LEW:The Midwest's New England

Excerpts from an article that appeared in a newsletter/magazine apparently for the Technical Society of Toledo. Still need:

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If the citizens of Massachusetts and Connecticut can be from New England, why can't the citizens of Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan be from Lake Erie West?

We have more than 100,000 automotive supply jobs (first in the nation) and 43,800 biotechnology/medical jobs (second only to the Johns Hopkins area).

In 1997, we established the first sister region relationship in the nation with the TOMSK region of Russia, established a Lake Erie West Business Resource Center at the University of Toledo, and created a home page on the Internet: www.lakeeriewest.com which provides access to the Business Resource Center. Also, the Lake Erie West People's Choice Awards have become an Annual Event at the Franciscan Center in Sylvania.

The Lake Erie West Foundation believes that in a free market society, leadership is a responsibility of the private sector working in concert with the public sector. Also, by viewing the region from a "big picture" perspective, we hope to realize the synergistic potential of shared resources to benefit the quality of life of more than two million people.

If Silicon Valley can have its computers, and if the Raleigh-Durham area can have its Research Triangle, our product/service package is the continuing education and training of adults, which can be accomplished by our more than 30 institutions of higher learning that are readily accessible from a time standpoint.

Lake Erie West is a consortium of many of the best citizens in our area that have dedicated themselves to pursuing the fact that we are all part of a great community regardless of whether we are in different cities, counties, townships, or states. [Our] main theme has been that we are one area working together for the betterment of all. By more accurately calling us Lake Erie West, we have an identity that all people in the United States can recognize. This group's continued involvement will help assure our greatness in the nation's economy and strength.

Testimonials

Edward J. Reiter CEO - Mid Am, Inc.

As a business leader in Northwest Ohio, I can testify to the diligent efforts put forth by the Lake Erie West Foundation. It has always been Lake Erie West's intention to enhance and support, not replace, current economic development agencies that are already in place. It is good to know there are organizations such as Lake Erie West to complement and expand upon the efforts of regional economic development.

James A. Poure, Chairman/CEO General Alum. & Chemical Corp.

Lake Erie West is truly among a small handful of organizations that recognizes development within a holistic perspective. The thinking of Lake Erie West has not been limited by political boundaries of municipal, county or state governments or by the parochial agendum of turf minded organizations.

Without the encumbrances of narrowly focused or carefully defined loyalty, Lake Erie West has been able to exercise loyalty to a much broader range of interests. The developmental interests of Lake Erie West are similarly broad in scope and include economic development, cultural development, tourism, recreation, and transportation.

James H. Hartung, Pres, Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority

Lake Erie West has clearly enhanced the quality of life in the Lake Erie Region by helping the Greater Toledo Convention & Visitors Bureau market and promote this region as a great visitor destination with a lot to see, do, and experience.

This partnership has helped increase visitor traffic to our area; in fact, helped visitor expenditures to Lucas County alone, increase by over $30,000,000 from 1994 through 1996.

Lake Erie West has become an important positioning statement for firms doing business in our region, as well as providing members with networking capability, thereby increasing awareness and additional business opportunities.

Jim Donnelly - President & CEO Toledo-Lucas County Convention & Visitors Bureau

As the Sister City relationship between Tomsk, Russia and Monroe, Michigan was expanded, thanks to Lake Erie West, not only was Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio included in the regional approach, but a large part of Russia as well. This means that our region has accepted the changes that are sweeping across the world, and we are setting the pace for these changes.

R.G. Micka, V. Pres Admin., La-Z-Boy Incorporated

In 1997, I created a new and exciting project for the Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan area. This was a performing arts award program to honor and give recognition to area performing artists. When deciding upon a name for the project, I approached the Lake Erie West group and asked if the project could bear the title, Lake Erie West People's Choice Awards for the Performing Arts. I chose the name for several reasons, particularly because I liked the idea of the project encompassing the entire region, not just Toledo. I believe all areas of business, entertainment and government should follow this philosophy.

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