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Focusing on the Great Lakes - Regionally, Economically and Cooperatively March 26, 2008 The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) documentation issue certainly accomplished one thing - it demonstrated that there is no sense of reality in Washington DC about the bi-national community economy that exists along the CanAm border. That unfortunate lack of perspective is an unfortunate circumstance; one that the Partnership has spent great effort to try to correct and needs to change. Now, with the help of the Brookings Institution, there is a larger effort now underway to create a multi-faceted bi-national federal program aimed at turning the huge economic potential of the Great Lakes region into real revitalization.
This past Monday, representatives from Brookings unveiled its latest study, "The Vital Connection: Reclaiming Great Lakes Economic Leadership in the Bi-National US-Canadian Region," to Partnership members. The report, which will subsequently be presented throughout the Great Lakes region in the days to come, seeks to educate the community and its elected leaders on the economic importance of the region - particularly through highlighting its successes, challenges and needs.
Times are changing. Have changed. It is common knowledge that the Great Lakes region - built and prospered thanks to an industrial economy - now faces an uncertain future. Competition in the global economy, "brain drain" to areas of the nation capitalizing on innovation, and post-9/11 tightened border security have created a dire need for us to change everyone's thinking - particularly at the federal level - about this region.
Let's not overlook the positives. As "The Vital Connection" highlights, the Great Lakes region features: - A vast international economy and marketplace, with over $500 billion annually in two-way merchandise trade flow across the border
- An unrivaled center of innovation, education and talent generation, fueled by top learning institutions
- A large and growing centerpoint for global trade, representing 39% of the combined U.S. and Canada's trade with the rest of the world
- A globally-unique, water rich and attractive natural environment
- A large-scale laboratory for the new international economic security arrangements in a changing global environment
It is imperative that our federal elected leaders understand and appreciate all of the positive attributes our unique region has in its favor and the economic opportunities they provide - for the region, and nationally. At the same time, it must also be understood that there are policy decisions that must begin to be made now which can dramatically increase the success of the Great Lakes regional economy.
In that light, "The Vital Connection" provides leaders of both countries with a roadmap for success, including action items for the immediate and long-term future. - By 2010: Develop a Bi-National Innovation Fund and Strategy - Designed to "erase" the international boundaries when it comes to investing in innovation, and its by-product, business investment and growth
- By 2010: Redevelop North America's Freshwater Coast - The region is in need of a comprehensive approach toward regional water-based economic development, resulting in a lack of political leverage for policy and funding priorities
- By 2015: Define and Implement the "U.S.-Canada Border of the Future" - Perhaps first and foremost, the U.S. and Canadian governments must come into unison in how to balance the security and commerce needs of a shared border
- By 2025: Set and Realize Bi-National Great Lakes Carbon Goals and Renewable Energy Standards - In a region born on industry, there is no greater venue for the opportunity to lead the world in the new technologies, ideas and innovation related to protecting our natural resources through renewable energy
- By 2030: Establish a Common Market for Commerce and Human Capital - Focusing on the importance of marrying education, innovation and cross-border movement with the availability of jobs and a future for the people that make up the Great Lakes regional economy; in essence, smart policies that create opportunity
The approach proposed in "The Vital Connection" is not dissimilar to the Partnership's annual Regional Agenda, only on a larger scale. When it comes to influencing governmental policy and funding decisions, it is clear that there is strength in numbers, which is why we coordinate Erie and Niagara counties and the cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls each year to present the Buffalo Niagara region's economic development priorities. A bi-national collaboration throughout the Great Lakes region will only serve to increase our opportunity to garner attention and desired action from officials in both Washington DC and Ottawa.
As with every other issue the Partnership undertakes, advocacy is key. We will be in constant contact with the Brookings Institution as it takes this message throughout the Great Lakes region - educating both business communities and elected officials on its economic opportunities - and I will certainly keep you up-to-date on this effort. I urge you to read the full Brookings report, so that you will be able to join the advocacy effort.
Andrew J. Rudnick
President & CEO
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Brookings Study
