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Community and state leaders gathered at the Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute in Muskegon to discuss the continued focus of promoting a "Blue Economy" in Michigan.
(MLive File Photo)
MUSKEGON, MI – Community and state leaders gathered at the Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute in Muskegon on Thursday, Oct. 9 to discuss the continued focus of promoting a "Blue Economy" in Michigan.
The meeting was the third stop on Michigan's University Research Corridor's five-city tour. The URC is an alliance between Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University which aims to transform, strengthen and diversify the state's economy.
"Blue economy" is an ongoing economic development strategy based on the preservation, research and health of water resources that is being embraced in Muskegon because of its long history with its greatest natural resource.
"Water defines our community as it does many in Michigan and in the Great Lakes," said Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce President Cindy Larsen. "We're very fortunate that the blue economy is putting a spotlight on Muskegon, community in the midst of transition."
Thursday's meeting was led by a panel made up of leaders in a variety of fields, including education, research and economic development. Featured speakers were Jeff Mason, executive director of the URC; Alan D. Steinman, Annis Water Resources Institute director; Melissa Duhaime, University of Michigan assistant research scientist and investigator; Jon Allan, Michigan Office of the Great Lakes director, and Larsen.
Several other community leaders were also in attendance. The meeting was meant to provide a summary of water-related research that is being done around the state at various institutions, and how that translates to a successful economy.
According to the URC's "Innovating for the Blue Economy" report released earlier this year, the three URC universities have received nearly $300 million in awards for water-related research and outreach from 2009 to 2013.
Furthermore, one in five Michigan jobs are either directly or indirectly associated with water-enabled or water-related industries, the report said.
"Water has been a part of our history and now we understand how important it is to our future," Larsen said. "Muskegon is a shining example of what a community can and should be when it recognizes its strengths, its water.
"The percentage of our economy that is based on or connected to water in some way is significant. We're excited to be a part of a larger initiative showing how water can be a foundation for not just the quality of life but also for the economy and the prosperity of all people."
Muskegon County has more than 27 miles of shoreline, 27 inland lakes and more than 400 miles of river.
URC officials held their first two tour stops in Macomb County on Sept. 3 and in Houghton on Sept. 26. Two more stops are planned to take place in Traverse City and Chicago.
Brandon Champion covers arts and entertainment, business and weather for MLive Muskegon Chronicle. Email him at bchampio@mlive.com and follow him on Twitter @BrandonThaChamp.