At an awards ceremony on Feb. 17, the Commission-managed Great Lakes Information Network (GLIN) was cited as "Web Site of the Year," recognized for its cultural importance, exceptional content and quality, and effective design. The inaugural award was presented by Michigan State University's newly established Center for Great Lakes Culture.

Online since 1993, GLIN has been recognized as the primary gateway on the Web to Great Lakes-related news, issues, organizations and activities. Its usage has grown remarkably and now averages more than 2 million hits per month. In addition to environmental data, GLIN provides information about the regional economy, a thriving tourism industry, state and provincial demographics, and educational resources.

The Center for Great Lakes Culture is dedicated to understanding and interpreting the cultural history and expressions of the diverse peoples, traditions and customs of the Great Lakes region (including the Ohio River Valley area), and the region's interaction with the world. Through research, instruction, and outreach programs throughout the region, the Center seeks to coordinate and expand current university research and collections and to increase the visibility, use, and access to these resources, both at MSU and other colleges and universities, libraries, archives, museums, and cultural centers. Established in 1999, the Center is housed in historic Linton Hall on the Michigan State University campus alongside its parent College of Arts and Letters.

The Great Lakes Commission, chaired by Nathaniel E. Robinson (Wisconsin), is a nonpartisan, binational compact agency created by state and U.S. federal law and dedicated to promoting a strong economy, healthy environment and high quality of life for the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region and its residents. The Commission consists of state legislators, agency officials and governors' appointees from its eight member states. Associate membership for Ontario and Quebec was established through the signing of a "Declaration of Partnership." The Commission maintains a formal Observer program involving U.S. and Canadian federal agencies, tribal authorities, binational agencies and other regional interests. The Commission offices are located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.