Great Lakes Blue Economy Conference 2025 Recap
Great Lakes Blue Economy Conference Recap
Leaders outline next steps for access, jobs and sustainable growth on Lake St. Clair
The Macomb County Chamber hosted the inaugural Great Lakes Blue Economy Policy Conference aboard the Ovation Yacht at Jefferson Beach Marina in July, bringing together public, private and nonprofit partners to spotlight how Macomb County’s waterways power our economy and quality of life.
Highlights during the conference included:
- Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel underscored the goal of connecting more residents to Lake St. Clair and other waterways, including those who don’t reside in communities near the coastline.
- Mark Breederland of Michigan Sea Grant stressed tying access points to downtowns, parking and commerce while planning waterfronts that are environmentally, socially and financially sustainable.
- Nicki Polan, Executive Director of the Michigan Boating Industries Association, highlighted Michigan’s impact on the boating industry, with more than 1,500 marine businesses supporting 58,000 jobs, making Michigan the third-largest marine market in the U.S. Michigan is also second in the U.S. for boat registrations, with 1,300 public access sites statewide.
- Amy O’Leary, Executive Director of SEMCOG, and Gerry Santoro, Program Director at Macomb County Planning & Economic Development, previewed ideas in development, such as more walkable pier districts, upgrades to water infrastructure, a campground and a four-seasons waterpark. They also emphasized the importance of helping local communities plan and secure funding.
- Keynote speaker Brad Garmon, Senior Strategic Advisor and Executive Director of the Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, urged Michigan to merge its manufacturing strengths with outdoor recreation – designing, building and servicing the products that get people on the water – so the region captures more of this fast-growing, trillion-dollar industry.
The Great Lakes Blue Economy Conference centered on a simple theme: when more people can access the water, local businesses, main streets and jobs will thrive. The Chamber’s Blue Economy Committee will continue to convene its partners to maintain this momentum.
Thank you to our speakers, partners and attendees for participating in this event. For information on upcoming initiatives or to get involved with the Blue Economy Committee, visit macombcountychamber.com/.
