We're happy to see federal funding going to a place like the Hormel Institute, which has assembled an international team to conduct research essential for fighting and preventing cancer. The Austin Herald reports in Hormel Institute 'thankful' for funding:
The Hormel Institute is now officially the recipient of $323,000 in federal funding in an effort to establish an International Center of Research Technology.
President Barack Obama signed the federal funding of 16 important local projects into law Wednesday that will help create and save jobs across southern Minnesota. The funds, which were requested by Congressman Tim Walz, are included in the FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill. The bill passed the Senate Tuesday.
“We are extremely thankful for the funding support secured by Congressman Tim Walz and his staff,” said Dr. Zigang Dong, executive director of The Hormel Institute. “This type of support is needed from the state of Minnesota and nationally, through federal funding, and is vital to continue to grow The Hormel Institute and bring even more jobs and advances to our research center. One of The Hormel Institute’s greatest strengths is in its strong partnerships. We are very thankful to Congressman Walz and his staff for the work they do to help us — they, too, are our important partners.” . . .
Yesterday, the Mankato Free Press reported that 250 regional leaders at the Southern Minnesota Regional Competitiveness Project had identified bioscience as one of three top growth areas for jobs in the area. The summit was the capstone for earlier gatherings in which "more than 500 people who have attended regional meetings for the project during the past six months," according to the MFP.
The Austin version of the Post Bulletin reported on Friday that Elk Run's Biotechnology project could partner with Hormel Institute:
Most communities across the United States are facing job losses this year.
But Pine Island and surrounding communities stand on a precipice with the Elk Run biotechnology project that could bring thousands of new jobs to the region, increase construction, draw national attention, boost population growth and add a whirlwind of activity in the coming decade.
California-based Tower Investments, and venture-capital group Burrill & Co., also of California, announced that nearly $1 billion is in play for development of a biotechnology center at Elk Run.
Burrill specializes in the life sciences.
Hormel Institute impact
Officials at Austin's Hormel Institute are watching the development with great interest, because of the potential it has to impact the center.
"We congratulate the leaders who are making the development of the Elk Run BioBusiness Park possible and we appreciate how this project will strengthen the assets of bioscience and biotechnology in our region," said Dr. Zigang Dong, executive director of the Hormel Institute. "The Hormel Institute looks forward to participating in and contributing to Elk Run's development through future collaborations." . . . .
We'll keep an eye on developments for our readers.
Photo: The namesake elk at Elk Run, from an earlier report on the site from Minnesota Public Radio. Developers say there will still be room for the elk in the new project, according to the cutline on the photo by MPR Rochester area reporter Sea Stachura.
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