Presented by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the award recognizes the world's most innovative economic development programs and partnerships, along with the year's most influential leaders. The Water Council was praised for having created positive change within its community.
“On behalf of the IEDC board of directors and Excellence in Economic Development Awards Advisory Committee, congratulations to The Water Council. Not only did they work to provide a necessary service to their community; but also, their participation in the awards program sheds light on their stellar projects which other communities can now use as a benchmark,” said Barry Matherly, CEcD, FM, IEDC 2016 board chair, and president and CEO of the Greater Richmond Partnership."
“Earlier this year we made a commitment during the White House Water Summit to launch 75 water technology startups over the next five years,” said Elizabeth Thelen, director of entrepreneurship and talent for The Water Council. “This award reaffirms our work as a world-class water technology accelerator and we are very grateful for this recognition and for our partner network.”
The BREW Accelerator is an entrepreneurship program housed within The Water Council. The BREW Accelerator launched in 2013 and promotes water innovation by funding water technology startups with commercialization potential. The ultimate goal is to launch each portfolio within 24 months. The BREW Accelerator's proximity to freshwater provides a unique resource in Milwaukee's World Water Hub. The program aims to partner with entrepreneurs from around the globe and accelerate their results to impact the entire community.