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COMMERCE IN BRIEF
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Skandalarises
Pledge $3 Million for Entrepreneurship Program at Washington University
Washington University received a $3 million pledge from Robert and
Julie Skandalaris. The contribution will establish the Skandalaris
Program in Entrepreneurial Studies at the John M. Olin School of
Business.
The Skandalaris entrepreneurship program will expand Olin’s Center
for Experiential Learning and will include a complete set of courses.
Students will participate in traditional courses combined with simulated
and “real world” entrepreneurial learning projects. Current student
teams at Olin create business plans for new start-up firms in the
business school’s Hatchery. The Skandalaris contribution will offer
a possible funding source for those companies.
“This is a generous gift from Bob and Julie Skandalaris, made all
the more significant by the fact that they are parents of a student
at Washington University,” says Washington University Chancellor
Mark Wrighton. “It represents to me the strong faith the Skandalarises
have in our institution and in our innovative programs.”
Robert Skandalaris is chairman and chief executive officer of Noble
International Ltd., a holding company in Bloomfield Hills, Mich.
The firm’s subsidiaries manufacture components and provide a variety
of services to the automotive industry. He and his wife serve as
the 2001-2002 co-chairs of the Parents Council. In addition, Robert
is a member of the business school’s National Council.
The Skandalaris gift is part of the Campaign for Washington University,
a major fund-raising effort that already has secured gifts and commitments
exceeding $1 billion.
Ethanol Research Plant to be Located at SIUE’s University Park,
Strengthens Biobelt Efforts
Above:
The $20 million National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center being
built at Univeristy Park on the campus of Southern Illinois University
Edwardsville (SIUE) will facilitate research on ways to produce
the corn-based fuel at a lower cost. Construction is scheduled to
begin in December.
Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIUE) Chancellor and
RCGA Board member Dr. David Werner hosted groundbreaking ceremonies
recently for the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Pilot Plant at
SIUE’s University Park. Recognizing the region’s plant and life
sciences efforts, Werner noted that the research plant was another
major step forward in the region’s positioning as the BioBelt—the
center of plant and life sciences. The overal
mission of the Ethanol Research Plant is to improve efficiency of
ethanol production. Among those participating in the groundbreaking
were: Governor George Ryan; U.S. Senator Dick Durbin; U.S. Congressman
John Shimkus; Madison County Board Chairman Rudy Papa; Illinois
State Sen. James Clayborne; and Illinois State Sen. Vince Demuzio.
Center for Emerging Technologies Opens Building II
The newly renovated Building II of the Center for Emerging Technologies
adds 50,000 square feet to the business incubator facility. Connected
to Building I by an enclosed walkway, Building II was once the historic
manufacturing plant for the Dorris Motor Car Company. This 1907
building at 4041 Forest Park Avenue is credited as the site that
helped launch the automotive industry in St. Louis.
The Center will move engineers and software developers to the new
wing and convert the original building to lab and pilot production
space. Companies emerging from the Center’s expansion are projected
to create another 140 high-tech jobs.
The Center for Emerging Technologies incubator facility helps launch
companies that are developing new technology products, part of the
new driving force in the region’s economy.
PASS Security Launches New Subsidiary
St. Louis-based
PASS Security has formed a subsidiary, Virtual Security Technologies.
Jeff Hansen is heading up the new group as vice president.
The security system uses image recognition technology to instantly
detect when an intruder has entered a protected area. In addition,
the security package offers an audio component to central monitoring
and improves security effectiveness.
Virtual Security Technologies will allow systems integrators throughout
the U.S. to offer Virtual Vision technology to their clients. Dealers
also will have comprehensive training and support of the security
package.
Shannon & Wilson Opens Illinois Office
One more indicator of business development in Southern Illinois
is the newest office of Shannon & Wilson Inc., located in Collinsville.
The geotechnical and environmental consulting firm retains its St.
Louis office in the Westport area.
Shannon & Wilson has been working on projects in Illinois for 25
years. The Collinsville office allows the firm to better serve its
public and private Illinois clients. We’re also excited to be part
of the rapid development in Southern Illinois.
Bill Kremer is now office manager of Shannon & Wilson’s second location.
Kremer joined the firm more than 16 years ago and has experience
in administration and project management. |
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