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Opportunities for Networking and Learning 


Engaging Events

The Great Lakes Economic Development Council plans a broad range of opportunities to collaborate, network, learn, and grow professionally. The GLEDC brings together economic development, business, governmental and academic leaders, speakers, and training instructors for engaging growth opportunities.

Be Greater! - Monthly digital learning series

Upcoming events

  • Empowering Local Entrepreneurs: Streamlining Small Business Support for Business Retention

    • 30 Apr 2025
    • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • Zoom meeting - link to be shared
    • 83
    Register


    Supporting the small business community and local entrepreneurs is a critical part of a comprehensive economic development strategy.

    Existing businesses are already integrated into the community and provide stable jobs. Retaining them helps preserve employment and contributes to the local economy. While supporting local retail entrepreneurs is crucial for community growth, it can be challenging to dedicate the necessary resources.

    This webinar explores how an on-demand Small Business Support program can provide equitable access to essential resources for local entrepreneurs without overburdening economic development organizations. Learn how to empower local businesses to thrive while maintaining focus on other critical projects, ensuring balanced and effective economic development.

    Our Presenter:

    Jenn Gregory serves as the President of Downtown Strategies, a division of Retail Strategies, where she leads initiatives to revitalize downtown areas across the United States. With over 15 years of experience in community development and downtown revitalization, Jenn has become a trusted advisor to nearly 200 cities in 25 states, guiding them in transforming their urban cores into vibrant, economically thriving centers . Before joining Downtown Strategies, Jenn was the CEO of the Greater Starkville Development Partnership in Mississippi. In this role, she implemented the Main Street program and spearheaded policy initiatives aimed at stimulating downtown growth . Her work encompassed a broad range of strategies, including tourism, placemaking, and community engagement. Jenn's expertise has been recognized through her involvement in various initiatives, such as the Innovating Commerce Serving Communities (ICSC) Next Generation Leadership Network. She was named “Top 50 Under 40” professional by Mississippi Business Journal and a Subject Matter Expert on Economic Development by the International Downtown Association.  Jenn is a sought-after speaker, sharing insights on downtown revitalization strategies at conferences and workshops nationwide.​

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  • 2025 Great Lakes EDC Annual Conference

    • 22 Oct 2025
    • 5:00 PM
    • 24 Oct 2025
    • 1:00 PM
    • The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit 1114 Washington Boulevard Detroit, Michigan, USA, 48226
    • 1 registrant
    Register

    Join economic development professionals, business leaders, and policymakers at the inaugural Great Lakes Economic Development Council Annual Conference in Detroit, Michigan, from Wednesday, October 22, 2025 – Friday, October 24, 2025. This premier gathering will explore strategies to drive investment, innovation, and economic growth across the Great Lakes region.

    Through expert-led sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, attendees will gain insights into key issues such as workforce development, infrastructure, site selection, and the region’s competitive advantages in water and energy resources. Engage with top decision-makers, share best practices, and build connections that will shape the economic future of the Great Lakes.

    Be part of the conversation that’s driving prosperity in the region. Mark your calendar and join us in Detroit!

    Hotel Information

    Agenda

    Cancellations: If you are not able to attend the conference, please send your written notification to INSERT CONTACT INFORMATION. An administrative fee of $150 will be assessed for cancellations received by Friday, September 12, 2025. No refunds will be made for requests after Friday, September 12, 2025.

    Show details
Annual Events
GLEDC
Leadership Camp
The GLEDC Leadership Camp focuses on issues  impacting organizational performance, innovation and growth. It helps staff leaders be better managers, leaders and communicators.
Conference attendance is anticipated to be 150+
Targeted Attendees: Senior and mid-level economic development staff, and Certified Economic Developers (CEcDs, Ec.D.s) 

The Great Lakes

Growth Gathering

October 22-24, 2025
The Great Lakes Growth Gathering is the annual conference and premier GLEDC event covering the latest trends in economic development and expert-led sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities

Anticipated Annual Conference attendance is 250+ 
Targeted Attendees: Senior and mid-level economic development staff, and Certified Economic Developers (CEcDs, Ec.D.s), government employees, service providers, chambers of commerce, tourism officials, and other economic development intermediaries.  


Great Lakes Rising
An Economic Summit
The Summit is a forward-looking conference that explores public policy and other issues needed to grow, attract, retain, and expand companies to the Great Lakes.
Summit attendance is anticipated to be 250+ 
Targeted Attendees: Federal, state, provincial, and elected officials, corporate real estate executives and C-suite leaders, site selection consultants, state/provincial/local managers, economic developers, Chambers of commerce, and other economic development intermediaries.  

Great Lakes Local! events are held across the Great Lakes to provide members small in-person networking opportunities. Great Lakes Local offers members and prospective members the opportunity to discuss issues impacting the Great Lakes. At Great Lakes Local events participants can connect, build relationships and share knowledge with their local networks of economic development professionals. Anticipated attendance is 25 at each event.