Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Announces Bioscience Proposal

January 9, 2007 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Announces Bioscience Proposal

WHAT: A proposed agreement allowing for an option for the Kansas Bioscience Authority (KBA) to purchase the spec building in the East Hills Business Park (3813 Greenway Drive). This agreement includes a commitment to renovating and equipping the building for use as a bioscience facility, including wet lab space. This facility would spur economic development specifically focused in the bioscience area.

This project merges the interests of the State of Kansas, the City of Lawrence, Douglas County, the Lawrence-Douglas County Biosciences Authority Inc., the University of Kansas, Douglas County Development Inc., and the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce in the commitment of bioscience advancement. It combines state and local funds in a major cooperative initiative that will greatly benefit our community.
The KBA is the result of the Kansas Economic Growth Act, approved by the 2004 Kansas Legislature and signed into law by Governor Sebelius. The act uses tax dollars generated by growth in the life sciences industry to fund enhancements to university research and business development. The mission of KBA is to make Kansas the most desirable state in which to conduct, facilitate, support, fund, and perform bioscience research, development and commercialization, to make Kansas a national leader in bioscience, to create new jobs, foster economic growth, advance scientific knowledge and improve the quality of life for the citizens of the State of Kansas.

WHO: City of Lawrence (City), Douglas County (County), Douglas County Development Inc. (DCDI), Lawrence-Douglas County Biosciences Authority Inc. (LDCBA), Kansas Bioscience Authority (KBA)

WHEN: The Lawrence City Commission will be considering the proposed agreement at their January 2, 2007 meeting. It is anticipated that the County Commission will be considering the agreement at their January 8, 2007 meeting.

HISTORY: DCDI was incorporated on July 21, 1986, to foster the industrial and commercial growth and development of Douglas County, Kansas; and to purchase, develop, manage, and lease, sell or otherwise dispose of real estate, buildings and other forms of industrial and commercial improvements of any kind, and other associated property of whatever kind or description. DCDI was incorporated by the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce and the board of directors is appointed by the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce board of directors. The spec building was constructed in 2002 as a marketing tool to attract light manufacturing; however, as it was built as a spec building it can be adapted for other uses.

FUNDING: Maximum proposed commitment from each partner will be:

KBA City County LDCBA DCDI
$3,475,000 $1,250,000 $1,250,000 $1,000,000 $500,000

SPEAKERS: Beth Johnson, Vice President, Economic Development
Lawrence Chamber of Commerce

Mike Amyx, Mayor
City of Lawrence

Clay Blair, Chairman
Kansas Bioscience Authority

LaVerne Epp, President
Lawrence-Douglas County Biosciences Authority, Inc.

Lavern Squier, President and CEO
Lawrence Chamber of Commerce

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The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce advocates for business and community prosperity as it creates diverse jobs; cultivates a successful business environment; develops active community leaders; and promotes the assets of Lawrence and Douglas County.