Their slogan says “Lake, Life & the Pursuit of Business,” but Cornerstone Chamber officials appear to be seeking Lake, Life & the Pursuit of Independence, as they reveal plans to move to St. Joseph later this month.
In the wake of the loss of their long time home in downtown Benton Harbor with the relocation of the Mosaic Resale Shop to that space, the Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announced this afternoon their planned relocation to new facilities inside the Horizon Bank Building, or what was known for decades as the Law & Title Building across from the Berrien County Courthouse, with plans to fly solo for the first time in decades.
Chamber President Chris Heugel says the decision to relocate to a space that will now be owned by the organization instead of leasing from Cornerstone Alliance gives them a space that “members can call their own.”
Chamber Board members elected to buy the condo unit on the third floor of the building at 811 Ship Street in downtown St. Joseph after being headquartered in facilities in Benton Harbor for the better part of 45 years.
The Chamber was located for a number of years along Riverview Drive in the city before moving to quarters along the former Benton Harbor ship canal, and then on to the Vincent Place in downtown Benton Harbor before moving more than 20 years ago to the former Benton Harbor State Bank Building at Five Corners on Pipestone and Wall.
Board members say the new offices are centrally located within the membership allowing space for growth and central accessibility to the Chamber of Commerce along with partner service providers like the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance and SCORE.
They also say that members will benefit from multiple conference room options, a resource center with internet access, meeting space, and will allow for expansion of services along with staff growth.
In making the announcement Heugel says, “We are so proud to be able to provide our members with a facility that they can call their own. With the substantial growth and incredible support of our membership, now is the right time for a bigger home. We’ll continue to collaborate and grow our existing partnerships with The Cornerstone Alliance and the Women’s Business Center, SCORE, Kinexus,The SWMI Tourist Council, St. Joseph Today, and we’re excited to build new relationships with other like organizations.”
Reacting to the news, Cornerstone Alliance President Rob Cleveland says, “The Chamber is a key ally and supporter of economic development, just as we are a supporter of their efforts to promote business. We understand and appreciate the Chamber of Commerce’s need to grow and we provided them with many options to grow with us in Benton Harbor.” Cleveland adds that the Chamber “has always been a valuable partner and will continue to be, no matter where they are physically located. We wish them the very best at their new location. As we have always done, Cornerstone Alliance and Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce will collaborate and lead the efforts to attract jobs and investment, and to grow small business and promote legislative agendas that benefit Michigan’s Great Southwest.”
The chamber’s target date to begin operating out of the new location is Friday, May 26th.
