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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

  • What Site Selectors Want in a Competitive Location

    • 17 Apr 2025
    • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • Zoom meeting - link to be shared
    • 99
    Register


    Understanding what site selectors prioritize in a competitive location is essential for economic developers looking to attract new investment. In this exclusive webinar, Ron Starner of Site Selection Magazine will provide valuable insights into the key factors influencing corporate location decisions in today's dynamic market.

    Drawing on their recent annual Site Selectors Survey results, this session will cover:

    1. The top criteria companies and site selectors use when evaluating locations
    2. How economic development organizations can position their communities for success
    3. Trends shaping site selection in 2025 and beyond
    4. Best practices for engaging site selectors and corporate decision-makers

    Join us for an informative discussion designed to help Great Lakes economic developers refine their strategies and enhance their region's competitiveness.

    Our Presenter:

    Ron Starner is Executive Vice President of Conway Data Inc. and Site Selection magazine, an international corporate real estate publication based in Atlanta. The official publication of the Industrial Asset Management Council, Site Selection reaches 40,000 high-level decision-makers six times a year with timely news, analysis and perspective on key events and trends impacting corporate real estate and economic development. The magazine also publishes SiteSelection.com, the online Web portal for corporate real estate and economic development news and data, and multiple electronic newsletters.

    Ron served 9 years as Executive Director of IAMC, a corporate real estate and economic development association with 600-plus members. Based in Georgia, IAMC serves the needs of corporate real estate directors of leading Fortune 500 companies such as BASF, Pfizer, Honeywell and Campbell’s Soup. Ron is also the author of two books – The Ten Standards of Successful Leaders and The Light at the End of the Tunnel.

    A journalism graduate of Virginia’s Liberty University, Ron earned his master’s degree in mass communication from the University of South Florida in Tampa. A resident of Polk County, Florida, for 25 years, he graduated from Lakeland Christian School and worked for the Winter Haven News Chief for 8 years and for Florida Real Estate Journal for 6 years before joining the editorial staff of Site Selection in 2000.

    Show details

  • 2025 Great Lakes EDC Annual Conference

    • 22 Oct 2025
    • 5:00 PM
    • 24 Oct 2025
    • 1:00 PM
    • Detroit, MI

    Join economic development professionals, business leaders, and policymakers at the inaugural Great Lakes Economic Development Council Annual Conference in Detroit, Michigan, from October 22-25, 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!

    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 22-25, 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.