Why First & 42?

It’s one of the most common questions we get!

FIRST & 42 is more than just a name. It’s a symbol of where we are, what we stand for, and how we connect people and business across Southwest Michigan.

The name is a nod to our location:

• “First”, because Southwest Michigan First is the organization who publishes the regional news content. Our guiding motto is “the greatest force for change is a job”. Our first priority is also our mission: to increase economic prosperity for all in Southwest Michigan.
• “42”, because the 42nd parallel is the line of latitude that runs straight through Southwest Michigan. It’s also close to the intersection of US-131 and I-94, major routes that connect our region to the rest of the country.

Together, FIRST & 42 embodies the intersection of people, ideas, and opportunities in our region—exactly what our newsletter delivers each week.

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• Subscribe to FIRST & 42: We’ll never subscribe anyone without permission, and we’ll never, ever send spam (pinky promise).
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• Got some news to share or a great story idea? Email us at news@firstand42.media.