Jordan Valley Innovation Center celebrates five years of growth

Senator Blunt to speak at ceremony June 1

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Downtown Springfield has undergone many changes during the last five years, but the opening of the Roy Blunt Jordan Valley Innovation Center in 2007 marked one of the biggest changes for the encouragement of economic development in the area. On June 1, the Jordan Valley Innovation Center will host a five-year celebration from 8:30-10:30 a.m. in the facility’s parking lot featuring Senator Roy Blunt along with university and community leaders.

“One of the distinctive characteristics of Missouri State is the IDEA Commons, with the centerpiece being the Roy Blunt Jordan Valley Innovation Center,” said Interim President Clif Smart. “It is a concept that has captured the imagination of the city, region, state and nation. But none of this would have been possible without the vision and leadership of Senator Blunt and the support of our local city, county and chamber leadership.”

Following the 9 a.m. program commemorating the work that has occurred at JVIC, tours will be available of the state-of-the-art research facility, as well as Brick City and the Robert W. Plaster Center for Free Enterprise and Business Development – both properties that are included in IDEA Commons.

“IDEA Commons was designed to incorporate elements of innovation, design, entrepreneurship and the arts into one location that would attract young talent and build the community,” said Dr. Jim Baker, vice president for research and economic development.

JVIC is the cornerstone for IDEA Commons, and it focuses on environmentally friendly projects with an applied research emphasis on biomaterials, nanotechnology, carbon-based electronics, biomedical instrument development and energy.

Dr. Terry Brewer, president and founder of Brewer Science, will also speak during the ceremony. Brewer will be available to address the JVIC model, technology advancements and Brewer Science.

Free parking is available at JVIC, or lots 46 and 47.

About IDEA Commons
This unique project brings together the elements of Innovation, Design, Entrepreneurship and Arts (IDEA) and is an example of how the University continues to be engaged in promoting the community’s livability and economic success. The major facilities currently in IDEA Commons include the Roy Blunt Jordan Valley Innovation Center, the Robert W. Plaster Center for Free Enterprise and Business Development, and Brick City.

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