The story of ActionLine is the story of our Chamber. Initially incorporated in 1954 as the Twin Cities Area Chamber of Commerce, our Chamber helped usher in a period of tremendous growth for the community. Led by some of the most influential business leaders of the time—such as Warren Gast, David F. Upton, John and Willard Banyon, Ned Gates, Herbert Mendel, and Robert Starks—the organization quickly grew into one of the largest and most dynamic chambers in the state.
Before the advent of websites and social media, the Chamber’s impact was conveyed through a newsletter they called ActionLine. Published almost every month for over thirty years, ActionLine chronicled the achievements, challenges, and opportunities of our members and the broader business community. Before long, it became an essential news source and insight for anyone invested in Southwest Michigan’s growth and success.
As the Chamber evolved, so did ActionLine. In 1987, we merged with the Community Economic Development Corporation to form Cornerstone Alliance, and ActionLine transformed from a newsletter into a magazine. It remained essential reading for much of the next three decades, featuring insights from recognizable contributors like Jeff Noel, Pat Moody, Al Pscholka, and Jamie Balkin—people who knew how to tell stories that mattered.
But like many print publications, ActionLine eventually took a back seat to digital communication. Priorities shifted, and the magazine was set aside. When it ceased publication, it left a gap in storytelling and in the vital connections it once fostered among our businesses and communities.
Much has changed in the years since. Our name is different, our footprint is larger, and our programming is more impactful than ever. Through these changes, however, one thing has remained the same. Our community needs a platform to share stories, exchange ideas, and stay informed about the challenges our region is facing.
To that end, reviving ActionLine is more than a nod to our history; it is a response to the needs of our time. We hope its return will foster alignment, inspire action, and help build a stronger, more competitive region.
