2011 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Financial Accountability
Successfully achieved a clean unqualified financial audit from Plante & Moran, and continue implementation and regular update review of the organization's Investment Policy.

New Members - 77

Ambassador Corps
15 Ambassadors - Recognized Randi Utter as 2010 Ambassador of the Year

Membership Newsletter

Published 52 weekly full color Cornerstone Chamber Insider newsletters for e-mail distribution directly to the membership

Champions for Change Initiative

Initiative launched on June 4, 2010. Signage, stickers, rack cards, merchandise ordering, stocking & on-going sales. 1,019 Facebook fans and more than $2,000 in merchandise sales to date. 63 businesses have requested a customized logo.

Senior PGA Experience
190 attendees - forum in anticipation of the 2012 SPGA event - how businesses should be prepared - Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau representatives Karen Williams and Doris Sims participated.

Customer Service - Ritz-Carlton Training
2 half-day Back-To-Basics sessions and 1 half-day Radar On-Antenna Up session held on November 2 & 3 with 300 total people in attendance

Customer Service web-based Citation Initiative
129 citations received since the launch of the initiative on February 14, 2008 - 64 negative - 65 positive

Community Leadership Academy
Continued major sponsorship of the Academy and provided one full scholarship, while assisting with curriculum development and presentation.

Berrien Springs-Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce Cooperative Arrangement
Staff worked with the BS-EC Board of Directors over the past year to determine the future of their organization. Their Board and members have approved a process by which they will dissolve their Chamber and their members will be invited to join Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce.

Regional Chambers - Ongoing Efforts
Collaboration and partnered with the following: Berrien Springs-Eau Claire Chamber, Bridgman Chamber, Lakeshore Chamber, Coloma-Watervliet Chamber and Harbor Country Chamber.

Annual Business Blitz
43 companies participated in this process to provide a snapshot of our local economy. The universe was comprised of a diverse group of businesses of all sizes in manufacturing, services, professionals, hospitality, non-profit organizations and more from throughout our membership. The final report is on our web site.

Combined Annual Reception
41 business awards presented

51st Annual Golf and Steak Fry
349 in attendance...and 136 golfers participated in the outing

2010 Fall Trade Fair
66 booths sold - 1,000 in attendance

Business After Hours
12 events with 1,751 in attendance

Ribbon Cuttings/Open Houses/Ground Breaking Ceremonies
18 events

Seminars
Succession Planning, Stephen M.R. Covey The Speed of Trust  - 81 in attendance

Eye Opener Breakfast
The Chamber hosted an Eye-Opener session with the Canadian Consul General Roy Norton regarding the importance of the New International Trade Crossing connecting Detroit and Windsor and its impact on the West Michigan Business Community.

Chief Elected Officials Council
Hosted CEO Council monthly throughout the entire year with an average attendance of 30 key leaders sharing best practices, idea generation and legislative concerns

Legislative Advocacy
Published annual Legislative Agenda for 2011 with the following key areas of concern:

• Economic Gardening for Retention
• Reforming the Michigan Business Tax
• Regulatory Relief for Michigan Businesses
• Protecting Great Lakes Commerce and the Ecosystem
• Upgrading Michigan's Transportation Infrastructure Maximizing Employment Readiness
• Networking, Benchmarking and Educating for Growth
• Tourism & Destination Attraction

Additionally, the Chamber:

• Testified before the State House regarding liquor licensing procedures in the state and the impact they have on the health and welfare of businesses in the community
• Garnered a Gubernatorial appointment to the Michigan Office of Regulatory Reinvention for the Liquor Control Commission
• Voiced support for the New International Trade Crossing at Detroit-Windsor
• Voiced support for extension of the federal Production Tax Credit for Wind Energy in light of mandates moving the state toward a higher degree of alternative energy sources.

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

Community Showcase Committee
Staff support for two of the six sub-committees - General Hospitality and Community Signage.