Cornerstone Alliance
38 W. Wall Steet, P.O. Box 428
Benton Harbor, MI 49023-0428
269.925.6100
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IEDC AWARD PRESENTED

Benton Harbor, MI-based Organization Recognized for Partnership Endeavor
Cornerstone Alliance was recently acknowledged for the public-private partnership endeavor that made the Harbor Shores project a reality in the Benton Harbor/St. Joseph community. The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) presented the award to the Benton Harbor, Michigan-based organization at IEDC's Annual Conference, which was held in Reno, Nevada, October 4-7. The awards ceremony was held on Tuesday, October 6th.
"Furthering economic development is rarely a simple task in the best of times, and advancing the cause in the midst of a global financial crisis is nothing less than arduous," said Ian Bromley, IEDC chair. "As the consequences of the widespread economic turmoil have taken hold, we have seen our members become even more ardent proponents of economic development, flying in the face of one of the most challenging economic environments we have experienced in our careers. We proudly present this award to Cornerstone Alliance for its superior work during these difficult times."
Cornerstone Alliance President Wendy Dant Chesser was at the event and accepted the awards on behalf of Harbor Shores. She said, "It was an honor to represent the Harbor Shores Project, among my peers in Economic Development. Most economic developers dream to be a part of such a transformational project. Fortunately, for our community it is taking place here in Michigan's Great Southwest."
Competing in the category of Public-Private Partnerships by organizations serving areas with populations under 50,000, Cornerstone Alliance's partnership on Harbor Shores - Building a Foundation for Community Transformation, was a clear standout. The organization and two other non-profit corporations with a longstanding history in the community--Whirlpool Foundation and Consortium for Community Development--have taken the lead on the Harbor Shores revitalization effort. The Public-Private Partnerships award recognizes outstanding and innovative development projects that have significantly enhanced the economic revitalization of distressed communities, states, or regions. Winners represent efforts in which larger private contributions have been added to smaller, vital public commitments.
"As a Harbor Shores Trustee and the economic development partner in the Harbor Shores project, I am proud of the positive change the project is creating in our area. As an international organization, the IEDC received over 460 applications for 28 award categories. For the Harbor Shores project to stand out enough to receive such an honor is a true testament to the project and all of the partners working to make it a reality," added Chesser.
In applying for the award, Cornerstone Alliance wrote:
Harbor Shores is a unique opportunity to revitalize local communities and transform the region from underutilized properties along Lake Michigan's waterfront to take its place among the hottest vacation destinations in the Midwest. Situated in Michigan's Great Southwest, Harbor Shores has a prime location, ideal for targeting economic development and tourism revenues as a vacation destination. The project is a 530-acre, mixed-use development that spans portions of the City of Benton Harbor, the City of St. Joseph, and Benton Charter Township, all located within Berrien County. Total project construction will span approximately 10 years, and is expected to be complete by 2020. The Harbor Shores project will invest $104 million in infrastructure and over $400 million of total development investment.

About Cornerstone Alliance (www.cstonealliance.org)
Cornerstone Alliance is a non-profit, investor-driven, community and economic development organization focusing on tax and job base creation, with an emphasis on socially and economically distressed areas, facilitating change through partnerships within the communities comprised of the cities of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph, Benton Charter Township, St. Joseph Charter Township, Lincoln Charter Township and Royalton Township. Cornerstone Alliance is one of three non-profit partners in the Harbor Shores Community Redevelopment project.

About the International Economic Development Council (www.iedc.org)
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is headquartered in Washington, DC. Its mission is to provide leadership and excellence in economic development for communities, members and partners. IEDC's professional economic development awards annually recognize excellence in the economic development profession.

The IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognize the world's best economic development marketing materials; programs and partnerships; and the year's most influential leaders. The prestigious awards honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities.

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