The first meeting of the Berrien County Manufacturers' Council (BCMC) was held February 18, 1997. This meeting was attended by chief executive officers of manufacturing companies in Berrien County who believed that providing a county-wide network of like-minded business leaders would bring value and knowledge to each of them individually and, as a group, create a unified voice in matters of legislation on the state, local, and federal levels. This was the beginning of an extraordinary record of accomplishments.

An overview of these accomplishments includes:

• Developing an ISO/QS 9000 User Group
• Establishing a Workforce 2000 initiative
• Connecting new suppliers and customers
• Publishing a BCMC membership directory
• Initiating a manufacturing wage and benefit survey
• Developing a transportation program,
• Establishing a Manufacturing Safety User Group

While these kind of accomplishments continue, the greatest benefit for many is the networking leading to new friends and resources. This peer group has strengthened into a network of members who can share ideas and develop problem solving strategies.