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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

    • 5 Jun 2025
    • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • Zoom meeting - link to be shared
    • 88
    Register


    Join the Great Lakes Economic Development Council (Great Lakes EDC) for the latest installment of our Be Greater! digital learning series. 

    As federal priorities shift and funding streams evolve, staying ahead of the curve is essential for communities. Join us for a high-impact session that will provide you with tools to help your communities and organizations access and manage a wide range of federal funding opportunities, both in the US and Canada. 

    ➢ Whether you're focused on infrastructure, workforce development, housing, or economic revitalization, this session will help you navigate the complexity of federal grants with confidence.

    ➢ This session will provide practical, actionable guidance for identifying grant opportunities across multiple federal agencies and aligning them with projects that drive meaningful, measurable outcomes in your community.

    ➢ Whether you're new to federal funding or looking to sharpen your approach, this webinar will help you navigate the uncertainty and seize emerging opportunities in a dynamic landscape.

    Our Presenters:

    Julie Norman, EdD, CEcD, CWDP, Vice President, Economic Development

    EdD, Educational Leadership, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
    MBA, Human Resources, Marshall University, Huntington, WV
    BBA, Business Administration, Marshall University, Huntington, WV

    Julie Norman, EdD, CEcD, CWDP, has 25 years of experience in economic development at the state and county level, with a regional emphasis on workforce development and the expansion of business and industry. For the last ten years, Julie has served in executive leadership positions for both public and nonprofit economic development interests. Her extensive career includes serving as the Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board of Kanawha County in Charleston, West Virginia, and as the Executive Director of the Marion County Economic Development Commission in Marion, South Carolina. She is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma, a Certified Economic Developer, and a Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP).

    Ryan Ulrich, Economic Development Project Manager

    MPS, Urban & Regional Planning, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
    BA, Environmental Studies & Public Policy, Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster, PA

    Ryan Ulrich is an experienced Economic Development Project Manager with a strong foundation in research, grant writing, and budget compliance. A former Fulbright scholar with past experience working for a regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC), he excels in managing project timelines, crafting compelling narratives, and building relationships with diverse stakeholders to meet client goals and regulatory requirements. Ryan provides technical and formative economic development assistance to cities, counties, business, EDCs, and municipalities, aligning projects with strategic objectives and policy frameworks.

    Ryan's expertise in federal and state grant programs helps clients navigate the complexities of grant processes, ensuring a clear understanding of requirements and terminology. He offers end-to-end client support, ensuring timely and successful submissions.

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

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.