About Select Great Lakes

Encompassing eight U.S. states and two Canadian provinces, the Great Lakes region is an economic powerhouse. For more than a century, the area has been a center for manufacturing, international shipping, and innovative research and development. The regional economy that supports 107 million residents and, if it were its own country, would have one of the highest national gross domestic products (GDPs) in the world (source).

In fact, a new report from the Michigan Sea Grant has found that the Great Lakes support more than 1.3 million jobs that generate $82 billion in wages annually, according to an analysis of 2018 economic data.  Source: Michigan Sea Grant 

Click on the links below to find out more about the dynamic and diversified economy of the Great Lakes states and provinces.

State & Provincial Economic Development Organizations

Indiana, USA - The Indiana Economic Development Corporation is  committed to attracting and supporting new business investment, creating new jobs for Hoosiers, and furthering our legacy as one of the top states in the nation for business.

Illinois, USA - The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity works to provide a foundation for the economic prosperity of all Illinoisans, through coordination of business recruitment and retention, provision of essential capital to small businesses, investment in infrastructure and job training for a 21st century economy.

Michigan, USA - The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is a public-private partnership serving as the state's marketing arm and lead agency for business, talent and jobs, tourism, film and digital incentives, arts and cultural grants, and overall economic growth.

Minnesota, USA -The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the state’s principal economic development agency. DEED programs promote business recruitment, expansion, and retention; international trade; workforce development; and community development.

New York, USA - The mission of Empire State Development is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies.

Ohio, USA - Ohio's six geographic regions form The JobsOhio Network, a partnership of economic development experts with a single mission: Connecting you with the local contacts and expertise you need. 

Ontario, Canada - The Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment supports a strong, innovative economy that can provide jobs, opportunities and prosperity for all Ontarians. It delivers a range of programs, services and tools to help businesses innovate and compete in today’s fast-changing global economy.

Pennsylvania, USA - The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) fosters opportunities for businesses to grow and for communities to succeed and thrive in a global economy. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for Pennsylvania citizens while assuring transparency and accountability in the expenditure of public funds.

Quebec, Canada - Through its business offices across the entire province, the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec provides assistance to businesses and communities as well as to the organizations that support them.

Wisconsin, USA - As Wisconsin’s lead economic development agency, with more than 600 regional and local partners, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) fosters the cooperation necessary to support sustainable business growth and job creation.