Milwaukee's always been the gathering place by the waters. Our city has grown because of our access to Lake Michigan.

And now as the Milwaukee 7 collaborative group continues to lay out its new regional economic framework, our area's water and water industry concentration are emerging as more visible assets. Yes, we've always had water but many feel that we don't use this natural resource in the most optimal ways.

The concentration of water-related businesses in the region is more extensive and impressive than most people realize. To this end, there's a "Water Summit" today at Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin. Attending will be CEOs from water-related businesses across the region, leading researchers and members of academia.

"We have a unique opportunity here. With our concentration of water-related industries, research facilities, and natural resources, we can lead the world on freshwater issues and grow our existing water industry into a more powerful economic engine for the region. The Water Summit brings key people together to grab the lead and get this done," said Greater Milwaukee Committee President Julia Taylor.

Spread headed by Rich Meeusen, president/chairman/CEO of Badger Meter, Inc. and Paul Jones, chairman/CEO, A.O. Smith Corporation, the day long event hopes to, in conjunction with the Brooking Institution, develop a policy paper and agenda as a next step of the Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program's Great Lakes Economic Initiative and eventually utilize Discovery World as a global podium for freshwater policy, research and education, among other things.