Greater Owensboro Economic Development Initiative
A business accelerator and research facility that will meet the growing demand for lab, research and complimentary office space in Owensboro. It will also allow the growth of university-level applied research and further cultivate high technology companies through the Emerging Ventures Center for Innovation.
The current growth of plant biotech companies associated with Kentucky BioProcessing (KBP) has created a significant demand for biotech lab space. Regional colleges and universities can utilize the facility for research and development programs. This infrastructure will also provide for prospective high tech companies.
Tenants will be moving in spring 2010, with a grand opening in summer. 2010.
NEWS
The U.S. Economic Development Administration says Owensboro's Centre for Business and Research will eventually create 50 jobs and generate $20 million worth of private investment in the community. That's why the agency is pumping $986,000 into the center to buy wet lab equipment.
The 37,000-square-foot brick warehouse at 1016 Allen St. was built in 1923 for the Southwestern Tobacco Co.
Daviess County Judge-Executive Reid Haire said the city has invested $2.5 million in the center and the county has put up $500,000. With the federal money for the wet labs, the project is already approaching $4 million. He's hoping the state will also come up with some financial support for the center.
Madison Silvert, vice president of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corp. and executive director of its eMerging Ventures Center for Innovation, said the first two tenants -- Dalisha's Desserts and Hollison Technologies -- should be moving into the building by the end of December or early in January.
He said he's also working with two other possible tenants and hopes to have announcements about them soon.
-Messenge-Inquirer, 11/13/2009
July 17, 2009 - KBP International Symposium in Owensboro - Fox 7 WTVW
September 16, 2009 - New biotech company coming to Owensboro - Fox 7 WTVW
February 19, 2010 - Centre for Business and Research to open in Owensboro - WFIE News
September 5 2010 - 3 more companies eyeing Centre for Business and Research - Messenger-Inquirer
September 9, 2010 - Hollison Technologies first to set up shop in Centre for Business and Research - Fox 7 WTVW
January 18, 2011 - Western Kentucky University and Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation announced a partnership for an applied research program.
Photos of the Centre for Business and REsearch
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