2009 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Interactive Web Site - www.cornerstonechamber.com
Launched September 2006 - 63,799 total visits - 220,940 page views

Social Media Communications
Facebook page created on November 5 - 450 fans established in first two weeks and growing

Combined Annual Reception/Champions of Business Awards
34 business awards presented

49th Golf, Horseshoe & Steak Fry
281 in attendance

Harbor Shores Golf Outing
100 golfers participated in this inaugural event

Fall Trade Fair
79 member exhibitors - 2,800 in attendance

Business After Hours
13 events - 2,000 in attendance

Ribbon Cuttings/Open Houses/Groundbreaking Ceremonies
9 events

Seminars
H.R. Retirement, Lakeshore 504, Who to Talk to, The New Gold Standard, Off Balance On Purpose, Managing your Business through the Economic Crisis, H.R. Developing an Employee Handbook, BrandsFormation - 442 in attendance

Eye Opener Breakfast
26 members attended September event

Business Advocacy
The Chamber's Board of Directors took up a number of business advocacy issues in 2009 including the following resolutions:

• Opposition to proposed MIOSHA Ergonomic Standard Changes
• Opposition to proposed changes in the Renaissance Zone Law
• Opposition to the changes in the Unemployment Insurance Act which would have increased costs to existing businesses
• Support for changes to the Michigan Budget Development Process including a change of fiscal year to June 1st instead of October 1st
• Support for funding of the highly successful Pure Michigan tourism marketing campaign
• Support for the Lakeside Beach Club project zoning issue in Lincoln Charter Township
• Support for proposed changes to the Education Sinking Fund Act which would allow for inclusion of technology and transportation issue uses of sinking fund dollars at the K-12 level

New Members
66 new members

Chief Elected Officials
Hosted CEO Council monthly throughout the entire year with an average attendance of 24 key leaders sharing best practices and legislative concerns.

Special Session with State & Federal Legislators
John Proos and Ron Jelinek hold dialogue with the full Chamber Board at December Board meeting.

Community Leadership Academy
Continued major sponsorship of the Academy and provided one full scholarship

Ongoing Efforts to Collaborate with Regional Chambers of Commerce
Partnered with the following Chambers: Berrien Springs/Eau Claire Chamber, Bridgman Area Chamber, Lakeshore Chamber, Coloma-Watervliet Area Chamber, and Harbor Country Chamber.

Tourist Organizations
Ongoing collaboration with the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council and St. Joseph Today

Ambassador Corps
Recognized Glenn Wilson as 2008 Ambassador of the Year

Membership Newsletter
Published 52 weekly full-color Cornerstone Chamber Insider newsletters for email distribution directly to our membership every Friday morning.

Customer Service web-based Citation Initiative
68 citations received since the launch of the initiative on 2/14/08 - 35 negative - 33 positive.

Customer Service Academy
Graduated 15 students from this 2nd year program and luanched planning for winter semester's 3rd year.

Member Referrals
1,472 business referrals to 391 members through 9/30/09 from our Chamber database.