Pocket full of opportunity

Feb. 14, 2011  |  By: Lynn Parman  |  Category: Biosciences, Economic Development, KC Animal Health Corridor
Tags: animal health, industry cluster, KC Animal Health Corridor, North American Veterinary Conference, Western Veterinary Conference

I got up one recent Saturday morning and pulled out my favorite pair of faded blue jeans that I had not worn in awhile.  As I put on the jeans (hoping they would still fit), I reached into the pocket and felt what I thought was a dollar bill.  When I pulled out the bill; it was actually a $20 bill.

This experience is so indicative of our KC Animal Health Corridor.  We’ve had this world-class cluster of animal health companies and assets in our region for several decades; we just had to bring it to light for the world to see.

Its one thing to find a $1 or $5 bill in our pocket; but a $20 bill is fantastic.  The recent announcements regarding new and expanding animal health companies and capital being raised is seeing the Corridor’s $20 bill truly come to light.

• Abaxis just announced that they will establish a full service commercial laboratory for Veterinarians in partnership with Kansas State University in the Corridor.
• Ceva announced in January that they are retaining their NA Headquarters and expanding in the Corridor
• Aratana, an early stage animal health company, just closed $20 million Series A round of financing and will locate in the Corridor

This good news is in the midst the busiest time of year for the animal health industry with the North American and Western Veterinary Conferences in full swing.  We are getting the word out about the Corridor’s recent successes at events we are sponsoring at these conferences and through various media and communication channels.

It’s one thing to find your hidden treasure; it’s quite another to actually make something of your discovery.  The Corridor will do our part to bring our hidden jewels to light; we just need your help to keep filling the pockets.