FORETHOUGHT - Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek SC

Many of these same opportunities may
be present in Wisconsin for businesses
that address water issues. The Water
Council has been working for several
years to strengthen the region’s status
as a hub for water innovation, research
and industry. In part due to the success
of The Water Council, the region is now
home to more than 130 water technology
companies, more than 100 academic
scientists and researchers focused on
water solutions, the largest freshwater
research institute on the Great Lakes, and
academic programs focused on water at
the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee,
Marquette University Law School and
the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater.
Milwaukee has been designated as a
U.N. Global Compact City, recognized
internationally as a center of freshwater
expertise. The Water Council is poised to
open a new water research and business
accelerator center in Milwaukee’s Walker’s
Point neighborhood in 2013 to attract
and create new businesses in the water
industry and to serve as a catalyst for the
development of the Reed Street Yards
water technology research park that is
being developed by the City of Milwaukee.
These programs and projects present an
opportunity for Wisconsin businesses to
collaborate and innovate new products to
take advantage of water issues.
Conclusion
Water issues will continue to present
challenges and opportunities to
businesses. To help position your
business in the best possible light,
consider the following:
• What impact could water issues have
on your business, including water
quality, water quantity or supply-chain
risk from flooding or drought
• Can your business introduce
products or services that address
water issues
• Can your business take advantage
of opportunities presented by its
location, including those offered by
the The Water Council n
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