Staff member receives recognition

Cornerstone Alliance Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Greg Vaughn is pleased to announce recent recognitions that have been awarded to two members of the local community.

Vaughn shared, “At the Michigan Celebrates Small Businesses Award Ceremony held on May 3rd in Lansing, Cornerstone Alliance staff member Margaret Adams was recognized and received the Michigan Women Small Business Champion of the Year Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration.” Ms. Adams has served as the Program Manager for the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance for seven years and has been with Cornerstone for 13 years now.

“At that same event, one of Margaret’s clients, Amber (Smith) Williams, was also recognized. Amber owns and operates Power in Motion Gymnastics & Fitness in Royalton Township. She was recognized as the Michigan Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award Winner,” added Vaughn.

Cornerstone Alliance President Wendy Dant Chesser said, “We are very proud of Margaret’s achievement. She is one of just 50 professionals throughout the United States to have received this special recognition. Margaret’s passion for working with entrepreneurs shines through each day as she works with her clients to turn the dream of owning their own business into a reality.”

Chair of the Women’s Business Center Advisory Council Kim Richardson of 1st Source Bank shared, “Margaret is well deserving of this recognition. Her dedication to helping women succeed through the Women’s Business Center is unprecedented. She is there for her clients every step of way on the path to success.”

Chesser added, “It was very fitting for Margaret and Amber to be recognized at the same event. Margaret worked with and believed in Amber from the start. She kept telling Amber to never give up; regardless of doubts others may have about your age. Amber’s determination and family support are great attributes that will enable her success throughout her life, as well.”

Women’s Business Center Program Manager Margaret Adams said, “I could not be more proud of Amber and all she has accomplished since launching her business just a few short years ago. It is rare that an entrepreneur comes in as determined to succeed as Amber did and the fact that she is so young only adds to the passion and determination that has helped her to succeed.”