May 2026 - A Message from GSGP Chair Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro

As spring arrives with flowers blooming and trees taking root across the Great Lakes St. Lawrence region, we renew our commitment to protecting our shared waters and growing our economy. When we strengthen trade and tourism across borders, support sustainable agriculture and fisheries, and modernize our infrastructure, we create jobs and safeguard the environment.

We are getting stuff done in Pennsylvania and across the region. A new regional focus on shipbuilding – an important, long-standing industry in many of our States and Provinces – is helping boost this critical industry and create new, high-quality jobs. At the same time, our regional sustainable agriculture initiative is supporting our farmers while improving water quality and soil health.

Erie recently hosted the annual meetings of our regional tourism partnerships. Tourism creates jobs, grows the economy, and brings us together. Our States and Provinces remain open and welcoming to these visitors, as well as to new businesses and new ideas.

I am proud to say that 100% Great Lakes Sportfish, an exciting new effort to support our region’s recreational fisheries, recently launched in Erie. Erie will also be the location of our next GSGP Leadership Summit in October 2027. I look forward to meeting with my fellow Governors and Premiers then and to our continued work together.

Our region’s success is built on cooperation. Through shared leadership we will continue to deliver results for the people we serve. I look forward to a spring and summer of partnership: keeping our lakes crystal clear, our economy vibrant, and our communities thriving from Duluth to Erie to Montréal.

Sincerely,

Josh Shapiro
Chair, Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers
Governor, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania