Cornerstone Alliance

Congratulations to our Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance for being named the 2025 Michigan Women’s Business Center of Excellence Award winner! Under the leadership of Director Brandy Jaquez and Manager Chrissy Meek, this dynamic team is making a tremendous impact. As entrepreneurs themselves, Brandy and Chrissy understand firsthand the challenges and rewards of building a business, and they pour that experience into empowering others. Their innovative work, like the first-of-its-kind Small Business Certification Program, is transforming aspiring entrepreneurs into successful business owners by providing critical resources, expert counseling, and hands-on support. The success of this program is a testament to their passion for fostering sustainable businesses and their dedication to economic growth. We are incredibly proud to have them on our team, and we can’t wait to see the continued positive change they’ll inspire. #SBA #SmallBusiness #NSBW #WBCExcellence #EmpoweringEntrepreneurs

We are pleased to share, on behalf of our partners at the City of Niles and the Niles History Center, an opportunity to support the Ferry Street School Memorial Park campaign. Established in 1867, Ferry Street School played a pivotal role in education and community activism. Following the May 2023 fire, the City and Ferry Street Resource Center are working to preserve its legacy by transforming the site into a barrier-free park featuring the original brick facade, seating, and historical interpretation. With matching funds from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, every donation goes twice as far. Help them reach their goal by April 25! Support the project today: https://lnkd.in/gBg-TzD7 #HistoricPreservation #FerryStreetSchool #NilesHistory #CommunityLegacy

Planning for 2025? If you're hiring, training new staff, or looking to upskill your current team, the Going PRO Talent Fund can help. This program provides up to $2,000 per employee and $3,500 for apprentices to support workforce training and development. Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren helps local businesses navigate the application process and build training plans that fit their needs. The next application period opens in April 2025—contact Michael Mompremier or Jenni Leich to learn how your company can prepare.

Team Member Spotlight: Jillian Nadolski Join us in celebrating Jillian Nadolski, our Sites & Assets Development Manager, as she marks two years with Cornerstone Alliance! ?? Jillian is passionate about adaptive reuse, sustainability, and intentional design, ensuring that every project she oversees makes a lasting impact on Berrien County. Her favorite local spot? Rocky Gap Park—a perfect place to take in the beauty of the community she helps shape. ??? #CornerstoneAlliance #TeamSpotlight #BerrienCounty #EconomicDevelopment

FLEX was an inspiring gathering of unstoppable women (and men!), filled with powerful stories, meaningful connections, and genuine inspiration. The room was energized with spirit, triumph, and conversations that sparked positive change. A heartfelt thank you to the four incredible women who shared their stories from the panel, and to our generous sponsors for making this event possible. The momentum doesn’t end here—let’s continue to push forward, support one another, and pursue what ignites our passions. Until next time!

This morning, Rachel and Jenna joined Ken Lundberg on 94.9 WSJM to share highlights from last week's FLEX: Female Leadership Excellence event! On Thursday, we celebrated another successful year of empowering and connecting women leaders at Union+Social. A huge thank you to our incredible sponsors and attendees—your support makes this event possible and impactful year after year! ?? Missed the conversation? Listen to the full segment here: https://lnkd.in/gdZi8SQ7 #FLEX2025 #WomenInLeadership #EconomicEmpowerment #CornerstoneAlliance

Want to drive real change in Berrien County? Cornerstone Alliance is seeking an AmeriCorps Redevelopment-Ready Communities Coordinator for an 11-month service opportunity. ?? Work directly with local communities ?? Support impactful redevelopment projects ?? Gain hands-on experience in economic development Ready to make a difference? Apply today! Send your resume (and optional cover letter) to: ?? Andrew Haan, LPM – [email protected] ?? Beth Romeo – [email protected] Learn more: www.lisc.org/americorps #LISCAmeriCorps #CornerstoneAlliance #BerrienCounty #Michigan

#ThrowbackWeek: FLEX 2022! ?? The first-ever FLEX event set the stage for something incredible! ?? In 2022, powerhouse panelists including Lynn Chen-Zhang, Sonia Hollies, Krista Flynn, Lynn Jekkals, Pamela Rogers Klyn, and Jen Nelson shared their insights, inspiring a room full of driven women. From career-defining moments to breaking barriers, their stories ignited conversations that still resonate today. And the best part? FLEX just keeps getting better! Every year, we bring in more dynamic speakers, more game-changing discussions, and even more opportunities to connect and grow. Stay tuned as we relive FLEX history this week—and get ready for what's next! ?? #FLEXThrowback #FLEXWomen #BetterEveryYear

This morning, the Cornerstone Alliance team joined partners and community leaders at the 2025 Business Recognition Breakfast & Awards Ceremony, hosted by the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber. Celebrating the businesses and individuals shaping Southwest Michigan reinforces the power of collaboration in driving our region forward. Congratulations to all the nominees and award winners—your success strengthens us all!

?? MODERATOR REVEAL TIME! ?? Bringing bold energy to the FLEX 2025 stage—meet Christina Frank, CEcD, Executive Vice President of Cornerstone Alliance & the visionary behind FLEX! ???? A nationally recognized economic developer, thought leader, and advocate, Christina has been named a Top 50 Economic Developer, Top 50 Women Leaders in Michigan, and a Bold Woman of Business. She’s graced the cover of major business magazines and been featured on national podcasts, sharing insights on leadership, resilience, and breaking barriers. Beyond the boardroom, Christina is a fierce advocate for domestic violence survivors, veterans transitioning to the workforce, and female advancement in business. She’s also the reigning Mrs. Michigan, a beekeeper, world traveler, and outdoor enthusiast. ?????? At FLEX 2025, we’re getting real about leadership, ambition, and impact—and Christina is leading the charge. Get ready for fearless conversations, unfiltered insights, and the ultimate powerhouse panel. This is just the beginning—stay tuned for more incredible women! ?? #FLEX2025 #FemaleLeadership #FearlessConversations #GameOn