BENTON HARBOR, MI (April 22, 2014) -- United Federal Credit Union President/CEO Gary Easterling has been selected as a new board member for Cornerstone Alliance in southwest Michigan. Cornerstone Alliance delivers customer-focused economic development solutions through partnerships that grow employment opportunities, increase the tax base and add to the economic vibrancy of Michigan’s Great Southwest.
“I am delighted to have been selected to the Cornerstone Alliance Board of Directors,” said Easterling. “I am joining a great group of folks who are committed to enhancing the economic viability of our community and finding ways to attract more employment opportunities to our region.”
Easterling will work to help Cornerstone Alliance meet its 2014 goals including—generating leads and new business, retaining and expanding the existing business base and growing start-up businesses by focusing on entrepreneurship and innovation.
“Gary brings a broad multi-state business development perspective to the Board including experience with economic development organizations in other markets,” said Susan Cox, Director of First Choice at Cornerstone Alliance. “We are excited to see how his experience and leadership will help shape the future of Cornerstone Alliance over time.”
Currently, Easterling is the Chairman of the Board for United Way of Southwest Michigan. Previously, he was the Director for Habitat for Humanity in Benton Harbor, Michigan, and served on the Board of Directors for Ronald McDonald Charity House in Ohio. He has served as President/CEO of United Federal Credit Union (UFCU) since 2007.
About UFCU
United Federal Credit Union has served its Members since 1949 by helping them to build a sound financial future. UFCU consists of more than 120,000 Member/owners worldwide, and manages assets in excess of $1.57 billion. Its corporate offices and main branch are located in St. Joseph, Mich., with additional branches in Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, and Ohio. UFCU has been named the Michigan Credit Union League Outstanding Credit Union of the Year 2013. UFCU has also been named the National Federal Credit Union of the Year 2013 by the National Association of Federal Credit Unions.
About Cornerstone Alliance
Cornerstone Alliance is a non-profit, investor-governed, economic development organization primarily focused on increasing employment opportunities, private sector capital investments and the local tax base in Michigan’s GreatSouthwest; and offers specialized business services in economically distressed areas.