your business development efforts with a unique round-robin format to ensure you meet new folks.
Joining us for lunch will be the team working with WMU Athletics to help our business community partner with athletes for promotion. It’s easy, fun, and a strong way to connect with a whole new potential customer base! Whether you sell a service, a product, or want to build your brand awareness, you won’t want to miss this conversation.
Event Details:

Date: Monday, December 8
Time: 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM (sharp, so you can get back to your workday)
Location: Dak Good, 5317 S Westnedge Ave , Portage, MI, 49002

Bonus: Discounted meals for Chamber members and their teams!

If early mornings and evenings don’t fit your schedule, join us every month for the Monday Midday Mixer. Grab lunch, make meaningful connections, and get back to your day inspired and motivated.
RSVP now to secure your spot and join us for this exciting new initiative.
Parking is available in the nearby ramp, click here to view all parking options.

Interested in amplifying your company’s message and visibility? Sponsor an individual Monday Midday Mixer or the entire series! Reach out to us at chamber@southwestmichiganfirst.com for more information.
We can’t wait to see you there!

Lakeshore Networking East
2025-12-09 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax) | TBC

December Chamber Connect | MRC artWorks
2025-12-10 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Halifax) | MRC artWorks, 330 South Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Broaden your professional network with the Southwest Michigan First Chamber at our December Chamber Connect!

Build Your Professional Network at the December Chamber Connect!
Your professional network is one of your most valuable assets as a business leader—and the Southwest Michigan First Chamber is here to help you expand and strengthen it. Whether you’re looking to build new connections, foster collaborations, or share insights with like-minded professionals, our Chamber Connect events provide the perfect opportunity.
Join us at MRC artWorks in downtown Kalamazoo for this month’s Chamber Connect event. With its gallery-style atmosphere and community focus, it’s the perfect backdrop for meeting fellow professionals, discovering shared interests and building new connections.
Interested in learning more about Chamber membership? Reach out to Kevin Crittenden at kcrittenden@southwestmichiganfirst.com.
We can’t wait to see you there!

Barrels, Bottles & Brews - In Person December Networking
2025-12-10 16:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax) | Watermark Brewing Company, 5781 St Joseph Ave, Stevensville, MI, 49127, United States
Our Agenda is simple:
1 – Meet people and business owners without all the formality2 – Have a Beer (or other beverage)3 – REPEAT
A casual networking group about getting connected in the community and supporting locally owned breweries, tap houses, and other establishments. Come enjoy the camaraderie and hang out or just enjoy good craft beer, cocktail or glass of wine.
RSVP on Facebook Requested – Out of respect to the businesses we visit we need to know how many people are planning to attend.
Sponsored by: Jim Zobl with Lakeshore Accounting Services, LLC

MIX Innovation Celebration | Invitation to Display and Register
2025-12-10 16:30 - 19:00 (America/Halifax) | The Catalyst Center, 180 E Water Street Suite 1000, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
Get ready to celebrate the best in design excellence, innovation, and creativity in our region with MIX Southwest Michigan First!

Have you or your company won an award or launched a project you’d like to include in the showcase?
Please contact Petey Stephanak at pstephanak@southwestmichiganfirst.com.

MIX Innovation Celebration
By MIX powered by Southwest Michigan First
Date and time
Wednesday, December 10 · 4:30 – 7pm EST
Location
The Catalyst Center
180 East Water Street Suite 1100 Kalamazoo, MI 49007
You’re Invited to a Celebration of Winning Design and Innovation! Let’s celebrate our Design Community!
Let’s honor creativity and spark new ideas together! Join us for an inspiring evening dedicated to the brilliance of creativity and innovation in our community. We’re celebrating the outstanding companies, and their groundbreaking products launched in 2024, including award winners that have set new benchmarks in design.
This exciting event will feature:

Award-Winning Design Showcase
Witness the best design products and projects that earned accolades in 2024. These displays will inspire and demonstrate the heights of design excellence. Discover projects and products that are shaping our future.
Honoring Student Excellence
Celebrate the top honorees from the Western Michigan University Innovation Expo, showcasing the bright minds of tomorrow
Networking
Connect with creative professionals from all disciplines and discover the inspiring companies they represent. Build new partnerships and explore exciting business opportunities in a lively, collaborative atmosphere.
Emerging Talent
Engage with winning student teams from the Western Michigan University Innovation Expo. Experience product pitches from up-and-coming designers, engineers, and entrepreneurs.
Music, Food, and Beverages
Enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with great tunes, delicious bites, and refreshing drinks. Imperial Beverage is our event sponsor, ensuring a delightful experience.

Come celebrate design, innovation, and community with us! We can’t wait to see you there!
Please REGISTER HERE to secure your spot.
Need more information, please contact me!
