Blue Economy Committee Advances Macomb County’s Waterfront Opportunities

The Macomb County Chamber’s Blue Economy Committee unites business leaders, community partners, and regional stakeholders who share a common goal: supporting Macomb County’s blue economy. This includes supporting business growth and development, increasing access to lakes and waterways, advocating for sustainability and promoting the mission of Selfridge Air National Guard Base as a key partner in the county’s waterfront and development efforts.

At its recent annual meeting, the Macomb County Chamber’s Blue Economy Committee reflected on the past year’s progress and discussed priorities for the year ahead.

Over the past year, the committee helped advance several initiatives to raise awareness of the economic impact of waterfront industries and to position Macomb County as a leader in the Great Lakes blue economy.

Highlights from 2025 include:

  • Hosted the Great Lakes Blue Economy Policy Conference, which convened regional leaders to discuss opportunities tied to water resources and the maritime economy.
  • Presented to the Michigan House Committee on Tourism to highlight the role of boating, fishing and waterfront recreation in driving regional tourism and economic activity.
  • Conducted a preliminary feasibility study for a waterfront hotel and convention center to explore new opportunities for development and investment along Macomb County’s shoreline.

These efforts reflect the growing recognition that Lake St. Clair and the county’s waterways are not only recreational assets but also powerful drivers of economic development.

As the committee looks ahead, several initiatives are already underway for the coming year.

Key priorities for 2026 include:

  • Continuing advocacy efforts with federal, state, and local officials to highlight the importance of the blue economy.
  • Supporting the second annual Great Lakes Blue Economy Policy Conference, which will be held in July.
  • Expanding regional tourism promotion and branding tied to Macomb County’s waterfront assets.
  • Enhancing the committee’s digital presence through website updates and social media outreach.

The committee also sees opportunities to collaborate with partners across the region on workforce development, boating safety education, marketing initiatives, and investments in natural spaces and recreational assets.

For more information about the Blue Economy Committee or how to get involved, contact Kelley Lovati at kelley@macombcountychamber.com.