If ever additional proof was needed to support the old adage of "necessity being the mother of invention," one need look no further than what has happened in Israel over the course of the past decade in the field of water.  Just in case you missed the press release, Israel, despite the fact that most of its land is desert and that there are few sources of fresh water, no longer has a water shortage.  It's an incredible accomplishment and all the world is coming to Israel to see it firsthand.

Israel's water solutions were on full display last month at the bi-annual WATEC conference.  I (Shai) was at Tel Aviv's Exposition Grounds last month together with thousands from all over the world to explore how to best address what may be mankind's greatest challenge:  the provision of an adequate supply of quality water for drinking, bathing, agriculture and industry.  A delegation from the state of Texas, awash in oil but desperately short of water, was led by none other than Governor Rick Perry in the hopes of learning Israel's secret to water success.

A major part of Israel's water solution picture has been desalinization with over 50% of Israel's fresh water coming out of the Mediterranean Sea.  But as WATEC so clearly demonstrated, Israel has taken a multi-faceted approach to dealing with the water question, which includes the highest level of waste water reuse and a strong focus on eliminating waste.  As the companies exhibiting at WATEC clearly demonstrate, oftentimes there is no single solution to the big challenge, just a combination of multiple creative approaches that each focus on just one small piece of the larger puzzle.

Dawn Ely The Global Success Centers

AICC is in my opinion the most effective international chamber we have in Atlanta.  I've seen this chamber be effective for Israeli companies as well as for its local members.  My experience in the AICC has given me great opportunities but also great satisfaction and enjoyment in helping many Israeli companies that I believe have wonderful products that can change the marketplace.

I became involved in the AICC early in 2012.  For me, the medical committee held the greatest synergies since that is my industry background. By March, I found out about the BioMed conference in Tel Aviv and was encouraged to go to this conference in order to start getting to know some Israeli companies and gain more contacts. I agreed that it was a great way to dive in, so I went.   The AICC staff worked hard to be sure I had meetings and introductions while I was there. Between the meetings and connections facilitated by the AICC and the Department of Economic Development's local rep, I had so many meetings and connections arranged that I hardly had time for meals.  Within 6 months of that trip I had real business that came from it, and I was able to really make an impact on some paths and successes for some other companies. 

I have now been to Israel twice and each time I go it feels like a home away from home with many friends and colleagues that have greatly expanded my network and business opportunities. 

The AICC is an organization where you can get a very measurable outcome that is in direct proportion to what you put in to it through your involvement and activity. The opportunities for contribution and involvement in the AICC are many, which gives different people with different industries, interests and skills several outlets. 

Joining the AICC and being an active participant is one of the best business decisions I have made.