watertaxisept2021inwater

Cornerstone Alliance Pleased With Reception to Weekend Water Taxi Preview

watertaxisept2021inwater

Cornerstone Alliance leaders are excited after they provided a free water taxi service during Labor Day weekend. The water taxi transported over 300 riders throughout the Twin Cities harbor.  Stops included the Margaret B. Upton Arboretum, The Inn at Harbor Shores and Tavern on the River.

“Many residents have never experienced one of our greatest resources – our waterways,” said Rob Cleveland, President of Cornerstone Alliance. “Whether it be Lake Michigan, an area inland lake, or any of our area rivers, many residents have never been on a boat or on the water. The water taxi service provides every resident with the opportunity to explore our community from the water – an experience that every Berrien County resident should have access to.”

In addition to the water taxi service, Holt Bosse, a marketing firm,  assisted Cornerstone Alliance in producing a wayfinding application that is accessible by visiting ExploreMIShore.com. The app suggests and provides navigation to restaurants, shops, and surrounding hotels. It also includes the water taxi schedule, which helped users plan daily activities throughout the holiday weekend.

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The wayfinding application saw over 1,500 unique users and over 2,300 site visits.  Cornerstone called this  a major success for the initiative, by spotlighting the demand for a resource such as the water taxi.

Chris Frank, Cornerstone Vice President of External Affairs, said “The water is one of the greatest assets in this community. A water taxi service will provide our local residents with a new opportunity to utilize the water as a means of transportation. It will enhance the accessibility, mobility, and connection within the communities, and to businesses located within close proximity of the three stops. Most importantly, the water taxi and wayfinding app create an inclusive way for residents and visitors to enjoy the water as well as local restaurants, shops, and entertainment attractions.”

As a direct result of the strong demand last weekend, plans are being advanced to offer the water taxi service in May 2022 during the Kitchen Aid Senior PGA Championship weekend and beyond. Construction will begin later this year on additional stops.

Cornerstone says the water taxi vision is also deeply rooted in Brady Cohen’s support for the project. Cohen, Owner of the water taxi and Southwest Michigan Cycle Boat, said “I am just hoping the community rallies behind the idea and supports the vision. We will be looking for community sponsorship very soon. There are a lot of expenses and effort that will be incurred and we all need to help bring this vision to reality. It’s for the community and its participation will be a key factor.”

“Captain Andy”, the designated boat captain of the Corabelle II, added “I am excited to be a part of the water taxi and want to thank the community for all the support this weekend. I look forward to many more trips next summer.”