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Session presentations |
Great Lakes Performance in Focus: Corporate Investment Trends and Competitive Benchmarking
Ron Starner, Executive Vice President of Conway Data
Join industry expert and veteran Ron Starner for a data-rich analysis of how the Great Lakes region compares to other U.S. and Canadian markets in attracting business investment and facility expansions. Using Conway’s global project database, Starner will reveal top-performing metros, key industry trends, and the factors influencing site selection today. This session offers actionable insights into where the region excels, where it lags, and how stakeholders can boost competitiveness to secure more high-value corporate investments.
Through the Eyes of a Site Selector: Perceptions and Realities of the Great Lakes Region
Gregory Burkart, Principal, Site Selection Services, Walbridge
Meegan Spicer, Managing Director, Kroll Site Selection and Incentives Advisory
How do corporate decision-makers and their site selection consultants truly view the Great Lakes region when it comes to new business locations and expansions? In this engaging and unfiltered session, a leading site selection consultant will share the good, the bad, and the ugly, providing candid insights into the region’s reputation, performance, and opportunities for improvement. Attendees will gain a valuable outside-in perspective on what makes the region competitive or not, in today’s global investment landscape, with actionable takeaways for enhancing their local and regional strategies.
Navigating the Future: The Maritime Industry’s Economic Impact on the Great Lakes Region
Adam Tindall‑Schlicht, former Great Lakes Seaway Administrator
Adam Tindall-Schlicht, Senior Advisor for Transportation at Ramboll, will deliver a keynote on how the maritime industry is shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for the Great Lakes. Drawing on his leadership at Port Milwaukee and the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, he’ll explore the region’s evolving infrastructure, green shipping, and economic opportunities. His talk will spotlight coastal resiliency, emissions reduction, and binational collaboration as key drivers of trade, investment, and climate action across the Great Lakes- St. Lawrence region.
Driving the Future: Retaining Global Automotive Leadership in the Great Lakes
Bernard Swiecki, Vice President of Mobility and Research for the Detroit Regional Partnership
The Great Lakes region has long stood at the center of the global automotive industry. But as the mobility landscape evolves—with electrification, automation, and connected vehicle technologies accelerating change—how do we maintain our competitive edge? In this forward-looking session, Bernard Swiecki, a nationally recognized expert on the automotive sector and mobility ecosystems, will explore how regional assets, workforce readiness, and crossborder innovation can keep the Great Lakes at the forefront of advanced mobility. From electric vehicle manufacturing to smart infrastructure and supply chain resilience, this session will highlight what it takes to lead in a rapidly transforming industry—and how communities can position themselves to capture the next wave of automotive investment.
Charting the Course: Building the Future of the Great Lakes EDC Together
The Great Lakes EDC is at a pivotal moment. This session will bring attendees directly into the process of shaping the organization’s first strategic plan. In a fast-moving, collaborative format, participants will share their insights on what priorities matter most for members and how the Council can create the greatest impact for communities across the region. Your voice will help define the path forward. Together, we’ll identify shared goals, chart a roadmap, and lay the foundation for an organization designed by and for its members. This is your chance to contribute to the future vision of the Great Lakes EDC and ensure the Council reflects the needs, strengths, and opportunities of the region we serve.
Navigating the Future: Trends and Opportunities in Foreign Direct Investment in the Great Lakes Region
Bruce Takefman, CEO, Research FDI
As global markets shift, the Great Lakes region is emerging as a prime destination for foreign direct investment (FDI). In this session, Bruce Takefman of Research FDI will share insights on the region’s competitive strengths—from advanced manufacturing and clean energy to robust cross-border infrastructure. Attendees will learn about current FDI trends, the top source countries, and key industries that attract global capital. The session will also highlight recent success stories and explore how regional collaboration can amplify investment opportunities across the Great Lakes.
Building the Brand: Overcoming Rust Belt Perceptions to Marketing the Great Lakes Region for Global Investment
Aaron Brossoit, CEO, Golden Shovel Agency
In an increasingly competitive global economy, strategic marketing and branding are essential tools for attracting investment and fostering economic growth. This session will explore how the Great Lakes region can craft a compelling, unified identity to position itself as a premier destination for domestic and foreign direct investment (FDI). Aaron Brossoit, CEO of the leading economic development marketing firm Golden Shovel Agency, will share insights on how to align messaging across borders, leverage regional assets, and tap into international investor networks to elevate the Great Lakes' strengths and foster greater prosperity and competitiveness for the region.
| Great Lakes Economic Development Council Detroit, MI 48243 Info@GreatLakesEDC.org |
