Interstate 70 has been hailed as the “life sciences corridor,” because of start-up businesses from Kansas City west to Lawrence, Topeka and Manhattan that concentrate on health care, pharmaceuticals and animal health. THOSE AGAINST the KBA contend the state has no business in being venture capitalists — investors who help sparks of ideas catch fire. THE MESSAGE is greater than the means but speaks volumes about the willingness of a community or state to invest in its future. IN RURAL America, particularly, we have to fight for industries to come our way. The Bioscience Authority is a proven success in bringing advanced technology to Kansas.
Many have sprouted up under the umbrella of the Kansas Bioscience Authority, a state-backed initiative that helps fund science-based enterprises. Think of it as a mini-Silicon Valley.
Since its beginning in 2004, the KBA has helped several entrepreneurs develop full-fledged businesses in Kansas, including those that deal in software for health care, physical therapy services, medical devices, nutrition, and agri-business, including diagnostic techniques.
If growing business is a goal of Kansas legislators, the KBA is proof it can be done.
That is, unless legislators turn off the spigot.
The annual $10 million investment by the state is in the crosshairs of legislators looking to patch a $400 million hole in the budget.
The saying “penny wise, pound foolish” comes to mind.
If that’s the case, Kansas should scrap its Rural Opportunity Zone program. Set up by the Kansas Department of Commerce, ROZ gives either tax breaks or helps with student loans if participants are willing to locate to rural parts of the state to set up shop.
The same goes for a whole alphabet of grants by the state to help communities build up “capacity,” repair infrastructure, improve housing and community facilities or revitalize neighborhoods.
To a one, these commendable programs depend on state funds.
In Iola we need look no further than Iola Industries for proof of how extending a helping hand can launch many successful businesses. Iola Industries was started in 1955 by a dozen men intent on growing the town’s manufacturing base.
Over the years it was instrumental in attracting almost 20 industries, including Columbia Metal, Gates Manufacturing, Herff Jones and Russell Stover Candies.
Its latest endeavor is to help bring G&W Foods to town.
To close the door now would send the state back in time.
— Susan Lynn
Bioscience Authority an investment in state’s manufacturers
