CoreNet Global dedicated the Economic Development Leadership Award to the Water Council because of the Council's successful implementation of innovation in Milwaukee.
CoreNet Global is a non-profit association, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia (US), representing almost 10,000 executives in 50 countries with strategic responsibility for the real estate assets of large corporations. The organization’s mission is to advance the practice of corporate real estate through professional development opportunities, publications, research, conferences, designations and networking in 47 local chapters globally.
“With all of the important and impactful economic development projects occurring across the world it is truly an honor to be singled out as a global leader in successful cluster development,” said Rich Meeusen, co-chair of The Water Council and president/CEO/chairman of Badger Meter. “CoreNet is a significant organization in the world of corporate real estate with a global audience and reach, which will undoubtedly create even more interest in Milwaukee’s Water Technology Cluster.”
The Water Council was established in 2009 by Milwaukee-area businesses, education and government leaders. The nonprofit organization, consisting of more than 180 members, links together global water technology companies, innovative water entrepreneurs, acclaimed academic research programs and, most importantly, some of the nation’s brightest and most energetic water professionals. The Water Council is capturing the attention of the world and transforming the Milwaukee region into a World Water Hub for freshwater research, economic development and education. Statewide, the water technology industry has more than 200 companies in Wisconsin, over 20 academic partners with water-based curriculum, and water-technology exports growing by 7.4 percent in 2014.