by Dean M. Prestegaard
Some wonderful things are happening across the eight-state, two-province Great Lakes region. These are due to several factors: the region’s geographic advantages, rich natural resources and wondrous beauty; a revival of its historical industrial base using today’s most advanced technologies; and continued investments in its leading educational institutions along with commitments to preserving the region’s natural environment. Together, these are the competitive factors that position the Great Lakes region as one of the most attractive locations for investment and economic growth in North America and around the world.
The Great Lakes region, if considered on its own, would rank as the third-largest economy in the world and contains 20% of the world’s freshwater. Its educational institutions help develop and support a workforce known for its precision and adaptability. Additionally, the region is home to some of the most productive manufacturing clusters globally and benefits from a binational trade relationship of nearly half a trillion dollars annually.
The Great Lakes Economic Development Council was established to connect business leaders, policymakers and economic development professionals from all sectors to work together to continue to strengthen the regional economy. Our goal is to help the region present a unified and persuasive message to investors and companies that are considering where to make their next major investment, as well as to the workforce that will make it possible.
This 2026 Great Lakes Investment Guide reflects that mission, offering a comprehensive look at what makes the region a premier location for long-term investment. It begins with the advantages of geography, which are crucial for both businesses and today’s workforce, as well as the strategic infrastructure that links the area to markets throughout North America and beyond.
Spanning eight U.S. states and two Canadian provinces, the region’s unique binational character sets it apart from other North American mega-regions. The deeply interconnected supply chains and shared labor markets create opportunities not found elsewhere.
While manufacturing and agriculture-related industries form the foundation for much of the region’s economy, advanced manufacturing operations in automotive, aerospace, biomedical/pharmaceuticals and others, as well as specialized industries in clean/renewable energy, water technology and life sciences, are increasingly recognizing the advantages of being located in the region.
A network of research universities and technical colleges continues to supply the engineering and skilled-trades talent that competing regions struggle to match, supported by a multimodal transportation network of ports, rail, highways and border crossings that keep goods and people moving.
If you are reading this guide, you are already connected to the Great Lakes region in a meaningful way. We invite you to join the Great Lakes EDC, attend Great Lakes Rising 2026, and share this information with others. Be a part of building a region that is rising together to meet this moment.
Dean M. Prestegaard serves as Board Chair of the Great Lakes Economic Development Council and is Principal Economist and Founder of DMP Development Analytics, an economic consulting firm in Madison, Wisconsin.