BENTON HARBOR — Cornerstone Alliance, Berrien County’s lead economic development agency, has created a video showcasing the positive impact of economic development.

The video seeks to build an understanding of the importance of economic development by highlighting a few of the businesses, partners and organizations that aim to make Berrien County a great place to live, work and play officials said.

“One of the main purposes of Cornerstone Alliance is to serve as the primary agent for change that keeps our communities competitive and relevant.” said Rob Cleveland, Cornerstone Alliance president. “All of our residents, businesses, schools and churches benefit when a company invests and grows in Berrien County. The work done by Cornerstone Alliance offers new opportunities, builds a more sustainable economy and collaborates with municipalities to create places where people want to live, raise a family and pursue a career.”

Similar to the 2016 Pure Michigan video launched by the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council, which aims to share familiar faces and places of Michigan’s southwest, the Cornerstone Alliance video illustrates the benefits of Berrien County’s growing economy.

The newly created video is one of many Cornerstone Alliance uses in its efforts to build consensus, propel a vision and spotlight buildings and land suitable for future development. Significant activities that Cornerstone Alliance has completed, as well as its most recent projects, are also featured in the video.

“Berrien County is a place with a skilled workforce, where people want to live and work,” said John Janick, chairman of the Cornerstone Alliance Board of Directors. “We have new companies locating in our area, existing businesses choosing to grow, entrepreneurs starting new businesses, and that is happening due to positive economic development activity. That being said, the work never stops and it can’t be done alone. We have great leadership among our municipalities and partner organizations that take steps to constantly improve our community. This video will provide clarity to those looking for a greater understanding of the positive impact of economic development in Berrien County.”

Cornerstone Alliance is a nonprofit, investor-governed economic development organization primarily focused on increasing employment opportunities, private sector capital investments and the local tax base in Michigan’s Southwest; with specialized business services offered in economically distressed areas.

The short video can be seen by visiting vimeo.com/243861713.