As communities across the country face mounting water scarcity, Erie sits atop one of the world's largest freshwater reserves. Penn State Behrend's Black School of Business will host a public panel discussion taking up a question regional leaders say is long overdue: Is Erie doing enough to turn that water advantage into economic opportunity? The event, titled "Erie's Water Advantage: How Freshwater Can Power Jobs, Industry, and Regional Renewal," will bring together experts in water infrastructure, economics, and business development for a 70-minute conversation open to community members, students, faculty, and civic and industry leaders. Moderator Eric Brotherson, Business Intelligence and Analytics Manager at Erie Federal Credit Union, will guide panelists through Erie's water capacity, its economic implications, and the practical steps the region could take to compete more effectively for investment and jobs.
Featured Panelists
Craig Palmer
CEO, Erie Water Works — water system capacity, reliability, and infrastructure.
Willem Buiter
Independent Economic Advisor — freshwater as a regional economic asset, water rights and allocation, and broader economic trends.
Chris Groner
Director of Administration, Erie County — regional assets, economic attraction, site selection, and growth.