The Blue Economy in Traverse City

March 15, 2025

We all know our Great Lakes are one of Michigan’s most important natural assets, but they also constitute 20 percent of the world’s fresh surface water. That puts Michigan on the global water map when it comes to sustainability, technology, and water-related economic growth. The Traverse City International Affairs Forum will be diving in (pun intended) with The Blue Economy: Michigan’s Global Role event held on March 20 at 6:30pm at the Dennos Museum Center Milliken Auditorium. You’ll hear from John C. Austin, director of the Michigan Economic Center at the University of Michigan; Frank Ettawageshik, executive director of the United Tribes of Michigan; and John Lutchko, director of the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute at NMC. In-person tickets are $15, $10 for virtual, and free for students, educators, active-duty military service members, and IAF members. Learn more at tciaf.com/event-march-2025.