Three binational economic development organizations came together through the efforts of the Michigan State University Center for Community and Economic Development to sign a memorandum of understanding targeting key economic growth sectors between the countries and regions.
The I-69 International Trade Corridor/Next Michigan Corporation, Southwest Economic Alliance of Ontario, and the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce came together on June 11 at the second annual Blue Water Corridor Conference in Sarnia, Ontario to sign the MOU, which targets bio-manufacturing, lightweight automotive materials, and agri-food/food processing initiatives among the regions.
“MSU CCED will continue its leadership in taking the next steps to implement this important MOU and supporting binational innovation in the Bluewater region,” said J.D. Snyder, project director.
The MOU is a result of the MSU CCED Binational Regional Collaboration and Innovative Export Strategies team’s binational research and advocacy in the Blue Water region. With the assistance of binational working groups, the team identified the need for a formal agreement between leaders on both sides of the border.
Funding for the Binational Regional Collaboration and Innovative Export Strategies project is provided by the MSU Institute of Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR) through a Michigan Applied Public Policy Research (MAPPR) grant.