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Council of the Great Lakes Region and Northeast-Midwest Institute form partnership

Cleveland, OH – The Northeast-Midwest Institute and the Council of the Great Lakes Region have signed a collaboration agreement that aims to conduct high-quality research and policy analysis on issues affecting the broader Great Lakes region.

Signed on July 7, the agreement launches an ambitious effort by CGLR and NEMWI to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the United States (U.S.) and Canada by undertaking joint policy research on a variety of economic, social and environmental policy issues facing the Great Lakes region, the Council of the Great Lakes Region said in a news release. It also aims to provide outreach to federal, state-provincial and local legislators and policy-makers in both countries.

“This new collaboration will enhance our impact by bringing a bi-national perspective that will broaden the Great Lakes policy agenda and ensure that we respond more fully to the challenges and opportunities ahead,” said Michael Goff, President and CEO of the Northeast-Midwest Institute. “For sure, this bi-national perspective is essential for our continued progress protecting and restoring the Great Lakes and enhancing regional economic growth.”

The goals of the new partnership include:

• Conducting high quality research and policy analysis on issues affecting the broader Great Lakes region;
• Expanding the range and impact of policy solutions designed to protect the Great Lakes and spur economic growth by adding a bi-national perspective to legislative debates;
• Convening diverse perspectives and interests at conferences, roundtables and legislative briefings,
• Shaping opinions about the region’s long-term competitiveness and sustainability; and,
• Acting as a strong voice for the bi-national Great Lakes Region.

“This new partnership presents a tremendous opportunity for CGLR and the Northeast-Midwest Institute to leverage each organization’s policy resources and outreach efforts in raising awareness about the world’s most successful bilateral relationship and how we can make it even better in a vital cross-border region like the Great Lakes,” said Mark Fisher, president and CEO of the Council of the Great Lakes Region.

The Great Lakes region spans the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec.