Northern Initiatives Regional Strategies focuses on the identification and development of communities of interest in support of economic prosperity. Working with communities, some bound by geographic borders, others solely by common objectives, Regional Strategies works with business and civic leaders to achieve common goals, expand market reach, and leverage combined strengths.

Spotlight: The Great Waters

Great Waters is a regional intiative centered on sustainable nature and culture based tourism. The initiative is designed to build awareness for the abundant unique nature and culture based experiences the five most eastern counties in the Upper Peninsula offer visitors. The five county region has been dubbed The Great Waters Nature's Adventure where Huron, Michigan and Superior meet. The adventure concept is supported by three themed driving trails and anchored by 33 distinct natural and cultural attractions. A collaborative effort between Northern Initiatives and the Eastern Upper Peninsula Nature Tourism Alliance, Great Waters was launched in the spring of 2004. Key partners in the effort: Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Hiawatha National Forest, Michigan State Cooperative Extension and the Superior Watershed Partnership.

Northern Initiatives believes sustainable tourism will contribute to regional prosperity by creating triple bottom line impacts - increased social equity, improved local economies, and enhanced environmental protection efforts. To that end, the program is guided by the following principles:

Northern Initiatives works with communities throughout the Eastern Upper Peninsula to leverage the tourists who visit the Lakeshore, giving them reasons to extend their stay and explore the balance of the region's rich natural and cultural attractions.