BRDG Park is “on the fast track to become a regional hub for scientific and commercial partnerships ... Puts state in strongest possible position to attract new employers … help existing Missouri businesses grow, and to create the high-tech, high-paying jobs of tomorrow.” — Governor Jay Nixon
Remarks by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon for a standing-room-only crowd of more than 250 business, scientific, and civic leaders capped the enthusiastic grand opening for BRDG Park on June 16, 2009. He described BRDG Park and the adjoining Danforth Plant Science Center as providing “a clear roadmap…to economic transformation and prosperity for the 21st century.”
Remarks by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon for a standing-room-only crowd of more than 250 business, scientific, and civic leaders capped the enthusiastic grand opening for BRDG Park on June 16, 2009. He described BRDG Park and the adjoining Danforth Plant Science Center as providing “a clear roadmap…to economic transformation and prosperity for the 21st century.”
The governor also pointed to St. Louis Community College’s bio-technician training program to be located at BRDG Park as “one of our most successful high-tech workforce development programs” and “exactly the type of collaboration we need to foster…to compete in the 21st century economy.”
Speakers & Tenant Companies
In addition to the governor's remarks, other public officials and BRDG Park leaders also spoke at the event. The five founding tenants of BRDG Park joined the speakers and Danforth Plant Science Center President Dr. Roger Beachy for a celebratory ribbon-cutting. (See below for links to videos of all remarks.)
Grand Opening Speakers
Click links to view video
Sam Fiorello
President, BRDG Park; Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Administration, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center
As master of ceremonies, Sam Fiorello set the event’s tone by pointing out that the Park is “a terrific step forward in turning great science into commercial success, great businesses that will help meet some of society’s biggest needs.”
Dr. William H. Danforth
Chairman, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center Chairman; Coalition for Plant and Life Sciences
Dr. Danforth emphasized that the region has “identified and put together the tools for growth in plant and life sciences.”
Dr. Zelema Harris
Chancellor, St. Louis Community College
The Community College workforce training program was described by Dr. Harris as a “unique partnership…creating a win-win both for our students and for emerging biotech companies.”
James R. Berens
President, Wexford Science + Technology
As the research park's developer, Jim Berens said BRDG Park will be an extraordinary place “to nurture and mentor young entrepreneurs.”
The Honorable Charlie Dooley
St. Louis County Executive
Charlie Dooley emphasized the region’s commitment to providing support for growing plant and life sciences enterprises at the “cutting edge of technology…for the 21st century.”
The Honorable Governor Jay Nixon (presented by Sam Fiorello)
Governor, State of Missouri
Due to inclement weather which prevented his appearance, Governor Nixon provided remarks, which were presented by Sam Fiorello.