Cornerstone Alliance
38 W. Wall Steet, P.O. Box 428
Benton Harbor, MI 49023-0428
269.925.6100
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Ways to Become Involved

Some of the ways volunteers can become involved in the activities of Cornerstone Alliance and Chamber of Commerce is through volunteering to serve on one of our various committees. These committees are designed to support the strategic focus areas of the organization's strategic plan. For further information, on becoming involved please contact Cornerstone Alliance.

OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES SUPPORTING HARBOR SHORES

Local Business Consortium

The purpose of the LBC is to help create opportunities so that local businesses can benefit from the economic impact of Harbor Shores. These opportunities will be delivered within two primary program areas:  contractor assistance and development and entrepreneurial assistance. 

EXISTING BUSIENSS RETENTION AND EXPANSION

Business Assistance Team

The purpose of the Business Assistance Team is to be a pro-active unit comprised of multiple business resource partners who work diligently to retain existing businesses threatened by disaster, failure, or relocation.

Chamber Legislative Committee

The purpose of the Chamber Legislative Committee is to meet routinely with our legislative delegation, establish a formal Legislative Agenda, track all proposed legislation for potential impact on the business sector, advocate on behalf of members, and influence pro-business policy-making.

Chamber Services Committee

The purpose of the Chamber Services Committee is to review and develop Chamber branding, business-oriented seminars, networking events and opportunities, oversee development of affinity programs/technology oversight and measure the pulse of the membership for satisfaction.

Chamber Existing Business Committee

The purpose of the Chamber Existing Business Committee is to review and develop multi-faceted customer service training and initiatives, including external marketing of same; the activities of the existing business call program; and to support "Shop Local" campaign.

Chamber Ambassadors

The purpose of the Chamber Ambassador program is to recruit, train and retain a solid core of upbeat and personable volunteers to augment the Chamber staff through active participation in all off-site events as greeters, ushers, guides, and other roles of event management as assigned. 

NEW BUSIENSS RECRUITMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

Physical Development

The purpose of the Physical Development Committee of Cornerstone Alliance is to advise and provide input on efforts in economic and physical development in our community (focusing on waterfront, housing, commercial and industrial development) in order to achieve transformational impact on the quality of life within our communities.  To oversee the strategy and tactics for all Cornerstone Alliance physical development initiatives, with objectives to attract new business, retain and grow existing business, and to support the overall strategy and mission of Cornerstone Alliance.

Small Business Services

The purpose of the Financial & Small Business Services Operating Unit is to advise and guide small business development and financial assistance efforts in order to help grow, maintain, and strengthen small businesses in our communities.

Women's Business Center Advisory Board

The purpose of the WBC Advisory Council is to provide guidance and counsel for the programs and efforts of Women's Business Center, helping women achieve their entrepreneurial dreams and improve their communities by helping them start and run successful businesses. 

COMMUNITY MESSAGING

Marketing Advisory Committee

The purpose of the Marketing Advisory Committee is to assist with activities focused on sharing the positive messages of the Community and the Cornerstone Alliance organization. The ultimate goal is to increase awareness of Cornerstone Alliance's role in improving the community, the area's many resources, and sell the benefits of living and working in our communities.

Stewards of Michigan's Great Southwest

The Stewards of Michigan's Great Southwest is an organization comprised of leaders who have the longest term stake in the growth and viability of our community. The Stewards will use this organization as a means of including, inquiring, informing, and involving the various organizations for which they work and belong in the overall economic development activities of the community.

Chief Elected Official Council

The purpose of the Chief Elected Officials Council is to establish and maintain monthly face-to-face dialogue and information exchange among the core communities in the Cornerstone service area, keeping municipalities up-to-date on Cornerstone projects and initiatives, while providing valuable opportunities for the sharing of best practices, shared problem-solving, contact with legislators, and general camaraderie. 

ORGANIZATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY

Investor Relations

The purpose of the Investment Relations Operating Unit is to develop and execute fundraising strategies that will result in raising $1 million dollars to maximize the matching Whirlpool grant and to be the voice of the investors to the Board and staff of Cornerstone Alliance.

 

Finance

The purpose of the Finance Committees of Cornerstone Alliance and the Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce is to review financial transactions, provide oversight of annual audit, provide oversight of financial performance, and ensure financial integrity to our investors.

Investment Review

The purpose of the Investment Review Subcommittee of the Renaissance Development Fund is to provide analysis of and advice on expenditures and investments in which Renaissance Development Fund resources are committed.

Nominating

The purpose of the Nominating Committees of Cornerstone Alliance and the Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce is to recommend new members to the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and volunteer committees and operating units on an annual basis so that leadership of the organization is re-energized by talented individuals who have the best interests of the community at heart.

 

Chairman's Advisory Council

The Chairman's Advisory Council is a group of community-minded individuals who contribute $2,500 annually or more to Cornerstone Alliance, and meet four times a year in sessions with its President & CEO and Chairman. Their focus is on discussing current projects of the organization. Members are encouraged to share their expertise and advice with Cornerstone Alliance leaders.

INTEGRATION WITH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Harbor Shores Communications Committee

The purpose of the Harbor Shores Communications Committee is to develop and execute internal communications strategies around the Harbor Shores project. The ultimate goal is to increase local awareness of the various aspects of the project while maintaining the strong community enthusiasm that has been created by the project. 

Coming Home Coming Together Concert Committee

The purpose of the Coming Home Coming Together Concert Committee is to design, execute and raise the funds necessary to bring people from all walks of life to downtown Benton Harbor for an annual event that celebrates the progress being made in the city through economic and community development efforts through an outdoor concert.