SALT LAKE CITY, UT (SEPTEMBER 12, 2019) – Business leaders, government stakeholders and water management experts from Utah and Israel came together today to develop partnerships and discuss cutting edge innovations in corporate water stewardship, natural resource management, and public policies at the Business H2O: Water Innovation Summit, hosted by the Salt Lake Chamber and U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

“Water management is an area where Israel is one of if not the leading authority on ways to tackle the challenge of responsible water use and conservation, something that is increasingly important to Utah’s economic prosperity and quality of life, ” said Derek Miller, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber. 

Utah and Israel have similarities in environment and industry with hypersaline lakes, surrounding desert settings, and business ecosystems including thriving technology hubs that have flourished despite challenges in water supply. Miller highlighted this fact when discussing a recent trip he took to Israel with the U.S. Chamber and said, “Earlier this year, I visited the Sorek Desalination Plant – the largest reverse-osmosis desalination plant in the world that helps create over 80% of Israel’s drinking water. It was inspiring to view firsthand Israel’s unique approach to water, which is a model for the rest of the world.”

As the demand for water is quickly outpacing supply around the world, there are immense opportunities for Utah and Israel to develop innovative policy and technology together in the water sector that facilitate rapid economic growth. 

“We had great collaboration with Utah officials, local businesses, and the Israeli delegation team,” said Eric Peterson, vice president of business development for Amiad USA. “I have the privilege to work for an Israeli company, one that is addressing the critical needs of water management and processing, and welcomed the opportunity to participate in this event.”

This year’s presenting sponsor is DuPont Water Solutions. The major sponsors are The Nature Conservancy and Utah Israel Economic Council. Swire Coca-Cola, USA is the session sponsor and organizational partners include CalChamber, South Valley Chamber, Utah Valley Chamber, West Jordan Chamber of Commerce and the World Trade Center of Utah. The Business H2O: Water Innovation Summit was held at Snowbird Ski Resort.

For more information, visit slchamber.com/h2osummit.