During her March 5-7 trip to Washington D.C. for Great Lakes Day Cleveland Water Alliance's (CWA) Communications Director, Samantha Martin, engaged in meaningful dialogues with legislators and stakeholders focused on the health and prosperity of the Great Lakes region. Key highlights included a widespread and enthusiastic response to CWA's Smart Lake Erie Watershed and Testbed programs. This gathering underscored the collective commitment to safeguarding the Great Lakes through collaboration and innovation.

Samantha, the Great Lakes Day in Washington D.C. has just concluded. Can you share how the Cleveland Water Alliance’s initiatives were received by the legislators and stakeholders present?

Samantha Martin: Certainly. This year’s Great Lakes Day was a vibrant testament to the collaborative spirit among those who care deeply about the health of the Great Lakes. It was particularly gratifying to see the keen interest from both legislators and stakeholders in the programs and progress of Cleveland Water Alliance. Their engagement and inquiries into our work, especially around areas like innovation in water technology and workforce development, highlighted the broader community's commitment to these critical issues.

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Were there specific programs or initiatives that caught the attention of the attendees?

Samantha Martin: There was notable enthusiasm around our efforts in leveraging technology for water conservation and management. For instance, our real-time data collection and analysis advancements through initiatives like the Smart Lake Erie Watershed have sparked significant interest. Legislators and stakeholders were eager to understand how these efforts could inform policy and practical applications for the region's water conservation and economic development.

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During the Great Lakes Day events, there was praise given to certain individuals. Can you share more about the influence and recognition of figures like Representative Marcy Kaptur during the event?

Samantha Martin: Absolutely. Representative Marcy Kaptur, who is the longest-serving woman in the history of the House, received widespread admiration for her dedication to the Great Lakes, particularly Lake Erie and Ohio. Her unwavering commitment and leadership in water conservation and economic advocacy for the Great Lakes region have set a benchmark for us all. It’s this kind of leadership that inspires our work and reinforces the importance of our mission. Sharing the room with esteemed colleagues like CWA Board Member Maria Bocanegra from the Port of Cleveland, members of the Cuyahoga Area of Concern (AOC), and numerous nonprofits and agencies really highlighted the collective effort and shared dedication to the Great Lakes. Representative Kaptur’s efforts, especially in pushing for initiatives like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding, underscore the vital role that committed leadership plays in our ongoing efforts to manage and enhance the vitality of our waters. Her office’s work in advancing Lake Erie’s economic impact is particularly close to our hearts at Cleveland Water Alliance, and we are proud to collaborate and contribute to this essential cause

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How did the international representation, particularly from Canada, influence the discussions?

Samantha Martin: The presence of Canadian representatives was a critical reminder of the interconnectedness of our water systems and the importance of cross-border collaboration. Discussions with them underscored the mutual benefits of our work and the necessity of continued partnership in addressing the challenges facing the Great Lakes. It’s a powerful message that water conservation and economic prosperity are shared responsibilities transcending national boundaries.

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Were there specific programs or initiatives that caught the attention of the attendees?

Samantha Martin: There was notable enthusiasm around our efforts in leveraging technology for water conservation and management. For instance, our real-time data collection and analysis advancements through initiatives like the Smart Lake Erie Watershed have sparked significant interest in recent years from both water managers, agencies, and legislators. Many of our regional representatives are familiar with our initiatives and both the current and potential power of our water economy. As we spoke more in depth this week, they were eager to further understand how these efforts could inform policy and practical applications for the region's water conservation and economic development.

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How does Cleveland Water Alliance plan to build on the momentum from Great Lakes Day?

Samantha Martin: The insights and connections from Great Lakes Day have provided a solid foundation for our future efforts. Building on this momentum, we aim to deepen our engagements with stakeholders and policymakers to ensure that our initiatives advance and align with regional and national goals for water conservation and economic development. Our commitment remains to foster a collaborative ecosystem that leverages innovation and education to secure a sustainable future for the Great Lakes region.‍

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In what ways did the event highlight the importance of community and collaboration in achieving these goals?

Samantha Martin: The event vividly illustrated the power of community and collaboration. It’s clear that the challenges facing the Great Lakes are complex and multifaceted, requiring a concerted effort from all sectors of society. The interest and support from legislators, stakeholders, and international partners reinforce the idea that by working together, we can overcome these challenges and ensure the Great Lakes remain a vibrant, healthy, and prosperous ecosystem for generations to come.

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‍Thanks to Samantha for sharing her experiences and insights from the Great Lakes Day. It’s inspiring to see such a unified effort towards the stewardship of our precious water resources