#Economic Development #Great Lakes #GLEDC

Great Lakes Rising: A New Era of Economic Development

In late October 2025, the Great Lakes Economic Development Council (GLEDC) hosted its inaugural “Great Lakes Rising” Conference at the historic Westin Book Cadillac hotel in Detroit. This gathering was not just a meeting of minds; it represented a pivotal moment in fostering collaboration between the United States and Canada to harness the potential of the Great Lakes mega-region, a powerhouse that contributes nearly one-third of the combined economic output of both countries.

The three-day conference convened leaders from various sectors, including government, business, and education, who shared insights on how the unique assets of the Great Lakes—its talented workforce, rich infrastructure, and valuable freshwater resources—can spur a new wave of innovation and sustainability. Tim Hindes, the executive director of GLEDC, emphasized, “The Great Lakes are no longer a collection of independent economies; they are a single, interconnected growth engine.”

Unveiling Economic Potential

The conference unveiled significant data underscoring the economic vitality of the region. Ron Starner, executive vice president of Conway Data, presented findings that revealed 43 active economic development projects in the Great Lakes area, each valued at $1 billion or more. Among these, 10 projects are anticipated to exceed the $5 billion mark, with the largest being a transformative $15 billion data center campus set to reshape Pennsylvania's economy.

One of the prominent highlights was the launch of the inaugural Great Lakes Investment Guide by Site Selection Magazine. This guide aims to position the region as a prime destination for future investments, particularly in sectors focusing on clean energy and digital infrastructure.

Detroit's Role in Mobility

Detroit’s reputation as a global mobility hub was also center stage during the conference. The Detroit Regional Partnership's initiative, the Global Epicenter of Mobility (GEM), showcased how innovative public-private collaborations can lead to substantial advancements in electric and autonomous vehicle technologies. These efforts have garnered significant support, including a $52.2 million grant aimed at revitalizing the workforce and fostering startup innovation, thereby positioning the Great Lakes region at the forefront of the mobility revolution.

Water: The Region's Liquid Gold

A salient theme throughout the conference was the critical importance of the region’s freshwater supply. Throughout various panel discussions, representatives from organizations like The Water Council underscored that responsible water management and technological innovations could propel not only economic growth but also ensure ecological sustainability. One expert defined water as