Ten years ago, when I began my tenure with CWA, we understood the value of water. We knew the depth of expertise in our region and recognized the power - and responsibility - of managing and caring for 21% of the world’s fresh surface water.
What began as an idea has transformed into the world’s largest digitally-connected freshwater body. Through our top-tier innovation programming, CWA has established our region as a global destination for freshwater innovation. We’ve collaborated with businesses from London to Singapore, launched numerous successful pilots of cutting-edge technologies, and sparked millions of dollars of economic impact in our region. CWA is making waves in our water economy.
We have collaborated with hundreds of industry-leading companies, research institutions, utilities, agencies, and community organizations to create a lasting impact. Thanks to support from the State of Ohio, the U.S. EDA, and Cuyahoga County, we have invested over $10 million in cutting-edge telecommunications and monitoring infrastructure, establishing Lake Erie as the largest digitally connected freshwater body in the world. Our comprehensive ability to test and trial a variety of technologies within a wide range of environments and to match innovations with industry-leading partners to pilot them is unparalleled.
Our Smart Lake Erie Watershed, testbed resources, and industry expertise have drawn attention from clusters, technology creators, and water managers worldwide, and further accelerated our vision of creating a thriving freshwater economy in Ohio.
Our mission has evolved over the years, but I am more excited than ever for our momentum as we wrap up the first year in our new strategic plan. We are laser-focused on fostering a world-class freshwater innovation ecosystem that spurs the economy, harnesses technology, informs decision makers, and drives engagement and research.
I am proud of our evolution over the past decade. We have pivoted with market demands, navigated changing legislation, and have grown our programming to support innovation at all stages. As we travel around the world to scout exciting technology and survey the landscape of freshwater innovation, I can say with confidence that Cleveland Water Alliance and our region is recognized as a global leader in the freshwater economy.
I am grateful that the CWA board selected me to lead this organization ten years ago. It has been an honor to grow alongside and because of our mission, and I look forward to the next ten years and beyond. I hope you join us at our Annual Meeting to celebrate this decade of making waves in the water economy.
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Join us on November 21, 2024, from 5-7:30 PM ET at Lago East Bank for our 10-Year Celebration at our Annual Meeting! Remarks are slated to begin at 5:30 PM, with a reception to follow. We are proud to honor Ohio State Senator Matt Dolan with an award in recognition of his continued support of and leadership in advancing our state’s water economy.
Please allow time for extra traffic this evening in anticipation of the Browns game. CWA will cover valet for registered guests of the event, and the reception will wrap up in time for kickoff!
Tickets are free, but space is limited. Registration is required to attend.
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