Climate & Environment
Great Lakes Business Network
Many entrepreneurs are frustrated that their businesses are misrepresented as caring more about profit than protecting the environment. The Great Lakes Business Network was formed as a network of owners who wanted to change that rhetoric. GLBN members believe companies should be part of the solution, protecting the environment for generations to come.
GREAT LAKES BUSINESS NETWORK
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mission of the Great Lakes Business Network?
The mission of the GLBN is to create an influential business network that advocates for thriving ecosystems, economies, and communities, in the Great Lakes Region. We envision a thriving Great Lakes environment and economy fostered by a passionate and diverse business community. We are fact-based, non-partisan, and focused on pragmatic advocacy to help set the Great Lakes agenda.
Can any size business join the network?
How much does it cost to join GLBN?
Can nonprofit organizations or citizen groups join the GLBN?
How does the business network select issues to work on?
Members meet and discuss key environmental issues facing the Great Lakes and select a set of issues to focus on. Originally the group focused on just one issue, preventing an oil spill from the Line 5 oil pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac. But in the past year the group expanded the scope of projects to include reducing algal blooms in Lake Erie and promoting 100% clean energy.
Whom do I contact to learn more about the Great Lakes Business Network?
Please contact Zoe Zeerip, Great Lakes Business Network Coordinator, zoe.zeerip@groundworkcenter.org. Also, explore the Great Lakes Business Network website.
GET INVOLVED!
Resources
"I met Groundwork more than five years ago because of our shared concern about the Line 5 oil pipeline in the Mackinac Straits. Since then, they've helped create the Great Lakes Business Network, amplifying my voice and supporting nearly 200 other business leaders to be better advocates to protect the Great Lakes. My business depends on the clean waters of the Great Lakes, and I'm so appreciative that Groundwork is helping business leaders become better advocates for the idea that a clean environment is central to a strong economy."
— Chris Shepler, President, Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry Service
WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW?
Great Lakes Business Network News
Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline is now trespassing on Great Lakes bottomlands
The herculean citizen effort to protect the Great Lakes from a catastrophic Line 5 oil spill has reached a pivotal inflection point. May 12th was the deadline that Governor Whitmer set for revoking Enbridge’s easement to use the Great Lakes bottomlands, and the...
Great Lakes Business Network requests equal opportunity in MI legislature to address Line 5 concerns
Members of the Great Lakes Business Network sent the letter below to Michigan legislators. Dear Sen. McBroom, Sen. Lauwers and Rep. Bellino, On behalf of the Great Lakes Business Network and our more than 170 members representing a diverse array of business leaders...
Great Lakes Business Network Celebrates Historic Line 5 Shutdown
The Great Lakes Business Network today applauded Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s revocation of Enbridge Energy’s Line 5 operating easement following a comprehensive review by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.