One of the buzzwords that continues on the rise in the world of Economic Development is "regionalism." Even cross-border initiatives for states bordering one another are increasing in popularity as the work of attracting world-class employers and job opportunities for the common man builds for the future. While there have been regional approaches here in Michigan's Great Southwest in the past, a new commitment is emerging for a truly collaborative effort involving multiple agencies in our region and into northwest Indiana as well.
Word comes today that Cornerstone Alliance, Berrien County's lead, privately-funded economic development organization is teaming up with Berrien County Community Development and Southwest Michigan Economic Growth Alliance (SMEGA) in partnering with Michiana Partnership Inc. (MPI) a regional business recruiting initiative for attracting new business and job creation.
Michiana Partnership Inc is a consortium of local economic development organizations from Berrien and Cass Counties in Michigan, and Elkhart, Marshall and St. Joseph Counties in Indiana. This partnership is focused on strengthening business attraction initiatives for Berrien County.
Greg Vaughn is Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Business Development for Cornerstone Alliance, based in Benton Harbor. He tells us today, "Cornerstone Alliance and MPI have partnered in the past for attracting new investments to the region." "Now," he points out, "Through the addition of Berrien County Community Development and SMEGA, this is certainly a full collaboration representing the economic development partners of Berrien County." He adds, "We look forward to our county's business assets being promoted by MPI to prospects looking to make an investment in the Michiana region."
Daniel Fette, Director, Berrien County Community Development adds, "This multi-state approach generates more opportunities for Berrien County. MPI is a trusted partner across the border, and we know there is power in numbers which will help all of us with business attraction." He notes, "When our leads increase, the opportunity is greater for a win. Once projects are secured, we will look to Kinexus, Berrien County's workforce development agency to recruit, train and offer the talent needed for new industry."
Regional business attraction efforts for states that share borders are happening throughout the nation. According to Tracey Hyatt Bosman, a site consultant and Managing Director at Biggins Lacy Shapiro & Company, economies don't start at the borders, and economic development efforts can't stop at the borders. Economic development has been gradually moving in the direction of regional cooperation.
MPI markets the Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan region at industry-specific trade shows, and other events across the country. Their attraction efforts are focused on site selectors and locational advisors representing industries that may be considering expanding or relocating their business.
Regina Emberton is President and CEO of MPI. She says, "We are delighted with this partnership. When we market the region, adding business assets to our pitch makes our area that much more attractive to industries considering making an investment. Whether Berrien County or one of our Indiana counties is successful in luring a new business to their community, it positively impacts the entire region."
There are many workers crossing the border into and out of both Michigan and Indiana for jobs on the other side of the border from their homes, and the regional economy wins when new business is attracted on both sides of the border with jobs for even more people in search of the American dream.
