Every September, on the 269th day of the year, Kalamazoo comes alive with 269 Fest — a weeklong celebration of music, food, film, technology, and culture. More than just another Kalamazoo event, 269 Fest brings together concerts, block parties, local markets and community experiences that highlight the best things to do in Kalamazoo. From live entertainment to art and innovative showcases, this festival is where Kalamazoo’s creativity and culture meet what’s next.

Acrisure is a technology-enabled financial and insurance services company founded in 2005, headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

In the Kalamazoo area, Acrisure operates through partner and acquired agencies, such as Whitaker-LaChance in Portage, which is part of the Acrisure network of independent agencies. Whitaker-LaChance offers a full spectrum of insurance and risk-management services, leveraging Acrisure’s broader capabilities and carrier access.

Another relevant name is Burnham & Flower Financial, Inc., based in Kalamazoo, which is majority-owned by Acrisure’s MGA (Managing General Agency), showing how Acrisure is integrated into local financial advisory and brokerage functions.

DETAILS

Acrisure is a global fintech and insurance brokerage headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. While their primary headquarters is in Grand Rapids, Acrisure maintains a significant presence in Kalamazoo through several affiliated agencies and partner offices:

Acrisure Great Lakes Partners Insurance

• Address: 315 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
• Phone: (269) 324-7700
• Email: mulder@whitakermuller.com
• Services: Offers a range of insurance services including business, personal, and employee benefits.

Keyser Insurance Group | Acrisure Partner

• Address: 444 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
• Phone: (269) 381-1173
• Services: Provides personal and commercial property & casualty coverage, employee benefits, surety, and HR consulting.

Acrisure LLC

• Address: 315 South Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
• Phone: (800) 748-0554 / (269) 381-1173
• Agency Principal: Steven Johnson
• Email: stjohnson@acrisure.com
• Services: Offers a variety of insurance solutions with a focus on personalized service.

These offices reflect Acrisure’s commitment to providing comprehensive insurance solutions and services to the Kalamazoo community.

About Us

Founded in 1966 with a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, the ACGK has continuously evolved with the changing needs of artists and arts organizations in our community.  We offer a wide variety of programming and support to the artistic community, including opportunities to perform, to partner, to collaborate, to receive funding, and to grow in our creative expression.

Mission Statement

We connect with creatives to amplify their work, fuel collaboration, and build a vibrant, inclusive arts community.

Vision Statement

We’re building a future where every creative is valued, every voice is heard, and the arts bring people together in Kalamazoo and neighboring communities.

What We Stand For

Our values guide how we show up in our programs, partnerships, and everyday decisions. They reflect who we are, what we believe, and the kind of creative community we are working to build together.

Access
We create space for every creative to be seen, heard, and valued, removing barriers and expanding access to the arts.

Connection
We bring people together to build a stronger creative community.

Collaboration
We lead through listening and co-creation, working alongside creatives, partners, and community members.

Expression
We champion creative expression in all forms as essential to community life, identity, and belonging.

Stewardship
We invest our time and resources with care, sustaining a vibrant, inclusive arts community for future generations.

Bee Joyful Shop is Michigan’s first Zero Waste Shop and Refillery, featuring locally-made and sustainably sourced zero waste products for your home, kitchen, bath, and beauty routine.

Bee Joyful Shop began as a simple concept, using sustainable, Earth-friendly materials to store food instead of plastic. It's evolved from an Etsy shop to a small workspace and, now, to Michigan's first Zero Waste Shop and Refillery in Downtown Kalamazoo.

From capturing raw, unscripted moments in documentary filmmaking to crafting visually stunning music videos and producing unforgettable live experiences, our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality content that resonates and inspires. Whether you’re an artist looking to amplify your sound, a brand wanting to connect through compelling visuals, or an event in need of seamless live streaming, Broken Blanket is your creative partner.

Your hosts are John and Kathy Beebe, proprietors of Caffè Casa since 1992. Their shop is laid-back, cozy and fun. Works by local artist Jerry Fry adorn the walls. John tends to the profusion of plants that fill the space. Kathy is always dappled with flour and chocolate while concocting new made-from-scratch bakery delights and preparing classic favorites.

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Kathy’s baked-goods repertoire includes filled and plain croissants, muffins, chocolate chip cookies and bars, brownies, turtles, no-bake cookies, cheesecake, and speciality pies and cakes. She is always dreaming up fun seasonal recipes while keeping the pastry case stocked with goodies to grab and go or sit and enjoy with a cup of coffee.

Kathy even carries her passion for cooking over to creating uniquely flavored drinks, like our Vegan Power Latte, Gingerbread Latte, or any number of drinks made with Kathy's homemade Rose and Lavender syrups. Enjoy a taste of the signature creations at Caffè Casa!

The Connecting Chords Music Festival is an annual fall music series, with additional events and projects held throughout the year.

Organized by the Michigan Festival of Sacred Music, we strive to present a diverse array of artists, genres and venues each year – celebrating and supporting our area musicians while also bringing in unique artists from all over the world.

Through this music, we hope to promote community harmony, mutual understanding and respect among persons of different backgrounds.

We’re also committed to keeping our Festival events as accessible as possible with affordable ticket prices and several free concerts every year.

Crawlspace Comedy Theatre is Kalamazoo’s home for improv and sketch comedy. If you’ve got a craving for the odd, the spontaneous, and the hilarious, this is the place for you. Crawlspace Comedy’s flagship team Crawlspace Eviction has been entertaining Kalamazoo with its unique brand of comedy since 2003. CCT has produced many teams over the years including Kind of Pretty Women, t&a, Family Secret, Small Victories, & Joyce2Men. If you’ve got a funny bone, we’re sure to find a way to aggravate it in all the right ways.

Plus, since learning improv is something that everyone can benefit from, Crawlspace Comedy Theatre teaches improv classes for all ages. Whether you’re interested in performance or want improv skills to improve personal communication, you’re welcome here. Every reason for learning improv is legit.

When you visit Kalamazoo, youʼll find a vibrant community that welcomes curiosity. Whether itʼs the hum of creativity in our art scene, the peace of a quiet trail, or the opportunity for a hands-on experience, Kalamazoo is a place that sparks something in everyone.

Expand your horizons and visit the world-class Air Zoo aerospace and science museum or marvel at classic vehicles at the Gilmore Car Museum.

Wander through our historic pedestrian mall, discovering local flavors and hidden treasures.

And when youʼre ready to recharge, the lakes, trails, and parks of Kalamazoo County are waiting for you. Kalamazoo is where city energy meets laid-back charm.

So whatʼll it be? Morning hike through natural wonder? Lunch and a pint at Bellʼs Brewery?

Fun awaits you in Kalamazoo!

The Edison Neighborhood Association serves the most populous and diverse neighborhood in Kalamazoo.

Much like the residents, the housing stock is varied and unique, with sections boasting Grand Boulevards and others with small Terraces and Courts. There is something for everyone.

The neighborhood is home to a nationally acclaimed Kalamazoo Farmers Market, four parks including the Mayor Riverfront Park, and our own mini downtown Washington Square.

Not to mention, small theatres, makers spaces, the best tacos in town, and much more make Edison a great place to Live, Eat, and Play.

El Concilio Is A Non-Profit, Community-Focused Organization That Seeks To Help Latinx Residents Support Their Families, Contribute To Society And Appreciate Their Cultural Significance In The Region.

OUR MISSION

To enable and promote the prosperity of the Latinx Community.

OUR VISION

A thriving Latinx community, equipped to preserve distinct cultural identities within the broader community.
OUR VALUES

• Respect for Human Dignity
• Service and Leadership
• Authentic Collaborations
• Education and Entrepreneurship
• Respect for Diverse Cultural Traditions
• Embrace Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
  

GIG - The Art of Michigan Foundation

GIG – The Art of Michigan Music Foundation is a corporation whose purposes, structure, and activities are exclusively those that are described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 26 USC 501, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

Our Mission

GIG – The Art of Michigan Music Foundation celebrates and amplifies Michigan’s rich music culture by highlighting the visual artists who shape its creative identity. Through exhibitions, workshops, and live events, we provide a platform for photographers, graphic designers, and videographers who craft concert posters, album art, band t-shirts, logos, and music videos—essential visual elements that elevate and support Michigan’s vibrant music community.

GIG – The Art of Michigan Music Foundation is committed to preserving and enriching Michigan’s rich musical heritage while nurturing its current and future generations of visual artists.

Our Vision

We envision a future where Michigan-based visual artists who contribute to the music community are celebrated and supported. Our long-term goal is to raise funds to provide stipends for artists participating in our annual showcase, GIG – The Art of Michigan Music. By alleviating the financial barriers of art show participation, we aim to create a platform that not only highlights their work but also offers meaningful opportunities for them to connect with the public and sell their creations.

Green Door Distilling was founded in 2014 and was the first distillery to open in Kalamazoo since 1858. 

With a focus on bringing people together, our award-winning products have been and continue to be creatively crafted to invite spirit connoisseurs and newcomers alike to share in our ongoing adventure of refining the craft spirit industry. 

So, why the name Green Door? We thought you would ask that! In the prohibition era chances were that a door painted green meant it fronted a speakeasy, it was one of the only forms of advertisement used to showcase where liquor was sold. Lucky for you, we've moved past the era of that liquor being made in a bathtub. 

Speakeasies in general received their names as patrons were often told to "speak easy" about these secret bars in public. (Feel free to shout about ours!) One thing that should be noted is that, for the first time in American history, social and financial status did not define you, both the rich and the poor could gather to illegally drink together. 

We plan to continue that trend— but from a legal vantage point. Green Door Distilling is open to all, and we want you to feel that from the moment you walk in. For us, a green door means a good time, and we hope to see you having exactly that whether you are joining us in our tasting room, or purchasing our spirits for your own adventure. 

In Good Spirits, 
Green Door Distilling

Originally opened in 1970 as a youth drug drop-in center, Gryphon Place evolved into a suicide prevention center.

Today, we help those in conflict and crisis on local, state, and national levels. With 15 different programs and services, they are all integrated to provide a well-rounded approach to support.

Our 2-1-1 and 9-8-8 lines operate 24/7/365, while our suicide prevention, restorative practices, and youth programs interact directly with our local communities.

You’ll find us off I-94, just a few hundred yards from Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport and minutes from the offices of Pfizer and Stryker.

Downtown and Western Michigan University are four miles away.

Drive 30 minutes for a day on the slopes at the Bitter Sweet ski resort.

Daily hot breakfast and WiFi are on us.

HERITAGE BY NAME.

HERITAGE BY NATURE.

For decades, Heritage Guitars has been crafting the finest American-made guitars built on the foundations of tradition, craftsmanship and authenticity. It is this very ethos and dedication to keeping the spirit of guitar-building alive that has been consistent since the very first day we opened our doors.

OUR STORY BEGINS AT 225 PARSONS STREET

During the spring of 1985, several Kalamazoo guitar luthiers, passionate about the tradition of handcrafting beautiful high quality electric guitars, purchased space at the iconic 225 Parsons Street factory along with its original guitar-making equipment.

KEEPING THE CRAFT ALIVE

Our founders shared a wealth of guitar-building experience and an unwavering belief that every guitar should be as unique as the musician who plays it. It wasn't long before people took notice and started bringing their stories to us — we introduced our first guitar at the 1985 NAMM show and haven't looked back since.

BUILT LIKE NO OTHER

Today, we are defined by our unwavering approach to cutting-edge craftsmanship. The bespoke experience starts at our Custom Shop, where the most remarkable guitars ever seen and heard are built by our artisans at 225 Parsons Street to exact specifications. Our Standard Collection is a favorite among players seeking an American-made guitar that amplifies their passion for music. Our Ascent Collection offers accessible guitars with Heritage DNA.

THERE'S MORE TO COME

As the world evolves and welcomes a new generation of musicians, so does Heritage.We continue to forge strong relationshipswith our discerning customers and makethe world's finest musical instruments, blending the expertise from 225 Parsons with modern innovation.

You deserve something bigger than banking—real, local people invested in you and your community. As a not-for-profit, paying it forward is just what we do, and that’s been the heart of our success (and yours!) since 1934.

Making it Count

We believe life’s better when our members and their loved ones thrive. That’s why we invest in what counts – members, education, and communities.

Click through the numbers for how we impacted our members and their communities in 2024.

Helping Other People Exceed (H.O.P.E.) thru Navigation (HOPEtN) Is a grassroots Navigation Consulting Agency, founded in June of 2015 with a Federally designated 501c3 Status.

HOPEtN is dedicated to providing hands-on, wraparound navigation services and supports to individuals with Substance Use Disorder, Criminal Background history, and or no Permanent/Safe Housing due to the aforementioned.

We are guided by the Principals of Hope, Compassion, Outreach, and Impact.

We are located inside the offices of:.

1. Vine Neighborhood Association, 806 S. Westnedge
2. Kalamazoo Defenders Office, Comerica Building, 151 S. Rose Street, Ste. #3.

The mission of the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation

is to support and enrich the cultural, social and

economic life of Greater Kalamazoo

Irving S. Gilmore demonstrated a sincere commitment to Kalamazoo through his caring, kindness and support. In simple, elegant ways, Mr. Gilmore inspired the community to pursue a strong sense of social and cultural awareness for the benefit of all people.

A uniquely multifaceted individual, Mr. Gilmore was a merchant, an arts patron, a concert-quality pianist, a business leader and a military veteran. He was also a gentle man with a dry sense of humor who showed heartfelt compassion for others around him. Throughout his life, Mr. Gilmore helped by sharing his good fortune with others less fortunate.

Mr. Gilmore shunned the spotlight, preferring instead to contribute in a quiet, dignified manner. He showed his concern through frequent and often anonymous gifts that addressed a wide range of needs. In addition to sharing numerous financial gifts with the community, he worked to help others gain the skills needed to help themselves.

Mr. Gilmore found his greatest joy in the arts, for which he showed unwavering support. He not only helped gifted individuals express their unique talents, but encouraged others to support the creative expressions of the human spirit as both artists and audience. He knew that cultural and performing arts needed support to grow. He also knew that the arts offered powerful instrumental benefits. Indeed, Mr. Gilmore understood that the arts catalyze imaginative practices in and across community sectors.

Looking ahead, Mr. Gilmore wanted to provide for his community in perpetuity, ensuring that his special personal philanthropy would live on. In 1972, Mr. Gilmore established the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation and arranged for it to receive the bulk of his estate upon his death. Mr. Gilmore passed away in 1986 at the age of 85, leaving Kalamazoo a wonderful legacy.

Just as he encouraged others to unlock their own potential, today the Foundation funds key organizations that help unlock the community’s potential. Through the Foundation that bears his name, Mr. Gilmore’s commitment to the people of the Kalamazoo community lives on.

Our Vision

At Jam Shack Productions, our vision is to be the go-to live music production company for artists and event holders who want their music to stand out. We believe that every artist deserves to have their music heard, every event deserves to flow smoothly and leave a lasting impression, and we are committed to helping our clients achieve those goals.

Sound Engineer Technician Sound Equipment Rental

Our Expertise

Our team is made up of experienced producers, engineers, photographers, DJ's, and event service providers. We are partnered with a network of musicians who are passionate about music and dedicated to bringing out the best in every event we work with. We have experience working in a wide range of genres, from pop and rock to hip-hop and electronic music.

Jerico is a community of creative entrepreneurs, makers, and artists founded by Krystal and Jeb Gast in 2014.

Located in three historic buildings at the industrial edge of the Edison neighborhood in Kalamazoo, MI, the community is home to 23 shared and individual studio spaces currently occupied by a broad range of creative operations, including fine artist studios, an industrial design agency, video and music production studios, a rentable photography studio, coffee shop, yoga studio, tattoo shop and more.

Jeb and Krystal manage the day-to-day operations along with Margot, the Events and Marketing Manager, to provide physical space and other opportunities to creatives and artists in Southwest Michigan.

Our workshops, faire’s, art gallery, and private resident studios provide unique opportunities to the greater Kalamazoo community for artistic and creative experiences.

Justice Against Bullying @ School Club is a initiative to raise awareness about bullying in a safe and welcoming space and using dancing as an outlet.

At K, Arcus, our mission is to prepare our graduates to better understand, live successfully within, and provide enlightened leadership to a richly diverse and increasingly complex world.

See how we are continuing this mission through our strategic plan and institutional assessment.

Highly selective, nationally renowned and globally oriented, Kalamazoo College is the home of the K-Plan, a personalized and integrated approach to the liberal arts and sciences.

The K-Plan combines excellent academics, study abroad, independent scholarship, career development and civic engagement in a flexible curriculum that allows students to make the most of their unique interests and gifts.

Located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, K was founded in 1833, placing it among the 100 oldest colleges and universities in the nation.

Highly selective, nationally renowned and globally oriented, Kalamazoo College is the home of the K-Plan, a personalized and integrated approach to the liberal arts and sciences.

The K-Plan combines excellent academics, study abroad, independent scholarship, career development and civic engagement in a flexible curriculum that allows students to make the most of their unique interests and gifts.

Located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, K was founded in 1833, placing it among the 100 oldest colleges and universities in the nation.

“At no Ivy institution are the students so deeply engaged, so broadly prepared, or so heavily invested in a sense of community as at Kalamazoo. In short, no Ivy school is likely to have as much impact on a youth’s development.”

Loren Pope, Colleges that Change Lives

Kzoo Parks maintains more than 30 parks and public spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Each park is unique and together they offer a variety of recreational opportunities for people of all ages.

You can also rent space in city parks to host private parties, picnics, and gatherings, or large events for the entire community to enjoy.

The Kalamazoo Film Society is a volunteer, registered non-profit organization which was formed in 1988 to enhance the Greater Kalamazoo area’s film-viewing opportunities.

We provide the community with first-run, world-class cinema which includes both independent and foreign films that would otherwise not be offered locally.

We provide a diverse selection of films, ranging from the most recent winners at Cannes, Sundance and other film festivals to the best that the American Independent film movement has to offer. From a humble, almost underground, beginning, we continue to grow into the most cutting-edge, alternative film experience in town.

Kalamazoo in Bloom is a nonprofit organization that beautifies public spaces in Kalamazoo and Portage with locally grown plants and flowers, with a special emphasis on annuals. Hundreds of volunteers help on community-wide planting days that take place each May.

The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts has a rich history in the city, dating back to 1924. Since that time, we have grown to incorporate a large number of exhibits and have regularly sought to expand the number of classes that we offer.

For almost 100 years, we have maintained a firm commitment to spreading a love for art in Kalamazoo and surrounding communities.

Since our inception in 2017, Kalamazoo Nonprofit Advocacy Coalition (KNAC) has worked to preserve the iconic First Baptist Church building in downtown Kalamazoo to provide affordable, collaborative workspace for nonprofits, artists, and start-ups.

KNAC is preserving this historic landmark in service to Kalamazoo’s long-standing legacy of performing arts and innovative entrepreneurship.

The Kiwanis Club of Kalamazoo is dedicated to serving children in the greater Kalamazoo area through various service and fundraising projects. Our club has been in service to our community since 1917. We are part of Kiwanis International, an organization serving children for more than 100 years. Our membership is varied and welcome to everyone.

We raise money and donate our time to hands-on projects for local nonprofit charities such as Pretty Lake Camp, and Children’s Nature Playscape. Our club provides dictionaries to every third grader in Kalamazoo Public Schools, volunteers for bell ring

At our weekly meetings, we enjoy socializing, laughter, and an informative program about current events, local businesses, interesting people, historical topics, or other items of interest. We are always busy planning club projects, volunteering with partner organizations, fundraising, and having fun along the way.

At Lake Effect, we’re built on Rewards, Convenience, and Community. Our Lucrative Points Program lets you earn every time you shop, while our Friends Referral Program makes sure you and your crew both win when they drop your name. We’re here for you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and our fast lane drive-thru keeps your stop quick and easy. At Lake Effect, the rewards stack high, the doors never close, and your friends keep the freebies flowing.

Life in Michigan is an online magazine exploring the unique sides of Michigan through extraordinary stories.

We have been chronicling the beauty and culture of Michigan since 2012. Our stories, filled with local insights and experiences, are published here.

Read on to learn more about us, our other projects and our partners.

SUMMARY

Local Spins is a music and media platform focused on covering West Michigan’s music scene, including Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.

It was founded and is run by John Sinkevics, a longtime music critic and journalist (previously with The Grand Rapids Press). He serves as editor and publisher.

Their content includes:

• News updates about Michigan / West Michigan music
• In-depth features & reviews: album reviews, concert & festival reviews, artist spotlights.
• Guest columns, photo galleries, videos, playlists.
• Podcasts, including “Local Spins on WYCE”, and radio programs that showcase Michigan artists.

They partner with radio:

• Local Spins on WYCE (88.1 FM) broadcasts music by Michigan artists.
• Also has a radio show airing on Interlochen Public Radio.

Additional programs:

• “Local Spins Live” on News Talk 1340 AM WJRW: interviews, erformances, spotlighting both up-and-coming and established West Michigan musicians.
• A weekly concert series (“Local Spins Wednesdays”) at SpeakEZ Lounge in downtown Grand Rapids.

Reputation & Goals:

• Keep the spotlight on talented regional artists (from veterans to newcomers), helping grow awareness of the Michigan music scene.
• Described as one of the fastest-growing music websites in West Michigan; their audience is described as devoted.

DETAILS

Keeping the spotlight on talented West Michigan bands and the burgeoning regional concert scene: That was John Sinkevics’ mission for years as lead music critic and entertainment writer for The Grand Rapids Press.

Since 2012, he’s continued that mission as editor and publisher of the Local Spins website, with news updates on Grand Rapids-area musical happenings, concert listings, guest columns, photo galleries, videos, podcasts, concert, festival and album reviews, playlists and weekly features on different artists — many of whom appear on radio via Local Spins on WYCE at 11 a.m. Fridays and 5 p.m. Sundays on

A version of the hour-long program that showcases music by Michigan artists also airs at 7 p.m. Saturdays on Interlochen Public Radio, with these stations: 91.5 FM Traverse City, 90.1 FM Harbor Springs/Petoskey and 89.7 FM Manistee/Ludington.

Editor, Publisher, Festival-Attender: John Sinkevics

His work has been acknowledged by musicians, music lovers and radio listeners: Not only was the Grand Haven native honored by WYCE with a Legacy Award for his support of the music community, but he hosts a much-revered weekly concert series featuring Michigan acts at SpeakEZ Lounge in downtown Grand Rapids — part of Local Spins’ goal to spotlight local talent, from veteran artists to up-and-coming bands. (Although on hiatus in 2025, Local Spins Fest also has celebrated the publication’s anniversary in May, with a celebration featuring high-profile Michigan bands performing at Studio Park in downtown Grand Rapids and elsewhere.)

The website also depends on a dedicated, talented staff of freelance writers and photographers who tirelessly provide coverage of bands, solo artists, concerts, festivals and more across West Michigan.

Local Spins posts reviews and in-depth features focusing attention on a host of important and eclectic Grand Rapids area bands and solo artists, regularly honoring some of the region’s best: The Crane Wives, The Soil and The Sun, Jordan Hamilton, Vox Vidorra, Conrad Shock + The Noise, Jake Kershaw, Dave Hardin, Drew Nelson, Ralston Bowles, Bless You Boys, The Fuzzrites, Simien the Whale, Ultraviolet Hippopotamus, Kanin Wren, Myron Elkins and more.

As a result of all these efforts, Local Spins has become the fastest-growing music website in West Michigan and the No. 1-rated music publication with a growing audience of devoted readers.

Stories and features focusing on West Michigan’s music scene also can be found regularly in the Traverse City Record-Eagle and the Ottawa News Network.

The Michigan Music Alliance was created in 2019 as a direct response to the needs expressed by Michigan artists about what they needed to continue to build their music businesses into sustainable careers.

Their feedback became the B-Side Sessions, a series of free music business education sessions focusing on specific topics anywhere from social media to publishing.

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In addition to educational music business sessions and DIY resources, we are creating opportunities to help artists connect on a personal level. It is our hope these events will facilitate lasting collaborations and support systems leading to a sustainable music community that focuses on what we all have in common: the love of music. ​

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We believe in "collaboration over competition" and the power of coming together. Diversity fuels the spirit of the Michigan Music Community and Michigan Music Alliance.

Our commitment to inclusion across genre, race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience drives us forward every day.

Our goal is to bridge the gaps and create a flow of community, opportunity and knowledge throughout the entire state.

https://soundcloud.com/localspins

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-spins-live/id788024884

Mint Cannabis is a national, multi-state operator, cultivator, and innovator headquartered in Guadalupe, Arizona.

Its parent company, Brightroot Inc., was founded in 2016. Serving recreational, medical cardholders and adult-use customers ages 21+, the Mint operates a highly respected nationwide network of state-of-the-art retail locations, manufacturing, and extraction laboratories, with cultivation centers across the U.S. with over 34 locations and growing.

The company’s headquarters features a 12,000-square-foot flagship store, which is the largest dispensary in Arizona and the third largest in the nation.

The Mint continues to expand its brand across the country with retail, cultivation, and processing locations in Michigan, Florida, Illinois, Nevada, and Missouri, with plans to enter new markets. Throughout the company’s founding

The Mint Cannabis has looked to grow in the market, cultivate new processes, carry the best products, and capitalize on being the company that is the cornerstone of the market, as seen in Arizona.

The Mint was recently named “Most Innovative Medical Cannabis Dispensary” by the International Commercial Cannabis Awards.

Known for introducing new conveniences, the Mint launched the nation’s first cannabis kitchen in 2018, a high-tech grow in 2019, a drive-thru in 2020, an online service in 2021, and a shuttle service in 2022. Through these innovations, The Mint strives to bring the same great service and innovation to each and every market.

The Mint looks to serve you at any of the stores across the nation. We look forward to serving you!

NowKalamazoo is a nonprofit community news service and a public resource for all who live, work and play in Kalamazoo County.

We produce high-quality journalism that serves the public good, and we assist citizens in accessing civic information.

Mission & Values

Our mission is to empower our readers with the information they need to make informed decisions, hold those in power accountable, and create positive change in our community.

We believe that a free and independent press is essential to a healthy democracy, and we are committed to providing high-quality journalism that serves the public good.

Intentional Inclusion

The history of news media, in Kalamazoo and across the country, is unfortunately rife with issues of inequity and a lack of inclusiveness, of bias and a lack of representation.

NowKalamazoo’s mission is also to rectify this by helping all Kalamazooans co-author a shared story of lived experience and progress. We approach internal hiring and contracting as well as story, source, and subject selection with a goal of maximum inclusion and zero tolerance for exclusion, including but not limited to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, age, ability, and other forms of discrimination.

This is also our equity lens: the legacy of media organizations are that they maintained if not exacerbated an unequal status quo. Everything that NowKalamazoo does contains an effort to right those historic wrongs, including by putting additional effort into seeking out – and welcoming – contractors, stories, sources, and subjects that have been historically or actively discriminated against or marginalized – and helping them tell their stories.

A community has the highest quality of life when it has the information and tools for direct civic engagement, the experiences of all life are reflected and affirmed in the media, and the resources to take part in the cultures of the community are easy to access.

This is NowKalamazoo, a product of the nonprofit Local Journalism Foundation Inc.:

• Original community coverage published in full on our website and distributed in our newsletter and social media.
• A local news and events roundup in your inbox each morning.
• And the go-to events calendar for all of Kalamazoo.

Who we are

Four months before the pandemic, we published the first edition of our pop-up magazine The Homefront – the culmination of nearly a year reporting and exploring the root causes and solutions to the homelessness crisis in Kalamazoo County, thousands of which were distributed locally.

We made a pivot with the shut-down, going fully digital to provide daily updates on the facts about, impacts from, and resources for the pandemic. As funding came in, we welcomed our first managing editor, took on another pressing issue impacting our community with our series Beyond Bullets, and continued to expand our coverage.

Since 2019, we’ve continued to double down on our mission: to empower, unite, and inspire those who live, work, and play in greater Kalamazoo County. With the trust of our audience, donors, sponsors, and grant-makers, we are creating the newsroom of the future: an honest look at our past, a facts-first approach to our present, and an optimistic look forward; a multimedia, multiplatform delivery to our audience wherever they are at; scaling inward, telling the stories of everyone in the communities that make up Kalamazoo County.

The deck may seem stacked against a well-informed public, and the trustworthy free press on which it depends. There are still great local media organizations in our community as well as those who are not local but cover our community – we share their best work with you in our daily newsletter and we hope you support them as you see fit too.

NowKalamazoo is funded by donations, sponsorships, and grants, which supports our high-quality journalism for Kalamazoo. NowKalamazoo is a product of The Local Journalism Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)3 public charity.

Transparency is Important

NowKalamazoo is trusted and independent. We are a non-partisan news organization. We do not produce editorials or support any candidate or party, and we do not accept sponsorship or underwriting from political parties, candidates, campaigns, or affiliated entities such as political action committees, etc. We do not permit sponsor’s messages to include falsehoods, mis-information or dis-information. Lastly, we do not sell any of our readers’ or sponsors’ information.

Commitment to Independence

NowKalamazoo is and always will remain fully independent. NowKalamazoo is dedicated to reporting and analysis that is thoroughly vetted and fair-minded, enabling readers to understand the crucial stories of our community and make their own decisions and opinions. We view our independence as an integral piece of the value we bring to our readers and the Kalamazoo community. Our roots, our editorial focus, and our business decisions are truly local. We are not owned or influenced by anyone or any other decision-makers either here in town or in a headquarters in another state.

Some of our sponsors, donors, and grant-makers may also be subjects of our reporting. Consistent with journalistic best practices, NowKalamazoo maintains a strict firewall that removes business considerations from editorial decision-making, including preventing editors and reporters from working on a story. This is the reality of journalism and an example of the measures we take to earn your trust. When we are choosing which stories to report and how to produce them, our readers always come first.

NowKalamazoo was founded by Ben Lando, a fourth generation Kalamazooan, who began his career in journalism in 2000 covering Kalamazoo city and county governments and other community stories for local radio stations and newspapers. From 2006-2009 he was based in Washington, D.C., as a reporter and editor for United Press International covering U.S. and global energy, political, and security stories. In 2009, he moved to Baghdad, Iraq, where he was a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, Time, and other news outlets. While there, he founded www.iraqoilreport.com, which remains the premier outlet covering economic, security, and political developments in the country. He returned to Kalamazoo in 2013 to start his family.

A PLACE FOR CREATIVE FOLKS TO SHARE IDEAS, ART, AND CULTURE

One Well Brewing is a brewery based in Kalamazoo, Michigan that strives to provide the greater Kalamazoo area and Michigan at large with a quality, craft-brewed selection of beers.

We are committed to sustainability and design, and we are strong believers that these two concepts aren’t mutually exclusive. We use reclaimed and upcycled materials in our taphouse to promote sustainability while creating an authentic, aesthetically-pleasing experience where form meets function.

Media That Builds Community

Public Media Network is more than just making videos or shows—it’s about using media to connect people and strengthen our community.

We work with local residents, groups, and nonprofits to create programs that reflect the real issues and ideas that matter in Greater Kalamazoo. From covering city meetings to sharing stories about your neighborhood, we use media to help people understand what’s going on and how they can be part of it.

We make it easy to get involved by offering hands-on training, access to equipment, and platforms to share your stories with the community.

Our Mission & Vision

At Public Media Network, we believe stories have the power to bring people together, spark important conversations, and inspire people to get involved in their community.

We’re here to help people use media to share their ideas, tell local stories, and make a difference in Greater Kalamazoo. By giving you the tools, training, and support you need, we’re building a stronger, more connected community where everyone’s voice matters.

We imagine a future where media helps people get involved, where everyone can share their story, and where we all work together to make our community a better place to live.

Love where you live!
• CELEBRATE KALAMAZOO •
Vintage logos of places that helped build
our unique community
WE'RE PROUD TO CALL HOME
Current prints of businesses, schools, events and ideas
KEEP OUR VISION FLOURISHING
Our site is your opportunity for
FUNDRAISING & PROMOTION
Have a project? Want to be featured on our site?
CONTACT US FOR DETAILS
Bring your ideas to life!

An inspired fusion of flavors from Southwest to South America.

ROCA is the latest creation from the renowned management and culinary team of Principle Food and Drink. Based on the foundational elements of locally sourced ingredients, classic scratch cooking, a unique dining environment and exemplary service, ROCA presents an exciting and unforgettable fusion of flavors inspired by Latin American culture and cuisine.

SignWriter specializes in creating custom signs for businesses and colleges. We work in a variety of mediums – sandblasted cedar, routed sign foam, backlit plastic signs, vinyl, metal, glass – you name it!

We love designing and building unique signs for our clients that make them stand out from the pack. Call us today to get a FREE estimate on our services.

Need a huge banner or sign? No problem! SignWriter is one of the few sign shops in the area with our very own large format printer in-house! We can print just about anything on a variety of surfaces and materials. We can even print on large sheets of vinyl. (Think one big “sticker”). Just contact us today to find out more about the possibilities – they truly are mind-boggling!

Our Sonic Coast vibe could best be described as a melting pot of music for Michiganders. We take great pride in the diversity of our sound, amplifying local Michigan artists, plus a mix of roots, rock, folk, soul, and funk from around the world. We hope you dig it as much as we do!

The Clover Room is an intimate listening room for creatives of all kinds, focusing on FEMALE, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ artists.

We believe that all artists deserve a comfortable and safe space to perform where they can connect with their audience. A minimal artist fee that supports keeping the doors open, pays for our sound engineer, ticketing platform, and marketing of the events is taken off the top of the ticket sales, and then 100% after goes directly to the artists.

Our venue seats 55 people and special VIP seating is available for certain events.
Our space is modular and is a multi-use space! Inquire about rentals for your upcoming private event, workshop, or gathering.

We offer private rentals for your next staff retreat, workshop, or celebration.

From Yesterday’s Lee Paper Mill…

In the early 1900s, Vicksburg, MI was home to one of the most productive paper mills in the region: Lee Paper Mill. Producing over 17 tons of paper per day at its peak, and serving as Vicksburg’s leading employer, Lee Paper Mill was an economic engine that never stopped turning… until it did. The Mill officially shut down in 2001, devastating the community as a reminder of something great in the past that no longer was.

Until sustainable philanthropist Chris Moore swooped in to save it from the wrecking ball in 2014. Now, it’s being restored to provide the Village of Vicksburg, State of Michigan and the Midwest Region with something bigger and bolder than ever.

…to The Mill at Vicksburg Tomorrow

The Mill at Vicksburg is being restored and repurposed, relaunching every inch of its 416,000 square-foot building and 120-acre campus to its former glory. Imagine events, breweries and distilleries, museums, outdoor spaces and live music occupying lively spaces filled with local visitors and tourists from all over the region. Whether you stay for a day or a weekend, there will be plenty to keep you occupied.

Events: The Mill will serve as a center for multiple, simultaneous conventions, conferences and cultural events, supported by a boutique hotel and outdoor recreation in a vintage space with amazing features and views.
Beer: A production facility for multiple partner brewers and distillers, with taprooms, vintage bars and one of the nation’s largest museums dedicated to the history of American brewing.
Music: A multi-venue destination that can simultaneously host indoor and outdoor events with first-class amenities.

Pillars of Sustainability

The Mill at Vicksburg project began with a goal to continue The Mill’s legacy as an economic and cultural engine that drives a thriving Vicksburg. Chris Moore, owner and brilliant mind behind the project, wanted to ensure that this project would not only help his hometown community thrive but would do so for generations to come. In order for that to happen, Chris knew sustainability needed to be at the forefront of every endeavor. This led to the definition of The Mill’s Pillars of Sustainability. Our ongoing mission is to have a people- and planet-first approach to everything we do to be sustainable for hundreds of years and generations to come.

Gancy, It’s Good. Distilled and bottled in Austin, Texas since the mid-nineties, Tito’s comes in a standard bottle, with a simple paper label, so all you pay for is the high-quality vodka inside.

Cider Mill

Open Thurs-Sun. Over 100 years ago, this was a cattle barn. After its renovation in the early 70’s, you can now watch us make cider, enjoy one of our famous Uncle John’s Donuts or sink your teeth into a homemade caramel apple. When the weather gets chilly, be sure to try a hot spiced cider! *Since cider is a perishable product, we do not press every day. The barn is only staffed Friday - Sunday, but we still have fresh cider and donuts everyday we are open.

Gift Shop

Open Everyday. Our gift shop is a special collection of gifts that represent Uncle John’s and the state of Michigan. Additionally, you will find seasonal home décor’, toys, books, candles, apparel and accessories. There is something for everyone!

Pie Barn

Open Everyday. In the Pie Barn, you can find all of your new favorites. We feature homemade bread, pies, decorated donuts, monster cookies, jam & jellies, honey & syrup, local cheese & jerky, seasonal produce, gifts, snacks and our two favorites: Apple Bread & Cider Slushies!

Taproom

Open Everyday. This barn was originally built as a fruit storage and packing facility for fresh apples. In the early 2000’s, we renovated it to our Taproom and Hard Cider Facility. Today, you can enjoy a hard cider flight, glass of wine or shop for your favorite hard cider, wine or spirits.

The Vine Neighborhood Association works to keep the neighborhood vibrant and connected. As one of the oldest neighborhoods in the City of Kalamazoo, the Vine neighborhood plays an important role forming the community in the City.

Vine is a community within itself with its eclectic businesses. We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and diverse neighborhood.

The Vine Neighborhood offers downtown living for people who want to live near it all. Situated between Western Michigan University(WMU) and Downtown Kalamazoo, the Vine Neighborhood is attractive to long-term rental residents, students, and homeowners.

While Vine, itself, hosts several boutiques, niche markets and restaurants, and entertainment options, Kalamazoo’s Central Business District, adjacent to Vine, is also easily walk-able.

Downtown Kalamazoo boasts one of the country’s few Alamo Drafthouse movie theaters, countless breweries (including Bell’s, Hopcat, and Arcadia Ales), 23 live performance stages, a large festival site, the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, the award-winning Kalamazoo Public Library, Bronson Park, and many more attractions.

In addition, several Metro Transit bus lines run right right through the Vine Neighborhood, linking residents to outlying points throughout the city.

WMUK 102.1 FM and WKDS 89.9 FM (collectively, WMUK-FM) are owned and operated by Western Michigan University. 102.1 FM is our flagship NPR News and Information service,

broadcasting at an effective radiated power of 50,000 watts across West Michigan and Northern Indiana. Classical WMUK broadcasts 24/7 on 89.9 FM and the HD-2 channel of 102.1 FM.

We are a non-profit public radio station and charter member of NPR . We are also affiliates of American Public Media (APM) and Public Radio International (PRI), as well as providing international programming from the BBC World Service and the CBC.

Our stations are licensed to Western Michigan University’s Board of Trustees.  The majority of our funding comes from Western Michigan University, listener support, business underwriting, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).

WMUK-FM's MISSION is to share knowledge, explore ideas and tell compelling stories that engage listeners and communities across West Michigan and beyond.

Our VISION is to become the regional NPR station of choice for a growing community of public radio listeners and supporters.

Learn more about the station’s funding and expenses, diversity initiatives, employment practices and governance at WMUK Open Records. Western Michigan University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Wyld is a brand of cannabis edibles founded in 2015 by Aaron Morris and Chris Joseph.

Wyld Values and Initiatives

Happy Pride, from Wyld.

Pride isn’t just a month. It’s a movement — one that demands our commitment every day. At Wyld, we’re dedicated to driving meaningful change—in our industry, our communities, and the world we share. That means showing up, speaking out, and standing with those leading the fight for equity, inclusion, and LGBTQIA+ rights year-round. June may...

Environmental Sustainability

Wyld and The Freshwater Trust: A Partnership for Watershed Innovation

Combining technology and conservation expertise to protect our most vital resource Water is the foundation of all life on our planet, yet freshwater ecosystems face unprecedented challenges from climate change, pollution, and development. In response to these challenges, forward-thinking organizations are forming strategic partnerships that leverage complementary strengths to accelerate conservation efforts. One such collaboration...

Wyld and The Freshwater Trust:

A Partnership for Watershed Innovation

Combining technology and conservation expertise to protect our most vital resource Water is the foundation of all life on our planet, yet freshwater ecosystems face unprecedented challenges from climate change, pollution, and development. In response to these challenges, forward-thinking organizations are forming strategic partnerships that leverage complementary strengths to accelerate conservation efforts. One such collaboration...

2024 Impact Report

In our fourth year of reporting, we’re proud to showcase what we’ve accomplished for people and planet, as well as the challenges we’ve encountered and overcome. As we continue to watch the world focus on shareholder value, we believe there needs to be a paradigm shift on what makes a business successful. There is so...

Environmental Sustainability

Carbon Credits: 2021

In 2021, Wyld worked with South Pole to purchase and retire carbon credits from several projects to help offset our operational greenhouse gas emissions for that year. Below are descriptions and impacts of these amazing projects. Darkwoods Forest Conservation: Wyld worked with South Pole to purchase and retire carbon credits from this project to help offset its 2021...