Written by: Arthur Havlicek, Jamie Nilson Balkin, Alain Pichot
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.
Jamie Nilson Balkin
Former ActionLine Editor
“In October of 1995, I began my professional career with Cornerstone Alliance and Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce. It was very fulfilling to be one piece of the puzzle making progress happen in the community and even more rewarding to tell the stories of progress through ActionLine. I never dreamed that 30 years later, I would have the honor of writing a piece for the relaunch of ActionLine magazine. I couldn’t be more thrilled that this valuable communication tool is coming back!
As I reflect on my time as the editor of Actionline, my first thought is about its impact on our community. Each issue was packed with stories of the work of the various chamber departments, development underway in the community, legislative matters at the local, state, and national levels, as well as news from area businesses, including promotions, expansions, upcoming events, and much more. It was a lifeline to what was happening in our area.
Actionline was a true labor of love and pride. Our small but mighty team was passionate about informing our membership. We wanted them to receive a high-quality product with the latest news on what was happening and impacting the local business community.
Fast forward 30 years to the relaunch of Actionline, and much has changed. Still, the goal remains to provide a valuable tool to the business community. I wish the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce team all the best as they relaunch what, for a number of years, was my baby, my pride and joy. I know you will do an outstanding job at sharing the stories of this special community that we call home.”
Alain Pichot
New ActionLine Editor
“I joined the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber at the beginning of January to fill our growing marketing needs. Very quickly Arthur started sharing his vision with me to bring back ActionLine, and my experience in producing three other magazines enabled us to start working to make it a reality.
We poured over stacks and binders of decades-old ActionLine magazines—most of which Arthur had already read thoroughly—and found a theme that repeated through them. Printed at the bottom of the old black and white newsletters is the phrase “You Make It Happen.” We couldn’t do what we do without you, our dedicated members, so the new ActionLine aims to recognize you and the work you do to improve our region.
With each quarterly issue, we will highlight your impactful stories, celebrate your successes, and provide you with local insights. We’ll address big questions about the future of business in our region, showcase the people driving progress, and provide practical resources for navigating our region’s changes.
So, to longtime readers, welcome back. To those discovering ActionLine for the first time, we invite you to help shape its future. If you have an idea, a perspective, or a story worth sharing, don’t hesitate to let us know.
We look forward to writing our future, together.
You Make It Happen.”
ActionLine is made in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
