Local Economic Development Agencies

Cornerstone Alliance

Cornerstone Alliance is a non-profit, investor-governed, economic development organization primarily focused on increasing employment opportunities, private sector capital investments and the local tax base in Michigan’s Great Southwest; with specialized business services offered in economically distressed areas. Cornerstone Alliance delivers customer-focused economic development solutions through partnerships that grow employment opportunities, increase the tax base and add to the economic vibrancy of Michigan’s Great Southwest. Our reach includes greater Berrien County for all services; some in Cass and Van Buren Counties.

Contact Cornerstone Alliance at:

Rob Cleveland, Director
38 W Wall Street
P.O. Box 428
Benton Harbor, MI 49023-0428
Phone: 269-925-6100
Fax: 269-925-4471
Email Cornerstone Alliance

North Berrien Community Development (NBCD)

North Berrien Community Development (formerly the Coloma/Watervliet Area Economic Development Corporation) is a non-profit community-based corporation that represents the townships and cities of Coloma and Watervliet along with the township of Bainbridge in their efforts to influence the development and changes within the Paw-Paw Lake area. The Paw-Paw Lake area is located in northern Berrien County on interstate I-94. This corporation works closely with the community leaders and governments to coordinate their activities that deal with attracting and maintaining businesses within the area. It also is the focal point for many projects that are multi-governmental. NBCD staff members represent this area in the economic development efforts of the county and the State of Michigan.

NBCD is the resource that the community looks to for the coordination of programs that are grant or loan eligible. It also serves as an information center for the area on projects and players that are influential in the changes within the community. Projects that are sponsored by NBCD are varied, but do emphasize the job creation and job maintenance aspects of the community.

Contact North Berrien Community Development at:

Chana Kniebes, Community Development Coordinator
209 N Paw Paw Street
P.O. Box 1028
Coloma, MI 49038
Phone: 269-468-4430
Email NBCD

Southwest Michigan Planning Commission

The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission (SWMPC) serves Berrien, Cass and Van Buren Counties and is one of 14 regional planning and development organizations in the State of Michigan.

Contact SWMPC at:

K. John Egelhaaf, Executive Director
Southwest Michigan Planning Commission
376 W. Main Street, Suite 130
Benton Harbor, Michigan 49022-3651
Phone: 269-925-1137
Fax: 269-925-0288
Email SWMPC 

Southwestern Michigan Economic Growth Alliance (SMEGA)

Contact SMEGA at:

Barkley Garrett, Executive Director
1950 Industrial Drive
Niles, MI 49120
Phone: 269-683-1833
Fax: 269-683-7515