State & Local Tech-based ED News
Buffalo
The Buffalo News reports InfoNiagara, a technology council serving 230 IT companies, has signed a reciprocal membership with the Amherst Chamber of Commerce to increase the benefits offered to both organizations' members. The chamber's 2,300 members gain access to InfoNiagara's training and professional development programs, according to the paper, while the tech council is able to offer its members a variety of insurance programs the chamber has in place.
Cleveland
A portion of a struggling three-story, upscale mall in downtown Cleveland may become part technology incubator, according to the May 6 issue of Crain's Cleveland Business. The article reports several alternate scenarios are being discussed by civic leaders to use sections or an entire floor of the 130,000 sq. ft. glass building to house nascent software development and other IT companies.
Fort Worth, Texas
The University of North Texas is consolidating several departments to create a new college of engineering, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. The new school, which joins four other engineering programs in the region is anticipated to be a cornerstone in a planned research park for the university.
Lawrence, Kansas
The May 8 issue of Journal-World reports the Kansas Innovation Corp. is working to identify adequate space to create a technology incubator. According to the article, $500,000 contributed by county and the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce has been available to start the incubator. The organization is a partnership among the Kansas Technology Enterprise Corp, Kansas University and the Chamber.
Mobile, Alabama
The University of South Alabama in Mobile has created a new 35-acre research and technology park, according to the May 1 edition of the Sun Herald. The article adds that the university is building a 80,000 sq. ft. spec building to provide leasable space to tech firms.
New York State
New York could see 10 more Empire Zones established in the state this year, according to the Times Union. There are currently 62 zones which offer tax breaks, discounted utility costs and other inducement incentives, the article reports. The program is administered by the Empire State Development Corp.