THE CORNERSTONE GROUPBUSINESS · MEDIA · COMMUNITYBusiness
Building relationships and developing partnerships that connect local enterprise with the people and communities it serves.
Relationships & partnerships
THE CORNERSTONE GROUP BMC, LLC
Where business
finds its voice.
And community
finds its strength.
Business. Media. Community.
Three pillars. One purpose. A stronger connection to the region we call home.
BUSINESS. MEDIA. COMMUNITY.Rooted here. Reaching further.Aiken, South CarolinaAugusta, GeorgiaRegional (Savannah River Area) ↗
The Cornerstone difference
A cornerstone for
what comes next.
The Cornerstone Group BMC, LLC is a regional enterprise based in the Aiken and Augusta area. Our name reflects our focus: Business, Media, and Community. Through local relationships, broadcast media, and digital access, we connect people with the conversations and opportunities that matter.
Our focus
Different strengths.
Shared possibility.
Three complementary areas bring our work—and our region—together.
Media
Amplifying voices through WAAW Shout 94.7 FM, with gospel music, meaningful conversations, and access across broadcast and digital platforms.
Broadcast & digital connection
Community
Keeping local people at the center of our work through community programming, regional connections, and a commitment to service.
Local voices & shared purpose
Meet our WAAW flagship station
A local voice.
A lasting connection.
WAAW Shout 94.7 FM is Cornerstone’s flagship media outlet, serving the Savannah River Area with gospel music, spiritual teaching, community programming, and conversations that matter.
Connect with the station online, explore its programming, or discover advertising and sponsorship opportunities for your business.
Explore WAAW 94.7 FM ↗Meet the Founders
The vision.
The people behind it.
Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer
Lester A. Smalls
Rev. Lester A. Smalls is Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Cornerstone Group BMC, bringing more than five decades of experience in ministry, broadcasting, music, publishing, technology, and community service. An Aiken native and U.S. Air Force veteran, he holds associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in theology.
He served Bell Grove Missionary Baptist Church as Senior Pastor for more than 26 years before being named Pastor Emeritus. His media leadership includes serving as General Manager of WAAW 94.7 FM from 2008 to 2015 and founding The (Metro Aiken) Informer newspaper. A musician, gospel recording artist, author, and professional trainer, he also brings technical experience from the Savannah River Plant and Kimberly-Clark.
His commitment to education and local heritage includes serving as President of the Martha Schofield Alumni & Legacy Organization. His community service has earned recognition from civic and professional organizations. At Cornerstone, he guides strategic partnerships, organizational growth, and community engagement. His life’s work is guided by a steadfast belief: gifts, knowledge, experience, and opportunity find their greatest purpose in service to God and others.
Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer
Arlean J. Edwards
Arlean J. Edwards is Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of The Cornerstone Group BMC, a broadcaster and community advocate with 19 years of experience connecting audiences through meaningful conversation. A New Orleans native, she relocated to the Savannah River Region after Hurricane Katrina in 2005—an experience that deepened her commitment to resilience, service, and empowering others. That journey continues to shape her approach to leadership and service.
As host of “Talking It Up,” she brings community issues, local events, and the arts into focus through engaging interviews and thoughtful dialogue. Her warm interviewing style encourages candid conversation and makes space for diverse community perspectives. Her work extends beyond the microphone as founder of Bright Eyes Veterans Housing Initiative, where she advocates for safe, affordable housing and support for veterans and their families.
At Cornerstone, she combines media expertise, operational leadership, and community insight to advance the organization’s business, broadcasting, and outreach efforts while amplifying underserved voices. She remains committed to connecting people with resources and opportunities for positive change.
Let’s build a connection
Let’s make
something matter.
For business partnerships, media opportunities, or community connections, reach out to our business office.
Call our office ↗Business office803-770-8940
1615 Hampton Ave NW, Suite C
Aiken, SC 29801