Alliance Speaker Series Program to Focus on the Soo Locks

The need for a new Soo Lock and the future of the region’s maritime industry will be the subject of the next installment of the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance Speaker Series, coming up October 21 at the Great Lakes Maritime Academy at Northwestern Michigan College’s Hagerty Center.

The event is from 3:30 – 6 p.m. and includes a panel discussion featuring Mark Barker, President of the Interlake Steamship Company, and Jerry Achenbach, Superintendent of the Great Lakes Maritime Academy. Kevin Sprague, an Area Engineer for the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, is also invited. The event is free to businesses that are members of the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance, and non-members are welcome for a $15 fee.

“The Soo Locks is a critical infrastructure link for the economies of Michigan, the Midwest and the entire country,” said Kent Wood, Director of Government Relations for the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance and the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce. “The need for a new lock at the Soo Locks has never been greater, and the Alliance is working with other regional partners to make it a reality. We look forward to updating everyone on the progress being made, and highlighting the importance of the maritime industry to our region.”

The event will conclude with a reception with regional lawmakers. Registration is available at www.tchamber.org. Media representatives are also welcome to attend. For more information, contact Wood at kentw@tcchamber.org or (231) 995-7109.

REGISTER HERE