In a day when chambers of commerce continue to consolidate in order to provide increased value to members of the business community, the strongest chambers are those that regionalize in order to provided maximum opportunities to advocate at the higher levels of government, increase the value of networking, and share in a broader degree of visibility for member businesses of all sizes.
With that thought firmly in mind, and as they continue to increase their own geographic footprint, the board of directors of the Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce has announced tonight that they are changing the name of the organization to Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber.
The move brings to an end nearly a quarter-century of operation under the Cornerstone moniker, and follows the expansion of the Chamber’s reach deeper into the Berrien County community from its St. Joseph-based headquarters offices.
Chamber President Chris Heugel says, “This new name culminates a multi-year effort to grow our business networks and adopt an attitude of regionalism,” and adds, “It more inclusively represents our widening membership as well as our deepening commitment to help businesses thrive throughout Southwest Michigan.”
Heugel said an exciting first step in the Chamber’s broader focus was its partnership with the Greater Bridgman Chamber & Growth Alliance last October. That kicked off a bigger movement to serve businesses outside the traditional Benton Harbor/St. Joseph/Stevensville markets. The Chamber plans to begin using its new name and a re-fashioned logo over the next few months.
Heugel says, “The logo shows how our support of the regional business community ripples out, positively impacting not only the standard of living here but throughout the State.”
Heugel quickly adds that although the Chamber has a new name and logo, it does not plan to change its current formula for success. They will continue to arrange Business After Hours events, conduct an Annual Golf Outing and Chamber Steak Fry, host the Fall Trade Fair, and a multitude of ribbon-cutting events throughout the course of the year.
Additionally, Heugel notes, “We will continue to offer our members invaluable opportunities such as the Dale Carnegie Leadership Training Course, the Disney Institute and the Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center.” Those membership advantages, combined with the partnering of area chambers and the increased business exposure that all brings, will help to bolster the regional economy. Heugel concludes, “It will make it easier for Southwest Michigan to retain businesses and attract new ones.”
The Southwest Michigan Chamber of Commerce, initially founded in 1954, is a member-driven and funded 501(c)6 organization located at 811 State Street, Suite 303 in St. Joseph and at 9765 Maple Street in Bridgman. For more information about becoming a member and its benefits to the business community, you can visit online at the link below or call (269) 932-4042 for St. Joseph and 269-266-7866 for Bridgman. Here’s the chamber’s link:
