JPMorgan Chase & Co. Announces Water Investment Partnership With The Water Council
MILWAUKEE, WI, Aug. 25, 2014 – JPMorgan Chase & Co. and The Water Council today announced a partnership to bring together North America’s investment community and water technology entrepreneurs to match capital with water innovation. The partnership includes a $225,000 grant from JPMorgan Chase as part of the company’s recently launched Small Business Forward initiative—a national, five-year, $30 million grant program meant to boost small business support networks that help growing enterprises in specific industries.
With the grant, The Water Council will identify investment firms that are interested in exploring water technology investments, prepare water investment training information and conduct an investor conference with entrepreneurs.
“Our company recognizes the growing importance of water not only in the United States, but across the world, and we believe that many of the solutions to those issues will be derived from the small businesses that are being developed by The Water Council,” said James R. Popp, president of Chase in Wisconsin. “It was only natural for Chase to combine its support for American small businesses with America’s leading water technology cluster.”
“The Water Council leads the country in its support and development of water technology entrepreneurs, as proven through the creation of the Global Water Center and The BREW program,” stated Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. “Through the generous support of JPMorgan Chase we can now add one vital element to our toolbox—the growth of private sector investments in the burgeoning water technology industry.”
The Water Council, established in 2009 by Milwaukee-area businesses, education and government leaders, is the only organization of its kind in the United States. The Water Council takes great pride in having coalesced one of the most powerful water technology clusters in the world. Today, The Water Council links global water technology companies and small businesses, innovative water entrepreneurs, acclaimed academic research programs and some of the world’s most talented water technology professionals.
“The Water Council and the city of Milwaukee are capturing the attention of the world as we quickly transform the region into a world water hub for freshwater economic development, research and education,” said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. “The significant investment by a global company such as JPMorgan Chase sends a clear message to the nation and the world that Milwaukee is the place to bring together water technology businesses and the investment community.”
Through the support of JPMorgan Chase, The Water Council will look to expand the water investment program nationally and internationally. The partnership will help to advance The Water Council’s vision of being the globally connected epicenter of freshwater research, innovation, education and business development; drive economic development in Milwaukee; enable water technology companies to strengthen and grow their businesses; and ultimately help address pressing global water issues.
“The Water Council is honored to be able to announce this unique partnership with JPMorgan Chase, and support our next development as a global leader to bring together small water technology businesses and investors,” said Rich Meeusen, co-founder and co-chair of The Water Council and chairman, president and CEO of Badger Meter. “We have made great strides in fostering an environment of water entrepreneurship. Now, through the support of JPMorgan Chase, we can educate and connect the investment community with innovative businesses working to solve global water issues.”
About The Water Council
The Water Council, the only organization of its kind in the United States, was established in 2009 by Milwaukee-area businesses, education and government leaders. With more than 150 water technology companies in the Milwaukee area, the region’s water industry is a $10.5 billion dollar market and accounts for four percent of the world’s total water business. The non-profit organization, consisting of more than 160 members, is linking 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. For more information, visit www.thewatercouncil.com or contact us by phone at 414.988.8750.
About JPMorgan Chase & Co.
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading global financial services firm with assets of $2.5 trillion and operations worldwide. The Firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing, and asset management. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, JPMorgan Chase & Co. serves millions of consumers in the United States and many of the world’s most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients under its J.P. Morgan and Chase brands.
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