Ron Kitchens

Ron Kitchens wakes up every morning driven by his personal mission: the greatest force for change is a job.

Ron serves as the chief executive officer of the Southwest Michigan First Group of Companies, a cluster of privately funded economic development advisors who act as the catalyst for economic growth in Southwest Michigan. These companies include Southwest Michigan First andCatalyst University – a leadership “unconference” that inspires both emerging and existing leaders of all ages and sectors of t

he community to achieve greatness. Ron is the managing partner of C2 Brands, a benevolent corporation established to help communities grow through a variety of brands, programs and resources including Consultant Connect – a consulting organization designed to bridge the gap between economic development professionals and site consultants. He is also the co-founder of the Engage Conference, an invitation-only leadership symposium for global economic leaders. Ron and his teams have been extensively featured in over 100 national and international media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, CBS News, NBC News, Fox Business News, USA Today, Forbes, Fortune, The Economist and National Public Radio (NPR). His organizations have received both local and national awards for excellence, leadership, diversity, wellness and innovation including National Best & Brightest Company elite Small Business. The best-selling author of Community Capitalism: Lessons from Kalamazoo and Beyond, Ron has been featured in Insight Publishing’s Mastering the Art of Success and Donna Karlin’s Leaders: Their Stories, Their Words. He is a nationally sought-after speaker to business and professional groups on the topics of leadership, economic development, talent and wellness & engagement. His community leadership includes board service for Impact Athletic, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Southwest Michigan First, Michigan State University Board | Facility for Rare Isotope Beams and the Mackinac Policy Conference Host Committee. Ron is a graduate of Missouri State University and has completed the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute and Harvard’s Negotiation Program. He is a fan of quail hunting, fly fishing, rugby, baseball, exploring new restaurants, his dog Truman and being on the water with friends. At home, Ron’s priority is focused on his wife Lyn and daughter Kelsey.

04/10/2025

"No organization ever got weaker when its teams got stronger."

At the Chamber, we believe that reading together as a team is powerful - and we’re already on book #2 this year!

We’re thrilled to see fellow members in our community embracing that same spirit of growth. Not only are they reading as a team, but they’ve chosen a book by our very own CEO, Ron Kitchens!

Huge shoutout to Bishop Realtor Group who shared:
“We love your book so much that we’re starting our next 23 office meetings with one of your chapters as the intro. We all read it and talked about it.”

Now that’s what great leadership looks like!

Stop by our office and get your copy of "Uniquely You" signed by the author himself!

04/02/2025

This month, I have the pleasure of speaking at the Site Selection Summit by Southern Economic Development Council.

I’m honored to join an incredible group of economic developers and industry leaders dedicated to driving progress and prosperity across the United States.

With a record turnout expected, this event will bring together the minds behind nearly $200 billion in new capital investment annually. I can’t wait to connect, collaborate, and contribute to meaningful discussions that shape the future of economic development.