The Midland Business Alliance (MBA) proudly celebrated a major milestone on Thursday, May 1, with the official unveiling of the newly renovated Carl A. Gerstacker Commerce Center — a reimagined space designed to support collaboration, innovation, and long-term community growth.

The celebration event brought together local leaders, community members, and supporters to mark the completion of a yearlong renovation project that began in May 2023. The revitalized building, located at 300 Rodd Street in downtown Midland, now serves as the operational headquarters for the MBA, CBM Services, and MITCON — housing nearly 50 employees working together to drive economic development and business support across the region.

“This renovated facility reflects our commitment to serving Midland’s business community alongside our trusted partners,” said MBA President and CEO Tony Stamas during the event’s opening remarks.

The renovation introduced several major upgrades, including:

• A new roof and HVAC air handler

• A completely repaved and redesigned parking lot

• A more recognizable and welcoming front entrance with fresh exterior finishes and new back-lit signage

• A reimagined interior featuring refreshed office spaces, secure IT infrastructure, updated break rooms, and new offices

• A spacious, modern main floor lobby with a fireplace dedicated to the late Diane Postler-Slattery

• A newly expanded lower-level conference room with enhanced technology, a kitchen, and restrooms

The project was made possible by the collaborative efforts of several community partners and contractors, including Three Rivers Corporation, Pat's Gradall Service, Inc., SPACE, INC., Town & Country Group, O'Keefe Electric, Midland Glass, Servinski Sod Service, the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation, and CBM Services. Their contributions were acknowledged throughout the event, underscoring the collective spirit that made this transformation possible.

During a highlight video shared at the event, guests heard reflections from those connected to the legacy of Carl A. Gerstacker and the mission he inspired. “My dad would be honored… Carl and my mom always said their job was to make Midland the best town in America,” said one family member. “That’s still our collective responsibility — no matter where you call home in the Great Lakes Bay Region.” Bill Schuette.

“As we cut this ribbon today, we celebrate more than just a renovated building,” another speaker shared. “We celebrate the kind of leadership that sees long-term value in investing in place, in people, and in progress — just as Carl Gerstacker did.” Jon Lynch.

The celebration included remarks from representatives of the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation and Three Rivers Corporation, followed by self-guided tours and refreshments in the new conference room. It was a special opportunity to reflect on the history of the building — originally announced in a 1996 Midland Chamber Business Journal — and to look ahead to how it will continue to serve as a foundation for the future.

“It was wonderful to share this moment with so many of you and offer a first look at a space designed to help shape the future of our work and reinforce our role as Midland’s business hub,” said Stamas. “We’re proud to call this our new home base for driving business forward.”

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating this special moment. We invite you to continue following our journey as we uphold our mission to be Midland’s business hub — empowering growth, building connections, and investing in the future of our region.