"The Stewards of Michigan's Great Southwest is an organization comprised of leaders who have the longest term stake in the growth and viability of our community, and who wish to help influence the area's economic performance as measured by the annual Upjohn Benchmarking Study. The Stewards will use this organization as a means of including, inquiring, informing, and involving the various organizations for which they work and belong in the overall economic development activities of the community."

Stewards attempt to find positive contributing candidates to become a member of the organization, in order to encourage community-wide inclusion into improving the quality of life in our area.

Just as any business or community organization are complex, so are the needs in our community. Therefore, as much input and creative thinking goes into making a successful community as an organization. Stewards pledge to share ideas, solicit ideas of others, and ask questions before drawing a conclusion.

Stewards seek to obtain as much information as possible through the Stewards meetings, as well as written materials, to be better informed as to the activities and needs of the community, and where needed, call and ask questions to gain the facts needed to be better informed. Once informed, Stewards make their own conclusions and seek to inform their friends and colleagues.

Stewards pledge to be as involved as their family and job allow them; pledge to attend at least three out of the four quarterly Stewards meetings; and encourage friends and colleagues to become involved in the community in any way possible. Stewards provide sound information to their contemporaries and work for the common good of all.