Great Lakes Economic Development Event Highlights Regional Momentum
The Great Lakes Economic Development Council (GLEDC) hosted its inaugural “Great Lakes Rising” Conference late last month in Detroit, bringing together leaders from across the U.S. and Canada to accelerate collaboration and investment across the Great Lakes mega-region. This wide swath of territory accounts for nearly a third of combined Canadian and U.S. economic output, employment and trade activity.
The event marked a milestone for the new organization, which promotes cross-border economic development. Over three days, speakers and attendees explored how the Great Lakes’ shared assets – its talent base, infrastructure and freshwater resources – can drive a new era of innovation and sustainability.
A recurring theme throughout the conference was that the region’s freshwater supply remains its defining competitive advantage. Karen Frost and Matt Howard from The Water Council and speakers from A.O. Smith and Sloan emphasized that responsible water use and innovation can power industrial growth, while ensuring long-term ecological balance. “Water is the region’s liquid gold,” one panelist noted – essential not only for manufacturing, but for the emerging clean-energy economy.
