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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

  • Collaboration In Economic Development

    • 15 May 2025
    • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • Zoom meeting - link to be shared
    • 94
    Register


    Join the Great Lakes Economic Development Council (Great Lakes EDC) for a dynamic session exploring the power of cross-sector and cross-border collaboration to drive inclusive, sustainable economic growth across the binational Great Lakes region.

    The Great Lakes region has a historic and ongoing partnership between Canada and the United States that has long fueled innovation, trade, and prosperity in one of the world’s most vital freshwater and economic corridors. From shared infrastructure and supply chains to environmental stewardship and workforce development, the Great Lakes have long served as a model for international collaboration

    Sandy Dubay, CEcD and  CEO and Founder of PPR Strategies, will highlight how fostering collaboration across a wide range of sectors — including emerging and non-traditional industries — can spark innovative solutions to complex regional challenges. Through real-world case studies and expert insights, attendees will learn how expanding their networks and integrating diverse sectoral strengths can lead to forward-thinking strategies for long-term regional success.

    Whether you're a policymaker, economic developer, entrepreneur, or community leader, this session will equip you with actionable ideas for building resilient, future-ready economies rooted in shared values and cross-border trust.

    Our Presenter:

    Sandy Dubay, CEcD is the CEO and Founder of Platinum PR (DBA) PPR Strategies, an economic development consulting firm with an emphasis on strategic communications and problem-solving. PPR has been supporting economic development and tourism organizations, workforce development, various private sector industries, and non-profit organizations since 2002. Before starting PPR, Sandy worked in economic development at the county level in West Virginia and Maryland. Together with her team of professionals, Sandy has invigorated the identities of small businesses, associations, and educational institutions across the United States with her expertise in communications, social media, marketing, economic development, and tourism. Sandy is a graduate of Shepherd University with a Bachelor of Science in economics and business administration. She is an active member of her local community organizations and leadership programs. She has received rewards such as the PR Professional of the Year by The American Advertising Federation – Greater Frederick. Sandy became a Certified Economic Developer in 2023.

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    Show details

  • 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 Coming Soon!

    Cancellations: If you are not able to attend the conference, please send your written notification to support@greatlakesedc.org .

    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.