The Black & Brown Connect Mixer
2025-12-11 16:30 - 18:30 (America/Halifax) | The Catalyst Center, 180 E Water Street Suite 1000, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
This event is part professional, part social, and all about creating a collaborative network in a space that is built by and for us!

Once again it’s time to “shake a hand, shake a hand” at 2025’s last, and most festive, holiday Black & Brown Connect Mixer!
This time, join us at The Catalyst Center to wrap up the year in style. Space is limited, so register today!
The Black & Brown Connect Mixer is the perfect opportunity to meet, share, and connect with folks from across the spectrum of industry, including business and community leaders and entrepreneurs in a space built by and for us. Enjoy amazing food, drinks, and a mix of holiday and other classic tunes to get you feelin’ all festive.
PLUS as always, we want to hear from you. The annual survey is how we connect to your thoughts and ideas and ensure the content for the year considers the conversations that are impacting our communities right now.

What topics do you want to hear or learn more about?
What conversations are critical to support building our communities right now?
Who would you like to hear from in our community?

No matter what field you’re in, you can count on engaging and relevant discussion, leadership, and other personal development opportunities, hearing from community leaders and mentors, and leaving energized.
Share this with a friend or colleague who should join us! We look forward to welcoming you then.
“One who walks with the wise and successful shall be wise and successful.” – African Proverb
Special thanks to Stryker for their continued support of the Black & Brown Connect Mixer.
Please note: All ticket sales are final. Should you be unable to attend, we offer the opportunity to transfer your ticket to a fellow team member or partner organization. Please contact a member of our team to transfer your ticket, if necessary.
About the Black & Brown Connect
Developed with professionals and career-minded folks of color in mind, the Black & Brown Connect is a place to gain connections and build relationships right here in our community—ones you can use to build on your success in a psychologically safe space. This is a time like no other, particularly for Black and Brown folks. Perhaps you are leading a team as the only person of color. Perhaps you are looking for ways to engage in a more culturally competent and relevant space with folks who can relate to many of your experiences in the workplace. Or, perhaps you are looking to unleash your inner entrepreneur and want to start or scale your business to the next level but could use a boost in the connections department. No matter your station, this mixer is a great place to dig in and create an impact for yourself and our communities.
Special thanks to Stryker for their continued support of the Black & Brown Connect Mixer.
Please note: All ticket sales are final. Should you be unable to attend, we offer the opportunity to transfer your ticket to a fellow team member or partner organization. Please contact a member of our team to transfer your ticket, if necessary. Eventbrite charges a nominal convenience fee for online purchases.

MIX Innovation Celebration | Invitation to Display and Register
2025-12-10 16:30 - 19:00
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!

Downtown Business Community Townhall
2025-10-14 14:00 - 15:30
Join the Chamber for this quarterly downtown discussion, including a number of updates and changes as we continue building our downtown.
