Great Waters, a program developed in the Eastern Upper Peninsula to promote regional cooperation for economic development and a tourism campaign, has earned the 2009 Lake Superior Magazine Achievement Award, the magazine announced September 23. With a rural development grant and partnerships among at least 17 chambers of commerce and tourism bureaus, plus local governments, the Great Waters brought tourism, business, and environmental groups together to create materials and a Web site promoting the entire region.

The partnership of communities is funded through a combination of funds collected by Northern Initiatives, a private organization in Marquette, contributions from local governments and associations, county funds, and Travel Michigan. County contributed $10,000 this year.