January 2023 Chair's Letter

The past year was one of transition and success for our region and for the Conference of Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers:

100% Great Lakes Fish - We launched an innovative new project to research how we can use more of each fish that is caught from the Great Lakes to create more revenue and expand opportunities from our fish-based economy. Next year, we will expand our work from whitefish to include walleye, lake trout, yellow perch and white sucker. Stay tuned!

Cruising - After a two-year pause, cruising returned to the Great Lakes and saw more cruise ships and passengers than ever. Pent-up demand, the work of our cruise marketing partnership, Cruise the Great Lakes, and a terrific product offered by the cruise lines, ports, and seaway and shoreside attractions have made the Great Lakes the place to be for adventure cruising.

Maritime Transportation - After years of tireless effort, the new Soo Lock is now under construction and on track for completion by 2030. We will continue to work with the US Army Corps of Engineers to ensure that hands-free mooring and other technologies are included to maximize the safety and efficiency of the new lock.

I thank my fellow governors and premiers for their shared leadership on these successes and look forward to working with them in 2023 and beyond. I would also like to thank Governor Tom Wolf for his service and partnership and welcome Governor Josh Shapiro to the Conference. As ever, more work remains to be done but, together, we will accomplish our goals.

Tony Evers
Chair, Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers
Governor, State of Wisconsin