Inaugural Great Lakes Economic Development Council (GLEDC) gathering invites key stakeholders.
The Great Lakes Economic Development Council (GLEDC) held its first annual conference Oct. 22-24 at the Westin Book Cadillac in Detroit. The binational organization invited “The First 50” founding stakeholders to share ways of bolstering awareness of the region’s unique advantages for economic growth.
“We had great discussions with business leaders, policymakers, thought leaders, and economic development professionals from the United States and Canada,” says Tim Hindes, GLEDC’s executive director.
Incorporated in 2017 in the State of Ohio, the GLEDC began operations in 2021. The binational organization gained full speed late last year when Hindes was hired. Conference planning began soon after with the help of others, including Alia Abbas, the founder/CEO of the Alia Consulting economic development firm and a GLEDC member at large.
“We’ve initially focused on economic site selectors and policymakers at the different levels of government to get across that this organization is focused on this region’s investment attractiveness to create greater prosperity for communities throughout the Great Lakes,” Abbas says.
Tariffs and Supply Chain Resilience
Supply chain resilience was a key focus in a shifting tariff climate. “There’s an estimated $6 trillion in gross domestic product that happens in the US-Canada Great Lakes region,” Abbas emphasizes. “As the voice for businesses, economic developers need to determine the challenges facing enterprises of all sizes and then advocate ways to navigate these issues.”
Conference panels featured discussions on foreign direct investment trends, advanced manufacturing, clean energy innovation, automotive and advanced mobility industries, along with the maritime sector’s role in trade, coastal resiliency, and emissions reduction.
“Having a forum to share what’s happening in the various areas of the Great Lakes region amid rapidly changing policy and global trading environments is vital,” Hindes shares. “We need to maintain the lines of communications and leverage the uniqueness of this organization’s binational membership to spawn conversations and keep them going within the current volatile environment.”
The conference’s first location was chosen based on the close ties between Detroit and Windsor, as well as the importance of binational collaboration on projects such as the new Gordie Howe International Bridge slated to open early next year.
“Detroit and Windsor have a bond that exemplifies the importance of cross-border relationships, and why it’s imperative for both Canada and the U.S. to always be at the table when discussing the Great Lakes,” Abbas says. “The Detroit-Windsor connection is also a prime example of the many border-community relationships that we’re examining in terms of economic ties, policy and trade challenges, as well as linked potential.”
Participants were encouraged to discuss their vision and goals for the overall Great Lakes region. They also had the opportunity to share how they’re faring economically within their own community and its unique investment appeal. “A lot of this has to do with rebranding to align with changing realities,” Abbas emphasizes. “For example, once known as the Motor City, Detroit is now a diverse innovation and entrepreneurial hub.”
Another example is the Rust Belt transitioning from North America’s manufacturing heartland to accommodate a new era of opportunities. “When you ask potential investors what they’re seeking, they put utilities – specifically water and electricity – at the top of their list, and the Great Lakes have both,” Hindes emphasizes. “The region has what’s necessary to power data centres, innovation hubs, even hydrogen facilities, as well as the blue-collar stick-to-itiveness required in terms of labour.”
Cost-Effectiveness and Sustainability
College and university representatives were invited to share how innovation is evolving as well as to relate the workforce training requirements necessary to meet changing demands, particularly given recent shifts in immigration policies.
The further potential of waterborne transportation – specifically through new, refurnished and/or expanded port/terminal infrastructure – is regarded as a key component to improving supply chain resilience while creating economic prosperity. “Economic developers often cite supply chain resilience as a priority,” Abbas says. “We’re looking at the greater cost-effectiveness and sustainability of businesses relocating in the Great Lakes region.”
An example is the Port of Goderich expansion in southwestern Ontario. The only deepwater port on Lake Huron’s eastern shore, it had four acres filled in 2018 to create additional port land and docks. A new $36 million (C$50 million) harbor wharf expansion is planned that would include 11 additional acres for more docks and storage capacity, and possibly a new building for grain, salt and aggregates by 2028.
Cognizant of the approximately 170 other related Great Lakes organizations, the GLEDC is laser-focused on economic development while liaising with existing groups for specific expertise. “There’s already a group dedicated to protecting the water of the Great Lakes, for example, so it’s our intention to work with them in terms of sustainable economic development rather than duplicate efforts,” Hindes says.
A Matrix of Institutions and Organizations
To this end, the GLEDC has created a matrix of all the institutions and organizations within each bordering province and state to understand their mission and priorities and how the CLEDC might partner with them.
“We’re not competing with anyone,” Abbas emphasizes. “For example, we’re collaborating with the Economic Development Council of Ontario, as well as with the International Economic Development Council toward alliance partnerships.”
The GLEDC is also working with the National Institute of Supply Chain Leaders, and the North American Strategy for Competitiveness (NASCO) Network involved in the Canada, US and Mexico trade relationship.
Focus is being placed on communities of various size and recognition. Representatives of the Great Lakes Islands Alliance, for instance, related how bridge and in-swing developments could facilitate additional cargo shipments and tourism in its area.
“During uncertain times, entrepreneurialism increases,” Abbas notes. “We want to encourage startups to revitalize the downtown core of various communities and make people aware of their presence.”
The conference has initiated ongoing communications that include the launch of the first ever Great Lakes Economic Development Guide” produced by Conway Data. Regular meetings and webinars are planned, as well as a podcast hosted by Abbas. Great Lakes Rising will feature the insights of various stakeholders on cross-border relationships, economic development, supply chain resilience, tourism attractions, and other business potential.
Another conference is slated for September with communities already expressing interest in hosting it.
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