INNOVATION CENTER ANNOUNCES FIRST TENANT
Friday, December 3rd, 2010 -- 11:50 AM
The yet-to-be-constructed Central Wisconsin Agribusiness Innovation Center in Owen already has its first tenant.Cherney Microbiological Services, a nationally-known testing laboratory, has agreed to become the first anchor tenant.
CWAIC Executive Director Rebecca Baumann says the company should be a perfect fit for the business incubator.
"Cherney already has a facility in Green Bay. They do a lot of testing of foods and dairy products. They'll be constructing a facility here so they have two locations, and so that they are located in the center-part of the state where there's a lot of dairy going on," Baumann notes.
Cherney Microbiological is a contract laboratory specializing in microbiological testing and technical support for companies manufacturing dairy, paper, meat, vegetable, cosmetic, personal care, and industrial cleaning products. They plan to construct a new testing laboratory in the Center, initially encompassing 4,000 square feet with possible expansion to 6,000 total square feet. The facility will bring approximately 10-15 jobs to Owen.
Baumann says they?ll lease space, but the tenant agreement needs to be finalized.
As for the overall project, Baumann says they continue to raise funds and fully expect to be ready to break ground early next year.
"The fundraising is still underway. We're excited Cherney is going to be an anchor tenant because that's going to show people that someone is actually there and ready to get rolling," she says. "We've had several other people show an interest in the building."
A non-profit organization, CWAIC is partnering with the City of Owen, its Community Development Authority and the Clark County Economic Development Corporation to raise approximately $5.8 million to construct the building. The U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration has already awarded a $4 million grant toward the project. The city is currently constructing sewer and water services to the agribusiness park.
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