Table of Contents

Welcome 6

Meet the Chamber 8

Recognizing Top Members 10

Events 14

Empower | Urban Alliance 18

Build - Northside Association for Community Development (NACD) 24

Connect | Pro Services 30

Learn About Our Initiatives 34

Support Chamber Businesses 38

Member Search 41

Welcome

Dear Chamber Members,

Welcome back to The Chamber Connector!

With summer in full swing here in Southwest Michigan, we’re excited to bring you another edition of our biannual publication—perfect for catching up on all things Chamber while soaking up the sunshine.

We’re already buzzing with anticipation for the Second Annual Pins Not Putts Chamber Bowling Classic on August 7. Last year’s event was such a hit, this time we’re aiming even higher with more fun, friendly competition and more ways to connect. Mark your calendars—it’s going to be a highlight of the season!

Behind the scenes, we’ve been hard at work rolling out some exciting new tools to help our members grow. First up is a brand-new Chamber directory, designed with enhanced functionality to make it easier than ever to connect with customers, partners and fellow members. It’s all about helping you do more business, together.

We’re also proud to announce the launch of Southwest Michigan’s first-ever local business-focused e-commerce platform—a game-changer for buying local. Competing to do business online can be time-consuming and expensive, but this platform is designed to level the playing field. Just in time for the holidays (and beyond), you’ll be able to discover new favorites, buy local gift cards, support businesses affected by construction and even sort listings by city or ownership type, like women- or Veteran-owned.

As we reflect on the first half of 2025, we know it’s been a time of uncertainty for many in our business community. From policy shifts like the Earned Sick Time Act and minimum wage changes to tariff concerns and new federal reporting requirements, there’s a lot to navigate.

The SMF Chamber is proud to continue building even more ways for you and your business to buy, support local and invest in strengthening the greater Kalamazoo community. That’s why we remain committed to highlighting local connections, supporting our members and helping you weather whatever comes next. From meaningful networking, innovative tools or powerful programming—like our upcoming Fall Chamber Conference—The Chamber is here to help you build resilience and thrive.

Thank you for being part of this incredible network. We hope you enjoy this edition of The Chamber Connector, packed with stories, insights and updates designed to keep you connected and moving forward.

Here’s to a strong summer, a stronger fall and a community that continues to grow—together.

Warmly,

Clarence Lloyd
Vice President and Chamber Director
Southwest Michigan First

Meet the Chamber

Clarence Lloyd
As vice president of Southwest Michigan First and Chamber director, Clarence’s passion for connecting with others and improving the business environment for everyone throughout the greater Kalamazoo region shines through in everything he does. His background in business management coupled with his influential leadership style is the perfect combination to empower both solopreneurs and small-to-midsize local business owners, while promoting economic prosperity for all throughout Kalamazoo County. Curating content that’s both practical and relevant and facilitating connections in the business community help to expedite growth and support our Chamber members, helping them succeed—which lays the groundwork for all to succeed. If he could have only one superpower, he would be able to craft the perfect metaphor. When he’s not at work, you can find him enjoying a cocktail, relaxing in comfy clothes listening to The Eagles or heading to Detroit to cheer on his beloved Detroit Lions.

Jenny Boerman
As an associate of Chamber Member Services at Southwest Michigan First, Jenny is passionate about building meaningful relationships with Chamber members and ensuring they feel supported, engaged and positioned for success. With a background in tourism and business from Western Michigan University, she deeply values community connections and is committed to fostering a thriving business environment in the greater Kalamazoo area. Before joining the Chamber, Jenny served as executive director of the Otsego-Plainwell Area Chamber. Her enthusiasm for the area shines through in her love for the region’s friendly people and activities. In the summer, she enjoys taking her dog, Piper, to her parents’ house to search for fish in Gun Lake. In the fall, you’ll find her watching her favorite team, the Lions! During the winter, she spends time skiing with her two sons at Bittersweet.

Kevin Crittenden
In his role as associate director of the Chamber, Kevin partners with local businesses and Chamber members to provide them with the resources, information and connections they need to accelerate growth and reach their full potential. Through education and networking, he adds value to the business community by growing the Chamber’s membership base while fostering relationships with existing members. As a Western Michigan University alum, he especially enjoys making a difference in Kalamazoo and the surrounding region while appreciating all the amenities this area has to offer. In his spare time, you can find him eating sushi, working on his golf game, spending time with this wife, taking walks while his daughter rides her bike or attempting home projects. Oh, and he is unbeatable at Family Feud.

Kimberly Chmielewski
Kim (KimChm if you want to be friends!) serves as the marketing and communications manager at Southwest Michigan First. She supports the marketing and communication needs of several divisions, but especially enjoys promoting all the amazing work the Chamber does to grow and strengthen the business community in Kalamazoo County. If you attend a Chamber event or ribbon-cutting ceremony, she’s usually the one with a camera in her hand. A proud Western alum, Kim is especially grateful to use her skills and talents to promote the region in which she grew up. In her free time, you can find her eating tacos, spending time with friends and family, referencing Seinfeld episodes or shopping for shoes.

Abbie Rumery
Abbie leads partnership services as vice president of investor relations at Southwest Michigan First. She supports the Chamber by collaborating daily with companies and community organizations that are fully committed to growing our region’s economy. Her passion for engaging people—Chamber members, investors, board members or other interested partners—and connecting them with all the benefits and services that Southwest Michigan First has to offer is evident in everything Abbie does. When she isn’t working, you can find her spending time with family outside; experiencing all the seasons in Michigan, especially the sun and water in the summer and snow in the winter; or watching her favorite movie over and over: What About Bob? Abbie is always so full of joy, and she happens to have THE best laugh ever!

Eric Ringwelski
As senior associate of marketing and communications at Southwest Michigan First, Eric (aka Ringo) plays a key role in supporting multiple divisions. He especially enjoys promoting all the incredible work the Chamber is doing. With a background in advertising and public relations from Grand Valley State University (Go Lakers!), Eric uses his many talents to craft engaging content that brings professionals and businesses together across the greater Kalamazoo area. Spot him at events? He’s the really tall guy behind the camera, capturing all the action. When he isn’t working, you’ll likely find him enjoying a round of golf or rewatching Interstellar—a movie he’ll never get tired of. And when it comes to condiments, nothing beats Chick-fil-A Sauce!

Recognizing Top Members

Events

Monday Midday Mixer
The Monday Midday Mixer is the answer to early morning and after-work responsibilities that make attending relationship-building events tough. These lunchtime gatherings are held at venues around the greater Kalamazoo area and include a round robin concept to ensure you meet new faces every time. Grab a great lunch, make new connections and head back to work feeling energized and refreshed.

Small & Mighty Business Series
The Small & Mighty Business series is a power-packed lunch-and-learn session tailored exclusively for small businesses with up to 30 employees. You’ll hear from local experts and business mentors on a rotating set of relevant topics, perfect for small operations with big questions.

Chamber Connect
Your network is one of your most powerful assets, and the Chamber is here to help you grow it. Our monthly Chamber Connect is designed to help you make new connections and explore new places as you engage with the business community in the greater Kalamazoo region.

Rise & Thrive Coffee Connect
Rise & Thrive Coffee Connect offers a convenient morning networking opportunity for those with busy evening schedules. Held monthly, this event provides insight into unique projects enhancing Kalamazoo County’s community, perfect for individuals who are passionate about staying informed and connected.

Moxie Mastermind Women’s Business Luncheon
Moxie Mastermind is a membership-based organization tailored for professional businesswomen in Southwest Michigan, aiming to connect, encourage and advance women in business within the community. Meetings are held monthly (except July) on the second Tuesday, offering opportunities for networking, learning and lunch. Join us as we partner to connect with the area’s top businesswomen and enhance your professional growth.

Empower | Urban Alliance

Empowerment in Action: How Urban Alliance is Helping to Restore Pathways to Employment

For decades, Urban Alliance has served the marginalized members of the Kalamazoo community through outreach and employment preparation programs. Providing education, training and support is the foundation of this non profit organization, which leads from the heart. The underpinnings of the organization’s success is a desire to unlock human potential through providing radical love and opportunities, core beliefs in second chances and the power to bring about change.

“We love our neighborhood and our community. Even though we’ve evolved over the years, our hearts and passion for our neighborhood remain the same,” said Terra Bautista, executive director of Urban Alliance.

Urban Alliance was launched in 1999, after its founders saw significant barriers between the city’s resources and those in desperate need of access to those resources. Through an initial small group of volunteers consistently engaging with the community, they have now grown into a major force for good in and around Kalamazoo, continuing to support the community through advocacy and outreach.

Urban Alliance partners with the community in different ways, working alongside local organizations to address challenges like community violence and generational poverty. Key initiatives include:

•  Change of Status: A 12-week program for individuals affected by gun violence, offering street outreach, mentorship and peer support.

•  Momentum Employment Initiative: A six-week workforce development program that equips participants with life skills and opportunities to secure meaningful employment.

•  Building Initiatives: Focused on renovating spaces within the Urban Alliance facility, creating welcoming environments for community activities, trainings and events.

In addition, the Urban Alliance Leadership Academy prepares graduates to become change makers in their communities by building essential skills in leadership, resilience and financial literacy.

Urban Alliance remains active and embedded in the community, providing street outreach on Tuesdays and Thursdays to educate people about their services and provide information about the Momentum Employment Initiative, a six-week program that teaches life and employability skills. This voluntary program teaches many essential skills such as punctuality, conflict resolution and how to mitigate the impact of trauma on workplace performance. It also provides support for individuals related to establishing housing and food security, which is essential for maintaining employment and working to the best of one’s abilities. Upon completion, graduates are ready to work in the community. Once employed, graduates participate in Momentum’s retention program, which provides them with 30-, 60- and 90-day touch points to facilitate job stability. Urban Alliance also works with local businesses to educate them on the benefits of hiring those who historically have had barriers barriers to employment. Bautista hopes to continue building a two-way-street path between employers and graduates.

“We’re bridging the gap between people, the larger community and institutions to create growth and restore human dignity back to those who have been marginalized,” said Bautista.

Several hundred community members have graduated from the program, and are now working in Kalamazoo and its surrounding neighborhoods. The program has provided opportunities for a wide range of people, including those experiencing homelessness, unemployment, generational poverty, ex-offenders, parents and those in recovery. It’s not uncommon for Bautista to attend events at locations where graduates have been placed or hear about success stories when talking with residents.

“You can see Momentum’s ripple effect through graduates entering the workforce in our area and engaging in long-term employment with local businesses,” she said.

While Momentum teaches vital workplace skills, its greater mission runs much deeper. Providing community, love and support helps promote employment opportunities, but beyond that, teaches participants how to value and love themselves. The results are life-changing.

“People need to feel love, connection and feel valued,” said Bautista. “Once you know those things, you will succeed. We’ve seen it over and over again with our graduates.”

To learn more about Urban Alliance, visit: https://urbanalliancekalamazoo.org

Build | NACD

Building Up People and Places: The NACD is Taking the Northside Neighborhood from Disinvestment to Empowerment

Since the early 1980s, the Northside Association for Community Development (NACD) has been committed to empowering the Northside community and providing residents with opportunities for advancement, growth and activism. Today, NACD is on a mission to grow its community from within while preserving its rich cultural and arts history.

This passionate neighborhood association stands on four pillars; supporting resident-owned businesses; preserving existing housing and adding affordable housing options; promoting culture, arts and open spaces; and strengthening support systems for the development and safety of youth programs and workforce development. Organizers hope to strengthen the community from within by providing opportunities for residents close to home. The neighborhood suffered greatly from the National Housing Act of 1934, which impacted residents’ abilities to obtain loans for house maintenance as well as small business loans. Now, the hope is to work to rectify the damage caused by that policy.

One major way NACD supports revitalization efforts is through workforce development. The organization’s Workforce Development Institute focuses on preparing residents to enter the skilled trades, specifically related to electrical work and certified nursing assistant certification. NACD offers these programs several times per year, with the goal for graduates immediately finding employment within the community. Small class sizes ensure students get the training they need, while becoming extremely close as a cohort. By providing certification-based programs onsite in the neighborhood, more residents have access to these fields, making it easier for them to launch new career paths in needed industries. NACD partners with local businesses to help provide employment opportunities so that participants can live and work in their community after graduation..

Additionally, NACD hosts Access for All, a pre-apprenticeship program that provides a pathway into a career in the skilled trades. The tuition-free program provides hands-on training in a variety of trades including carpentry, plumbing and electrical work and helps participants prepare for the tests required to enter their chosen fields. It also prepares them to obtain industry-recognized certifications such as MC3, OSHA, Lead/Asbestos and CPR.

In addition to growing the workforce, NACD remains committed to providing affordable housing options for residents. Through grants, NACD has built four affordable single-family homes geared toward first-time homebuyers. The organization also manages 13 rental units for low-income seniors to ensure that they can stay in the neighborhood alongside their families at an affordable rate. These two-bedroom, one-bath units feature a washer and dryer, attached garage and updated finishes.

In fact, NACD has successfully championed resident rights over larger issues issues like gentrification, redlining and other disinvestment matters for years. In one big win, the group was granted $6 million by the developers of a new downtown Kalamazoo Event Center, which will sit on the border of the Northside neighborhood. There is even a neighborhood plan provided by and for residents to ensure the community’s priorities remain at the forefront.

Finally, NACD is passionate about showcasing the community’s vibrancy through music and art shows that feature local artists. In partnership with the city of Kalamazoo, NACD is bringing a variety of musical and artistic talent to the community throughout the year. With the currently under-construction Kalamazoo Event Center just a few blocks away, organizers are sure that the extra foot traffic will draw more people to this vibrant Northside neighborhood.

To learn more about NACD visit: https://www.nacdkzoo.com/

Member Testimonials

The Southwest Michigan Chamber has provided significant benefits to our organization, Visser Living, by connecting us with a network of local businesses and community leaders. Through events, advocacy and resources, we’ve gained valuable exposure and strengthened relationships that have directly contributed to our growth. We believe other organizations and businesses should engage with the Chamber because it offers unparalleled access to a thriving network, impactful advocacy and valuable resources that can help drive business success and community improvement.”

Kelli Scheffers
Custom Real Estate Developers
Visser Living

Being a Chamber member has brought me countless personal and professional benefits, but the most meaningful has been the opportunity to build genuine relationships and support one another as we navigate our individual journeys while working together for the greater good of our community.”

Mike Tiesenga

Founder + Lead Storyteller
Forerunner Story Co.

Connect | Pro Services

How Pro Services is Building
This Region’s Hidden Engine

Since the 1980s, Pro Services, Inc. has been providing outstanding service to its loyal customers. Founded in 1987 right here in Portage, as a plumbing and pipefitting company, the organization has grown to service industrial, commercial and residential clients across the United States. The company includes several sectors, including millwrights, fabrication, HVAC and Pro FMT (Full-Service Maintenance Teams), along with pipefitting and plumbing services. While exceptional service was always at the core of Pro Services business model, founder Mike VandeMaele was inspired to create value beyond delivering high-quality service to clients. He envisioned training the next generation of industrial maintenance technicians who could provide the much-needed labor and outstanding customer service that businesses and individuals deserve.

In 2015, the company launched the Pro U Industrial Maintenance Apprenticeship Program, headquartered in Portage, to address a national shortage of maintenance technicians. Currently, vacancy rates for these positions fluctuate from 10% to 30%, indicating a vital need for training for these professionals. With the industry projected to grow to 250,000 jobs, Pro U is poised to take on students and teach them how to become outstanding service professionals—not only with superior technical skills, but outstanding customer service as well.

“People are retiring from the profession faster than new technicians are being trained. We wanted to help solve that problem. We believed that if we couldn’t find the technicians our company and our customers needed, we would train them ourselves,” said Jim Sutton, director of Academic Affairs for Pro Services.

Pro U is recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor and prepares individuals to become industrial maintenance mechanics. Both Pro Services employees as well as customers can apply to Pro U. Pro U enrolls approximately four apprentices per session through a continuous application process.

As a hybrid program, Pro U requires online course learning, classroom instruction and hands-on training. By the end of the two-and-a-half-year program, students will have amassed a minimum of 3,900 required on-the-job training (OJT) hours and be prepared to successfully pass a written exam and a hands-on competency test. The Rapid Skills Training portion of Pro U lasts 14 weeks and takes place onsite at Pro Service’s Portage facility. It is a “bootcamp” approach to establishing a strong foundation of learning before entering the working environment. Although Pro Services has customers throughout the United States and trains students who live outside of Michigan, the company prides itself on maintaining its headquarters in the state and bringing Pro U students to our Portage facility to receive a substantial part of their training.

“We love that we are developing talent and the future of the workforce right here in Michigan,” said Sutton.

Pro U is already a successful program, but Pro Services is committed to growing it and making it even better. In early 2025, Pro U moved into a new facility that boasts a 3,000-square-foot classroom and shop space as well as multiple labs where students master mechanical and electrical skills through hands-on experience.

Sutton, who went through a similar apprenticeship program himself, is thrilled to offer apprenticeship opportunities to local communities. He said that the area is filled with individuals who have talent and raw skills who just need to be connected with a training program that helps them step into skilled technical positions.

“When you see how excited students are to learn and enter this field, it’s extremely rewarding,” Sutton said. “When they learn the fundamentals, and they’re given the tools and training to succeed, the program is a life-changing event for our graduates.”

To learn more about Pro Services, visit: https://www.prosatwork.com/

Learn about our Initiatives: Intern Mixers

When going through times of transition, having a guide can be invaluable. This is especially true for young adults entering the workforce. Internships serve as a soft launch into the workforce. It gives interns a taste for life in a career, and it allows employers to long interview young talent.

Intern Mixers are a series of three events designed to enhance local intern experience and help them make the most out of their time in Southwest Michigan. Whether they are new to the city or looking to expand their network in a space they grew up in, these mixers are tailored to be fun and provide valuable insights and connections.

According to the Demographic Drought, by 2035, older adults will outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history. In the last 10 years, labor force needs have outpaced the workforce age population. As the baby boomer generation retires, it is even more critical that the next generation of talent is trained and ready to move into the workforce.

As an attraction and retention strategy for our young adult talent, the Intern Mixer series was developed to meet the talent gap. For interns who grew up locally, we invite them to connect with their home as an adult. For interns from outside of Southwest Michigan, we help them envision living, working and playing in the region beyond their internship.

President of Southwest Michigan First, Carla Sones said, “Strong regional internship programs are one of our frontline defenses in the talent war—by connecting young and dynamic professionals to real opportunities in West Michigan, we transform ‘great place to live’ into ‘great place to stay and grow.’”

At the start of summer, our interns engage in a professional development day, a walking tour of downtown Kalamazoo and a mixer to close the night. Halfway through the summer, they meet up with the young professionals’ network to get a glimpse into what their next phase could look like. Here, the young professional network is charged to help each intern feel welcomed and invited to be part of Southwest Michigan. Summer closes with volunteering at a local nonprofit because we know we are more connected to our community when we give back.

Throughout the summer, each intern will have unique experiences depending on their internship. Some work for small local businesses, others for large multinational companies. Some interns will spend their summers in government and still others in nonprofits. Intern Mixers serve as a connecting space where interns can come, connect and share what they are doing and learning while experiencing some of the really cool things in Southwest Michigan.

“Last year, we had an intern from Louisiana State University say she would have felt so lost and lonely had she not been plugged into the Intern Mixers,” said Rachael Tiesenga, director of Workforce and Leadership Development at Southwest Michigan First. “That’s huge! We know interns will remember the way we made them feel during their summer with us and that coupled with an awesome company experience is a recipe for attracting top young talent.”

Whether preparing interns for their transition into the workforce or providing businesses the opportunity to welcome in the next generation of talent, the Intern Mixer program is invested in the long-term flourishing of the Southwest Michigan community.

Member Testimonial

The Chamber has been a crucial part of my growth as a community development officer, offering more than just networking. The seminars have provided valuable insights, and the Rise & Thrive morning event series has been a fantastic platform to showcase Honor Credit Union. I’m excited to continue building connections and gaining knowledge in the coming year, further enhancing our impact on the community.

Thomas Hatfield
Community Development Officer
Honor Credit Union

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