U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National Association of Water Companies Continue Water is Your Business Series in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Highlight the Relationship Between Water Infrastructure, Business, and the Economy

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Nov. 15, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Water Companies (NAWC) and the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce today hosted a forum at the Sheila Doyle Russell Youth and Community Center in Cambridge, Mass. to discuss water infrastructure and local economic vitality. A tour of The Walter J. Sullivan Water Treatment Facility took place immediately following the forum.

"Sustainable, safe, and reliable water service is the lifeblood of every community," said Michael Deane, executive director of NAWC.  "Working with and educating local business leaders is the first step to sparking a national dialogue on the value sustainable water systems have on businesses, communities and the economy."

Today's event was the third in the "Water is Your Business" series, sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and NAWC, which launched in Miami in July.  The town hall meeting forum featured Cambridge Mayor David P. Maher, speakers from the local business community, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce.  The speakers discussed how innovative and sustainable water infrastructure practices can improve the economic competitiveness for businesses and the quality of life in local communities.

"We are proud to partner in this event and highlight the continued investment the city of Cambridge makes in our water system to ensure that the entire community has access to safe and reliable water," said Kelly Thompson Clark, president and CEO of the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce.

The Water is Your Business series raises awareness of the significant economic and ecological impacts of water provision, use and disposal on communities everywhere. Each local dialogue will focus on providing business and community leaders with tools and resources needed to be constructive and influential participants in the discussion on water infrastructure needs. The series is co-hosted by local area chambers of commerce.

"The Chamber recognizes that water infrastructure is a critical part of the physical platform of the U.S. economy," said Janet Kavinoky, director of Transportation and Infrastructure for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. "Unfortunately, it is out of sight, out of mind, until a pipe breaks or supplies run low. We want to raise awareness of the needs and potential solutions, in particular, the role of the private sector in delivering sustainable water systems."

About National Association of Water Companies

The National Association of Water Companies (NAWC) represents all aspects of the private water service industry. The range of our members' business includes ownership of regulated drinking water and wastewater utilities, and the many forms of public-private partnerships and management contract arrangements. Seventy-three million Americans – nearly one in four – receive service from a private water service provider.

About U.S. Chamber of Commerce

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations. Through the Let's Rebuild America initiative, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce advocates for the need to maintain, modernize, and expand our nation's infrastructure.

SOURCE NAWC.org/Water is Your Business