John Egelhaaf, executive director of Southwest Michigan Planning Commission (SWMPC), will be the speaker at a Friday, Aug. 23, lunch meeting at Fernwood Botanical Garden co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Berrien and Cass Counties and Fernwood.

The national census collects reams of information state, regional and county authorities analyze to discern trends, detect problems and compare the “well-being” of their areas to others.

Egelhaaf will present SWMPC’s latest research on how southwest Michigan is performing relative to other regions across the country on six essential benchmarks: population vitality, economic strength, personal prosperity, community well-being, lifelong learning and the role of governance.

The Aug. 23 meeting will be the first public presentation of this research project and its revealing results.

The meeting will start at noon with a lunch by Fernwood’s Chef Tim Carrigan.

The cost is $13 complete.

Reservations must be made no later than end of the day Tuesday, Aug. 20.

Fernwood’s phone number is (269) 695-6491 and it is open 10 to 6 Tuesday-Saturday and noon to 6 Sunday (closed Monday).

Or make your reservation online at fernwoodbotanical.org any time.

The meeting is open to all interested parties.