We are pleased to announce today the appointment of a number of highly regarded individuals from the United States and Canada who will act as Honorary Patrons of the Council.
The principle mandate of Honorary Patrons is to promote the Council and help it identify opportunities to strengthen the United States-Canada relationship in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Region and deepen collaboration with respect to finding new solutions for growing the region’s economy safely and sustainably. Moreover, an objective of Honorary Patrons is to help the Council identify strategic partnerships and expand its government and corporate networks.
The founding Honorary Patrons are:
- James Blanchard, United States Ambassador to Canada (1993–1996) and Governor of Michigan (1983–1991)
- David Wilkins, United States Ambassador to Canada (2005–2009) and Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives (1994–2005)
- Michael Kergin, Canadian Ambassador to the United States (2000–2005)
- Raymond Chretien, Canadian Ambassador to the United States (1994–2000)
- The Honourable Ed Lumley, Chancellor of the University of Windsor (2006-present), Corporate Executive (present) and former Minister of Industry, International Trade, and Science & Technology in the Government of Canada (1974-1984).
The Council will be celebrating the achievements of its Honorary Patrons and other business, government and non-profit leaders in the region during its annual Great Lakes Ambassadors’ Dinner, which is held as part of the Great Lakes Economic Forum. The next Forum is taking place in Toronto from April 24-26, 2016. Learn more at greatlakeseconomicforum.com.
