The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber has announced some new programs to promote the region and better serve its members.
President Arthur Havlicek tells us the organization is creating the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Foundation, a non-profit. Currently, he says the chamber can do a lot to lobby for local businesses.
“But that ability to engage in lobbying precludes us from most federal and state grant opportunities and most charitable giving,” Havlicek said. “It’s just a different tax treatment. So, by having a 501c3 foundation to help supplement and support the important work of the Chamber, we will be able to increase our capacity and better meet the needs of our members.”
Havlicek says the foundation will focus on leadership development, business development, and community development.
Also Friday, the chamber announced Discover Southwest Michigan.
“Discover Southwest Michigan is going to be the region’s first sole talent attraction nonprofit dedicated to regional marketing, relocation services, and the like.”
Havlicek says with Discover Southwest Michigan, the chamber can help address the area’s declining population and make the region more sustainable.
The two programs were announced at the chamber’s annual breakfast, marking 70 years of the organization.
