Cornerstone Alliance
38 W. Wall Steet, P.O. Box 428
Benton Harbor, MI 49023-0428
269.925.6100
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Why Michigan's Great Southwest?

Why do companies-high-tech, internationally known companies like Whirlpool Corporation, Dawson Manufacturing Corporation, and IPC Print Services, Inc.-choose Michigan's Great Southwest? Is it the weather? The people? The great business climate?

Sure, these are great reasons. But our region's attractiveness probably has more to do with our highly skilled workforce, outstanding incentive packages, and reasonable tax structure.

Michigan's Great Southwest is an ideal and unique place to locate or expand your business. Why is this community better than anywhere else in the United States to grow a business? It offers an attractive place to live, work, and play. Here are just a few good reasons to consider our area.

  • Located in the southwest corner of Michigan, along 50 miles of beautiful Lake Michigan, our area's Whyamenities can't be beat.
  • The communities promise many of the benefits of a big city with the conveniences of a small town. The St. Joseph community recently was named to Money Magazine's top 10 list for communities with the shortest commute at an average of just 13 minutes.
  • Ranked as one of the top 270 Communities to Do Business by Inc. Magazine, a business friendly environment awaits you including competitive incentives such as several Renaissance Zone sites with incredible tax incentives.
  • The area is home to a diversified mix of companies including appliance giant, Whirlpool Corporation, which grew up here and maintains its world headquarters in Benton Harbor.
  • The community is centrally located just 90 miles from Chicago and 180 miles from Detroit. Within a 500-mile radius of the community, you'll find 54% of all of the nation's manufacturing, 48% of retail sales, 54% of the nation's business payroll, and 65% of Canada's gross national product.
  • A multi-modal transportation network that includes air, water, rail and highway routes.
  • Close proximity to many 2-year and 4-year educational institutions, just 45 short minutes from the University of Notre Dame.
  • A diverse and skilled workforce to meet your needs.
  • Utility rates below the national average.
  • Named by Golf Digest as one of the Top 20 Metro Areas, three private and 17 public golf courses await you.
  • And last but not least, a spectacular quality of life that includes lake coastline scenery, fantastic boating, fishing, hiking trails, antique shops, festivals and many special events.

What more could you want? Whatever it is, we probably have it...or we can get it.