Governor, chancellor to attend BTBC expansion groundbreaking June 14
LAWRENCE – The largest business incubator network in the Midwest is about to get larger.
The Bioscience & Technology Business Center at the University of Kansas will host a groundbreaking for an expansion of its Main Facility at 10 a.m. Friday, June 14.
Gov. Sam Brownback will speak at the event, along with KU Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little, Lawrence Mayor Mike Dever and Doug Cleverly, CEO of Argenta, a global animal health leader that operates a laboratory in the BTBC Main Facility. LaVerne Epp, executive chairman of the BTBC, will emcee the program.
The existing 21,400-square-foot BTBC facility, located at 2029 Becker Drive on KU’s west campus, reached its capacity a year ago when it added its ninth tenant company. The upcoming expansion will add 30,000 square feet of new office and lab space. Once complete, the expanded BTBC facility will have room for 18-24 companies.
The groundbreaking will take place in the BTBC parking lot. The governor, chancellor and other dignitaries will turn the ceremonial first shovels of dirt. A reception will follow in the BTBC lobby.
The event is open to public. Guests are asked to RSVP for the event online.
Parking: The BTBC parking lot will be closed for the event. Guests should park in Park & Ride Lot 302, which is just south of the BTBC.
Construction: Guests should allow extra travel time to account for construction along Iowa Street. Guests might find it easier to access the BTBC from the south via 23rd Street and Crestline Drive.
Information for media: A mult box will be provided, along with risers for TV cameras.