Community Leadership Academy

The future of our community lies in the strength of our leaders.  To develop a network of leaders for the future our region, Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce continues to team up with Lake Michigan College, United Way of Southwest Michigan, Berrien Community Foundation, and the Whirlpool Foundation to present the Community Leadership Academy.

Sixteen (16) graduates were honored in May of this year after completing the required course work and engaging with the community.  They represent a variety of businesses and non-profit organizations that are at the forefront of fostering positive change in Michigan's Great Southwest. 

During the 11-week academy, participants increased skills and knowledge as they learned from today's leaders about the issues and opportunities that face our region's future.

Regional Leadership Alliance

The Regional Leadership Alliance is a regional leadership program which is focused on facilitating and encouraging regional thinking and cooperation in southwest Michigan. The program complements and depends upon the region's existing community leadership programs, and offers the "next step" in thinking regionally.

The program was launched in September of 2004 with a presentation given by Mr. John Parr, president of the Alliance for Regional Stewardship. The Alliance is a network of regional leaders, helping communities learn by sharing "best practices." Program participants will continue their work on specific regional issues in quarterly sessions.

• Key issues addressed in these sessions will include:
• Development of a regional approach to problem solving
• Understanding the potential gains and pitfalls in regional efforts.
• Best practices in regional problem solving.
• Regional issues in economic development, transportation and land use.

The program will offer its participants the opportunity to meet with regional leaders across a wide range of fields such as economic development, land use, health, transportation and education. Plans also include bringing in regional and national leaders to discuss key issues. Moreover, the program's sessions, which will be held at locations throughout Southwest Michigan, will offer participants the opportunity to explore the region's many different communities and environments.