Cornerstone Alliance leaders say last week’s first-ever Developer Day in Berrien County was a major success, drawing more than 50 developers, lenders, and industry professionals to tour key sites and discuss new projects.
Speaking on the WSJM Morning Show with Ken Lundberg on Monday, Cornerstone Alliance Senior Vice President Andrew Haan and Director of Economic Development Greg King said the Thursday event exceeded expectations — selling out a full-size charter bus and even building a waitlist. Participants spent the day touring potential development sites in St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, Niles, Buchanan, and Stevensville, highlighting opportunities for housing, commercial, mixed-use, and industrial projects.
Haan said the event was designed to bridge a gap between local municipalities and the broader development community by showcasing ready-to-build sites and fostering collaboration. King added that the feedback from developers was overwhelmingly positive, with several potential projects already being discussed.
The Cornerstone Alliance officials say they plan to make Developer Day an annual event, expanding it in 2026 to include additional communities and educational opportunities. Haan said the ultimate goal is to maintain momentum and “keep elevating the county” by connecting local assets with regional and national investment.
