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Great Lakes Growthcast

Welcome to the Great Lakes Growthcast—your go-to source for conversations that power prosperity across the binational Great Lakes region. Each episode dives deep into the people, policies, and projects shaping economic growth in one of North America’s most vital and interconnected regions.

Hosted by the Great Lakes Economic Development Council, this podcast features interviews with economic developers, site selection experts, business leaders, and policy influencers who are moving the needle on innovation, investment, workforce, infrastructure, and cross-border collaboration.

Whether you're looking for inspiration, strategic insights, or regional success stories, the Growthcast delivers timely, relevant content to help you grow your community—and your career.

Listen in. Learn more. Lead better.


Meet Our Great Lakes EDC Growthcast Host, Alia Abbas 

Alia is the CEO of Alia Consulting, a firm specializing in disaster preparedness, business continuity, and investment attraction for economic development organizations. With over a decade of experience supporting communities across North America, she brings award-winning expertise in BR&E, FDI, and strategic planning. Alia also serves on the Advisory Council of the Great Lakes Economic Development Council and the Board of BREI. Alia was also honored with the distinguished 2023 Economic Development Top 40 Under 40 award by DCI and Jorgen Consulting.

Boost Your Brand While Supporting Regional Growth

Partner with the Great Lakes Growthcast for Greater Visibility While Supporting Regional Prosperity

Sponsoring the Great lakes Growthcast positions your organization alongside leading voices in economic development, innovation, and regional success. It’s a simple way to amplify your brand, engage a professional audience, and show alignment with the economic vitality of the Great Lakes region.

A sponsored Growthcast includes 20 seconds pre- and post-roll message to be read by the host, acknowledgement in podcast description, and your logo on the podcast article, website and social media posts related to the episode.

Contact us to explore co-promotion opportunities at info@GreatLakesEDC.org .