Dean Amhaus, President of the Global Water Center, a FirstPathway Partners project, was featured as a special guest at the State of the Union's address on January 20th, 2015. He was formally invited by U.S. Senator, Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), as Baldwin has been a strong advocate for Milwaukee's water cluster.
This comes at a great time, as the water technology industry in Milwaukee is looking to receive federal funding, further strengthening its position as the Freshwater Capital of the World. Recently, the Federal Small Business Administration designated the Global Water Center a "water technology cluster"--one of just four newly named regional innovation centers. The Global Water Center has been recognized as a national model for its partnership between government and local businesses and its tireless efforts in water-related research, product development (prototypes), academia, and resources, leading to cutting-edge water technology and solutions.
In the address, President Obama mentioned "...over the past six years, we’ve done more than ever before to combat climate change, from the way we produce energy, to the way we use it. That’s why we’ve set aside more public waters than any administration in history. And that’s why I will not let this Congress endanger the health of our children by turning back the clock on our efforts". To watch the full State of the Union address, click here.