August 21, 2002

GROUNDBREAKING FOR BOISE STATE’S NEW TECENTER SET FOR AUG. 21

Ground will be broken today on Boise State University’s Technology and Entrepreneurial Center (TECenter) — the first building on the Boise State-West Campus near Nampa.

Participants included Gov. Dirk Kempthorne, U.S. Sen. Larry Craig, U.S. Rep. Butch Otter, Boise State President Charles Ruch, Leonard Smith and Al Ames of the federal government’s Economic Development Administration, and other civic and business leaders from Canyon and Ada counties.

The TECenter will house and nurture 20-30 fledgling high-tech businesses. Because the center is funded by a $1.9 million federal grant, it was spared the widespread budget cuts set in place by a drop in state revenue. The building is expected to be completed by early 2003.

More than 30 percent of Idaho’s gross state product results from science and technology. Locally, that translates to more than 400 technology businesses employing over 20,000 citizens. The TECenter represents a timely and unique opportunity to help shape Idaho’s future economic development.

The center provides an opportunity in Canyon County and the Treasure Valley to nurture potentially world-changing technology companies, Otter said.

The TECenter will provide start-up firms with physical space as well as business and engineering consultants, student interns, staff services and technical help. As many as 500 hours in services will be provided to each client.

"Startup businesses — especially in the high-tech sector — are very vulnerable. We provide services that help get them through that difficult period when so many businesses fail," center director John Glerum, a retired Ore-Ida chief executive, said.

By linking its expertise with the private sector, the university is able to provide

hands-on experience for students while helping businesses succeed, he said.

Several local companies have expressed an interest in the center, but Glerum said specific clients have not yet been selected.

Jim Hogge
Idaho Small Business Development Center
426-3799

Media Contact:
Kathleen Craven
Boise State communications and marketing
426-3275