Southwest Michigan Regional Airport

09/03/2026

The Southwest Michigan Regional Airport is pleased to announce that Bruce Allee has been named Interim Director following the announcement during the Airport Authority Board meeting on Aug. 20.

A familiar face to airport staff, tenants and the community, Allee brings experience in airport operations, facilities management and public safety as he helps lead the airport through this transition. ✈️💚

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For Immediate Release
Contact info: Southwest Michigan Regional Airport
Email: [email protected]

Southwest Michigan Regional Airport Names Bruce Allee Interim Director

BENTON HARBOR, MI – The Southwest Michigan Regional Airport Authority Board announced during its August 20 meeting that Bruce Allee will serve as Interim Director of the Southwest Michigan Regional Airport.

Allee has been part of the airport team since October 2024, serving as Office Manager and a member of the winter snow removal crew. As a familiar face to airport staff, tenants and community, he brings firsthand knowledge of the airport’s daily operations to the role.

“Bruce has already worked closely with the airport team and is a familiar face to our staff, tenants and community,” said Airport Authority Board President Brandon Cerecke. “We are confident in his ability to lead us during this transition as we begin our search for the airport’s next director. His experience, steady leadership and commitment to our Southwest Michigan Regional Airport will serve the Authority and our community well, and we are sure he will do great work in this role.”

Allee brings experience in aviation operations, facilities management and public safety. He previously worked as a ramp agent at Corporate Wings FBO at South Bend International Airport, assisting aircraft, flight crews and passengers while supporting fueling and airfield operations. He has also managed maintenance operations for multiple properties and spent more than 30 years in law enforcement, including service with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and Butler University.

As Interim Director, Allee will focus on supporting airport staff, strengthening communication with tenants, pilots, vendors and customers, promoting the airport as a place to do business and continuing community outreach. He will also build on recent airport improvements while supporting future growth opportunities at the airport to best serve the community.

Allee also plans to explore ways to strengthen current and future revenue opportunities, support the continued development of a potential flight school and help create an environment that encourages investment in the airport.

The Airport Authority will begin its search for a permanent director in the coming months. In the meantime, the Authority remains committed to providing strong leadership and maintaining the airport’s role as an important transportation, economic and emergency-response resource for Southwest Michigan. As the airport continues engaging community members, residents are encouraged to reach out with questions or feedback by emailing [email protected].

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Byline: Nicholas Gunn, Southwest Michigan Regional Airport, Communications Coordinator

Photo: Southwest Michigan Regional Airport Interim Director, Bruce Allee pictured at the airport.

Photo Credit: Nicholas Gunn

08/15/2026

The Southwest Michigan Regional Airport was proud to recently host the Michigan Wing of the Civil Air Patrol for Operation Whirlwind, a Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) involving air, ground, and communications teams alongside multiple outside agencies.

This training exercise simulated a National Weather Service forecast indicating conditions favorable for a potential F4 tornado impacting Southwest Michigan. Teams put their search, rescue, communications, and emergency response skills to the test in a hands-on training environment.

Local fire departments also participated, creating valuable opportunities for cross-agency coordination and collaboration.

Training exercises like Operation Whirlwind help ensure our emergency response partners are prepared to work together when real emergencies arise.

We are grateful to the Michigan Civil Air Patrol and all participating agencies for their commitment to preparedness and their continued service to Southwest Michigan. We look forward to future opportunities to work together! ✈️🚒

08/15/2026

08/06/2026

The Southwest Michigan Regional Airport acknowledges the results of the Aug. 4 primary election, in which voters approved the renewal of the airport millage for an additional 10 years.

We appreciate all community members who participated in the election process and shared their perspectives throughout the discussion. Whether you supported or opposed the millage renewal, your feedback was heard and remains valuable as we plan for the future. ✈️💚

For Immediate Release
Contact info: Southwest Michigan Regional Airport
Email: [email protected]

Southwest Michigan Regional Airport Looks Ahead Following Voter Approval of Millage

BENTON HARBOR, MI – The Southwest Michigan Regional Airport acknowledges the results of the Aug. 4 primary election, in which voters approved the renewal of the airport millage for an additional 10 years in the City of St. Joseph, Lincoln Charter Township, St. Joseph Charter Township, Benton Charter Township and Royalton Township.

Airport officials thanked all community members who participated in the election process and shared their perspectives. With the millage renewal approved, each of the five participating municipalities will continue to maintain representation on the Airport Authority Board, alongside the City of Benton Harbor.

“Whether you supported or opposed the airport millage renewal, we listened,” said Airport Board President Brandon Cerecke. “The public discussion surrounding this issue provided valuable feedback that will help guide the airport’s future. We remain committed to serving the entire community and being responsible stewards of the public trust.”

The millage renewal will provide continued funding to support airport operations, infrastructure improvements, safety initiatives and economic development efforts throughout Southwest Michigan. The airport supports emergency medical flights, organ transport, Angel Flight missions, law enforcement operations, U.S. Coast Guard activities and emergency response efforts. As the region’s only all-weather airport, it also serves as an important transportation and economic asset, supporting local businesses, tourism and aviation education opportunities.

“The election is now behind us,” said Cerecke. “Our responsibility is to continue providing safe, reliable service and to ensure the airport remains a valuable asset for Southwest Michigan for years to come. We are proud of the dedicated team that serves this airport every day and look forward to continuing our work together as we build on the airport’s success and serve the needs of our region.”

Cerecke also thanked the many individuals and organizations who helped keep voters informed throughout the process. “I would obviously like to thank Nicholas Gunn, Melissa Hahn, Arthur Havlicek of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, Marla Schneider of Cornerstone Alliance, Eleanor Reece of Whirlpool Corporation and the many others for their efforts to provide factual information and community outreach.”

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Byline: Nicholas Gunn, Southwest Michigan Regional Airport, Communications Coordinator
Photo: Airport Board Meeting

07/31/2026

Today, nearly 30 local pastors and community leaders from across Southwest Michigan gathered at the Southwest Michigan Regional Airport for a special luncheon to offer their prayers and support for the airport and its future.

Guests had the opportunity to learn more about how the airport operates and toured the facilitie to gain a deeper understanding of the many ways the airport serves our community. From supporting emergency response and aviation education to connecting businesses and driving economic growth, the Southwest Michigan Regional Airport is a vital community resource.

We are grateful for the prayers, encouragement, and strong support shown by our local pastors and community leaders. Thank you for standing with us and recognizing the important role our airport plays in serving Southwest Michigan today and for generations to come. ✈️💚

07/30/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday for Storytime on the Flight Line at Southwest Michigan Regional Airport! Families enjoyed a fun evening of stories, watching airplanes from the terminal, learning about aviation, and, of course, taking home a special treat.

Here are a few photos from yesterday’s event. We loved seeing so many smiling faces and can’t wait to welcome everyone back for our next Storytime on the Flight Line!

Storytime is free and held every other Tuesday through August 25.

A special thank you to The Pizza & Planes Podcast and Barnstormers Pizza & More for making this summer’s Storytime on the Flight Line possible.

07/28/2026

Join us for Storytime on the Flight Line at Southwest Michigan Regional Airport! All kids are welcomed to enjoy a story, watch airplanes from the terminal, learn a little about aviation, and head home with a treat.

📅 Today, Tuesday, July 28
🕡 6:30 PM
📍 Southwest Michigan Regional Airport

The event is free and is held every other Tuesday through August 25.

A big thank you to The Pizza & Planes Podcast and Barnstormers Pizza & More for presenting this summer’s Storytime on the Flight Line. We hope to see you at the airport tonight!

07/28/2026

Looking for something fun to do with the kids tomorrow evening?

Join us for Storytime on the Flight Line at Southwest Michigan Regional Airport! Kids ages 3–6 will enjoy a story, watch airplanes from the terminal, learn a little about aviation, and head home with a treat.

📅 Tuesday, July 28
🕡 6:30 PM
📍 Southwest Michigan Regional Airport

The event is free and is held every other Tuesday through August 25.

A big thank you to The Pizza & Planes Podcast and Barnstormers Pizza & More for presenting this summer’s Storytime on the Flight Line. We hope to see you at the airport!

07/19/2026

Education takes flight at the Southwest Michigan Regional Airport!

Learning happens far beyond the classroom. From student tours and career exploration opportunities to university aviation programs and flight training, our airport helps inspire the next generation of pilots, mechanics, first responders, engineers, and aviation professionals.

For more than 90 years, the Southwest Michigan Regional Airport has been a place where curiosity grows, careers begin, and students discover new possibilities.

On August 4, our community has an opportunity to make its voice heard. Every vote matters.