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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 22, 2025
Berrien Springs, MI - This summer, Central Berrien County will begin receiving additional community and economic development services thanks to its newly established Chamber Growth Alliance (CGA).
Powered by the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, a CGA represents a locally led, collaborative economic development model that aligns both resources and stakeholders in a manner that increases economic development capacity and outcomes.
The new CGA will serve the Villages of Baroda, Berrien Springs, and Eau Claire, along with Baroda, Berrien, and Oronoko Townships. Together, these communities are bringing full-time, professional economic development services to an area that has historically operated independently, marking one of the most significant investments in economic development Central Berrien has ever seen.
“We’re incredibly proud to be the home for the next Chamber Growth Alliance in partnership with the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber,” said Sheila Snyder, Village President of Berrien Springs. “We look forward to the growth, collaboration, and possibilities that the creation of the Central CGA offers to each of the six respective communities. We are stronger working together to make Southwest Michigan a place to live, travel to, and enjoy.”
The decision to unite under a shared framework was inspired by the Chamber’s successful pilot CGA in Bridgman, where coordinated efforts have already yielded impressive results in business attraction and community revitalization. Now, Central Berrien is ready to chart its own course—with a proven leader at the helm.
We are proud to announce Robert “Bob” Jones has been named the inaugural Director of the Central Berrien CGA. A well-respected economic development professional, Jones brings over two decades of experience to the role, including past positions at Kinexus, Cornerstone Alliance, and most recently as Economic Development Director for Cuba City, Wisconsin. In Cuba City, he helped launch more than 40 new businesses, attracted substantial private investment, and earned multiple statewide awards for downtown revitalization. His expertise spans housing, entrepreneurship, workforce initiatives, downtown development, and small business support—making him an ideal fit for this role.
Jones and the CGA will be supported by the full strength of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, which offers programming, connections, and a comprehensive suite of shared services such as marketing, finance, grant writing, and more. This support ensures smaller communities have the capacity and tools needed to execute their priorities and pursue meaningful growth. It also allows Jones to focus on what matters most: impact.
The Central Berrien CGA will officially launch with its inaugural board meeting this August. The board will guide the CGA’s overall program of work and ensure alignment across communities. It will consist of an elected official and a community leader from each participating municipality, guaranteeing each an equal voice in shaping decisions. This framework for collaboration will also empower these communities to reach beyond municipal boundaries and work together toward shared goals.
While there is no shortage of projects to undertake, the municipalities have already identified several key focus areas, including downtown development, community marketing, and the attraction of small- to mid-sized businesses. An open house will follow the initial board meeting, offering the public a chance to learn more about the initiative and engage with the work ahead.
The launch of the Central Berrien CGA represents an exciting step toward helping communities realize their full potential. As more municipalities express interest in forming CGAs of their own, the Chamber remains committed to working alongside local leaders to catalyze growth and drive impact across Berrien County.
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