Consumer Driven
Buy Local Berrien
Since its creation in 2020 during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Buy Local Berrien! Facebook Group has organically amassed over 15,000 highly engaged members, over 23,000 posts, and over 141,000 comments promoting local dining, shopping, and services.
We’ve since grown this thriving online community into a content-rich website in an effort to continue our important work of promoting local entrepreneurs and encouraging Berrien County visitors and residents alike to Buy Local.
Safety Driven
Southwest Michigan Safe
Businesses who go above and beyond in the name of safety deserve to be recognized, so we decided to recognize them in a way that informs consumers about their commitment to best practices. We called it, the Southwest Michigan Safe campaign.
Businesses can go to www.swmisafe.org and take the pledge to keep Southwest Michigan Safe. Those who take the pledge are entitled to one free Southwest Michigan Safe window decal.
Studies indicate the retailers who emphasize safety, offer convenience, and show a sense of purpose are in the best position to succeed now and post-pandemic. ([F]indings from Capgemini Research Institute’s “The Consumer and COVID-19” survey)
Education Driven
The “Your Voice for Business” Podcast
Ignite your growth with the “Your Voice For Business” Podcast, brought to you by The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber. In each episode, we’ll bring you helpful information and positive inspiration from the people who power Southwest Michigan’s business community. From profiles on professionals to insight on issues, we are curating the content you need to know. Episodes can be found wherever you get your podcasts – stay tuned for more!
Innovation Driven
See St. Joseph
The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber led a partnership between the City of St. Joseph, CrazeVR, and Holt Bosse to create an entire virtual downtown for consumers to “walk” through complete with links to individual storefronts. This is a state-of-the-art and first-of-its-kind solution for consumer still uncomfortable with in-person shopping and any retailer without an online presence.
