Cornerstone Alliance is planning its next Annual Meeting for Thursday, May 7.
The organization previously held annual meetings to update stakeholders and the public on its latest activities, but it’s been a few years since the last one. Cornerstone President Marla Schneider tells us now that she’s been with the group for about a year, she feels it’s a good time to bring together business, municipal, and community leaders for a clear look at the progress shaping Southwest Michigan.
“We will have metrics associated with our economic development team, community development, entrepreneurial services, and housing,” Schneider said. “In addition to that, we’re looking forward to having some networking opportunities for the guests. We’re also bringing in a keynote speaker. His name is Matt Elliott. He’s the former president of bank of America, Michigan.”
Elliott will talk about economic development initiatives taking place around the state.
Schneider says the annual meeting will delve into the results of various Cornerstone programs and highlight the collaboration it’s been finding.
“It’s been a year of transformation and redevelopment of our internal structure and our initiatives. So I think having those results released and our report card from 2025, so to speak, I think that’s what we’re most looking forward to.”
Schneider’s hoping for a couple of hundred attendees. The program will also feature remarks from Southwest Michigan First interim CEO Carla Sones, a representative of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and Pam Klyn, the board chair of Cornerstone Alliance.
Cornerstone also noted the meeting will take place during International Economic Development Week. It will be held at Union + Social in downtown St. Joseph from 5 to 7 p.m. on May 7.
