Southwest Berrien County has a lakefront that draws visitors from across the Midwest, downtowns with real character, and a strong patchwork of businesses and municipalities that have long worked things out independently.
But what would it take for the region to feel just as alive in January as it does in July? That’s one of the first questions Amy Paul is asking as she steps into her new role as Director of the Southwest Berrien Chamber Growth Alliance (CGA) with the Regional Chamber.
“New Buffalo Township is thrilled to have Amy Paul serving as our CGA Director,” said Michelle Heit, New Buffalo Township Supervisor. “Amy brings a wealth of valuable experience and knowledge to the position, which is exactly what we need as we continue working to strengthen and grow Southwest Berrien County. We’re excited to have her leadership and expertise helping move our community forward.”
A New Model for Harbor Country
The Southwest Berrien CGA covers the area more commonly known as Harbor Country, made possible through the investment of the City of New Buffalo, New Buffalo Township, Chikaming Township, and Three Oaks Township, with additional support from the Pokagon Fund. Together, these partners are backing a single, coordinated approach to economic development across a region long known for doing things town by town.
A Decade in the Making
Paul brings more than a decade of economic development experience to the role, having most recently served as Business Development Manager for the City of South Bend’s Department of Community Investment, where she focused on business development, small business and developer support, and partnerships aimed at spurring economic growth and neighborhood revitalization. Before that, she spent several years with Downtown South Bend, working directly with businesses, property owners, developers, municipalities, and community organizations to strengthen local economies and build vibrant places.
That combination — city-side program work paired with boots-on-the-ground downtown organizing — gives Paul a rare vantage point. She knows how growth happens both on paper and in practice, from program design to storefront reality.
“Amy’s background in business development and downtown revitalization gives her the tools this role requires,” said Arthur Havlicek, President & CEO of the Regional Chamber. “We are confident she will bridge the gaps and build the partnerships necessary to drive sustainable growth throughout Southwest Berrien County.”
“I’m looking forward to building relationships with our businesses, municipalities, and community partners, learning what each community needs to thrive, and identifying opportunities where we can make a real impact,” Paul said. “This region already has so many incredible assets, and I’m excited to help build on those strengths — supporting our existing businesses, attracting thoughtful investment, and creating opportunities that contribute to a strong, year-round economy.”
Local Priorities, Local Execution
Paul’s first order of business is listening. She’s meeting with municipal leaders and business owners across Southwest Berrien County to find out where resources are stretched thin, and where a well-placed connection can turn an idea into a finished project. She intends to be a navigator for small businesses and developers who don’t have the bandwidth to chase down every grant, program, or contact themselves.
Long-term, she also hopes to change how the region is experienced throughout the year. Southwest Berrien County has long leaned on its summer draw, but Paul sees room to make it a genuine four-season destination — one that keeps people around after Labor Day instead of just passing through.
Her plan has two main levers: supporting affordable housing so people can put down roots in these communities, and building out more to do once summer ends, including festival activations and expanded programming throughout the year.
Her Own Backyard
A Southwest Michigan resident for the past 13 years, Paul has spent her career helping build other communities. This role gives her the chance to do it in her own backyard. She lives along the St. Joseph River in Niles with her husband of 11 years, Eric. When she’s not meeting with business owners or municipal leaders, she’s usually outside with her two dogs, Pippen and Wally — a pair of “smooshy-faced” Frenchie, Boston terrier, and pug mixes who never turn down a chance to play in the water.
With deep regional roots, real-world experience, and a clear set of priorities, Amy Paul is ready to help Southwest Berrien County build toward its next chapter — one relationship, one season, and one small business at a time.
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