Cornerstone Alliance Announces Return Of Developer Day
Cornerstone Alliance Announces Return Of Developer Day, Showcasing Regional Investment Opportunities
Annual event brings together developers, investors, and community leaders to explore growth opportunities across Berrien County
Cornerstone Alliance’s annual Developer Day is returning on Thursday, Sept. 24, providing developers, investors, lenders, builders, and community partners with an opportunity to explore development opportunities across Berrien County.
Registration is now open for this year’s event, which will feature a guided tour of key development sites, conversations with local leaders, and opportunities to connect with partners working to advance growth throughout the region.
“Successful development requires collaboration between communities, property owners, and private-sector partners,” said Andrew Haan, Senior Vice President at Cornerstone Alliance. “Developer Day creates a space for those conversations to happen and helps connect investment opportunities with the communities working to prepare for future growth.”
A special early-bird registration price of $50 is available through August 15; after that regularly priced tickets are $75. Space is limited, and interested participants are encouraged to register early at CornerstoneDeveloperDay26.eventbrite.com.
Developer Day provides attendees with a firsthand look at available and future development opportunities through a guided bus tour featuring key sites throughout Berrien County. At each stop, municipal leaders, property owners, and Cornerstone Alliance staff will highlight available properties, site readiness, infrastructure, zoning considerations, and potential incentives.
The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will begin and end at The Inn at Harbor Shores, located at 800 Whitwam Drive in St. Joseph. Registration includes lunch prepared by The Inn’s culinary team, providing attendees with time to network and explore additional development opportunities available throughout Berrien County beyond those highlighted during the tour. Refreshments will be provided throughout the day, and the event will conclude with a happy hour at The Inn’s Harbor View Tent overlooking the St. Joseph River Harbor.
The inaugural Developer Day in 2025 was a sold-out event. Cornerstone Alliance welcomed more than 55 developers, bankers, construction firms, and environmental consultants for site visits throughout Stevensville, Buchanan, Niles, St. Joseph, and Benton Harbor. The tour highlighted opportunities across attainable housing, commercial corridors, and industrial-ready properties.
“Developer Day is one of our favorite events because it brings together the partners who help communities grow,” said Marla Schneider, President and CEO of Cornerstone Alliance. “By showcasing available sites and connecting developers with local leaders, we can create meaningful conversations around investment opportunities throughout Berrien County. We look forward to welcoming attendees back this year.”
Sponsorship opportunities are available for the 2026 event. Organizations interested in sponsoring may contact Jenna Huffman-Schmidt at jhuffman-schmidt@cstonealliance.org.
About Cornerstone Alliance:
Cornerstone Alliance is the economic development organization dedicated to fostering growth and prosperity in Michigan’s Great Southwest. Through strategic initiatives and collaborative partnerships, Cornerstone Alliance drives innovation and opportunity, positioning the region for sustainable economic success. As the leading advocate for the local business and development sector, Cornerstone Alliance delivers tailored business assistance across Berrien County.
