Resolution: Advancing Commission / Congressional Linkages Through Regional Tours and Events
Adopted on October 11, 2001

Whereas, a unified regional voice on critical public policy issues is essential for effectively advancing resource management, environmental protection, transportation and sustainable development initiatives in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region; and

Whereas, informed public policy decisionmaking requires strong linkages between the research, policy and management communities within this region; and

Whereas, the benefits of enhanced communication and collaboration within this region can be fully realized only if strong linkages with members and staff of the Great Lakes Congressional Delegation and the Council of Great Lakes Governors are cultivated and maintained; and

Whereas, the Great Lakes Commission is mandated, via state and federal legislation (i.e., the Great Lakes Basin Compact) to serve as the region's advocate on behalf of its member jurisdictions; and

Whereas, the 2001 Great Lakes Congressional Tour, sponsored by the Great Lakes Commission in collaboration with partners agencies, proved to be a highly successful means to strengthen such linkages.

Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission, as part of an overall strategy, will actively seek and pursue opportunities to sponsor Congressional/Gubernatorial tours and associated regional events on a regular basis; and

Be It Further Resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission shall strive to build upon the initial awareness of Great Lakes issues that Congressional/Gubernatorial members gain from the tours and other regional events through sustained and targeted communication/advocacy efforts that engage the members on a continuing basis.

Be It Finally Resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission shall orient such events toward stated priorities and Strategic Plan goals, and seek partners for co-sponsorship that share such priorities and goals.

Adopted unanimously at the 2001 Annual Meeting of the Great Lakes Commission, October 11.