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Great Lakes Growthcast
Presented by the Great Lakes Economic Development Council

Welcome to the Great Lakes Growthcast—your go-to source for conversations that power prosperity across the binational Great Lakes region. Each episode dives deep into the people, policies, and projects shaping economic growth in one of North America’s most vital and interconnected regions.

Hosted by the Great Lakes Economic Development Council, this podcast features interviews with economic developers, site selection experts, business leaders, and policy influencers who are moving the needle on innovation, investment, workforce, infrastructure, and cross-border collaboration.

Whether you're looking for inspiration, strategic insights, or regional success stories, the Growthcast delivers timely, relevant content to help you grow your community—and your career.

Listen in. Learn more. Lead better.


Meet Our Great Lakes EDC Growthcast Host, Alia Abbas 

Alia is the CEO of Alia Consulting, a firm specializing in disaster preparedness, business continuity, and investment attraction for economic development organizations. With over a decade of experience supporting communities across North America, she brings award-winning expertise in BR&E, FDI, and strategic planning. Alia also serves on the Advisory Council of the Great Lakes Economic Development Council and the Board of BREI. Alia was also honored with the distinguished 2023 Economic Development Top 40 Under 40 award by DCI and Jorgen Consulting.