Ambassador of France to the United States François Delattre toured the Global Water Center during his visit to Milwaukee, Tuesday, April 29. The Center, established by The Water Council in 2013, houses water industry startup companies, research lab space and university operations, including several American subsidiaries of French water technology companies, including Veolia Environment, Ijinus, Vegetal i.D. and Envolus.
During the Ambassador’s visit, Michel Dutang, President of Pôle EAU, a startup accelerator program located in Montpellier, France, and Dean Amhaus, President and CEO of The Water Council, will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Pôle EAU, The Water Council and SWELIA Association, a network of water sector corporations in France.
Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin Rebecca Kleefisch, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Badger Meter President/CEO/Chairman and Water Council Co-Chair Rich Meeusen also were on hand to attend the signing and welcome Ambassador Delattre back to Milwaukee. The Ambassador first visited the city some 35 years ago as an exchange student, and instantly fell in love with the city’s charm, he recalled fondly of how the city was so welcoming, especially the two young women that were part of his host family.
The agreement strengthens existing partnerships between the French and American organizations and encourages cooperation with universities, and collaboration and idea sharing amongst the entrepreneurs in the respective programs.
Mr. Amhaus said, “We are honored that Ambassador Delattre decided to make a special visit to The Global Water Center to meet with the French and American water technology companies working in this unique cluster. Our partnership with Pôle EAU and SWELIA will enhance our close ties with France and expand the region’s water cluster.”
The Water Council has been working rigorously to expand its global reach, by actively recruiting international water technology companies to establish operations in Milwaukee and grow the regional water cluster. The signing of this MOU strengthens The Water Council’s ties to France, and leads the way for more countries across the globe to form partnerships with The Water Council.
Later this summer, The Water Council will host the International Water Association (IWA) Board of Directors at Water Summit 2014 on June 18-19 at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center in Downtown Milwaukee. CLICK HERE