Greenbrier Valley Bio Hub Groundbreaking & WVSOM Bio Forum

On Aug. 20-21, WVSOM will host a groundbreaking for the $35 million expansion of the Fredric W. Smith Science Building at WVSOM, located at 400 Lee Street North, Lewisburg, W.Va.

The ceremonial groundbreaking will take place at 5 p.m. on Aug. 20, in conjunction with WVSOM Bio, our economic development forum, which will take place from 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. on Aug. 21. The forum will discuss attracting bio industry organizations and investment to the Greenbrier Valley.

Agenda

Wednesday, Aug. 20

• 5 p.m. — Ceremonial Groundbreaking and comments at Fredric Smith Science Building (Parade Field Tent)
• 6 p.m. — Reception on WVSOM Campus - WVSOM Conference Center
• 8 p.m. — Visit Downtown Lewisburg. Live Music at Hill and Holler Restaurant starting at 9:00 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 21, Economic Development Forum in the Student Center's Conference Center, from 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Note: A hot breakfast will be available starting at 8:00 a.m.  Lunch will be at 12:30 p.m. and beverages will be available throughout the day.

Parking in the lot adjacent to the WVSOM Conference Center. 

8 a.m. — Breakfast and networking

8:45 a.m. — Welcome to WVSOM BIO

President James W. Nemitz and Dr. Dovenia Ponnoth 

The WVSOM Bio Concept:

• President James Nemitz — WVSOM is hosting a bioscience economic development event!
• Video — US Senator Shelley Moore Capito
• Dr. Dovenia Ponnoth — An opportunity exists - research video 

Greenbrier Valley Bio Hub Panels

9:30 – 10:25 a.m.

• Will the biosciences and pharma industry consider West Virginia?  Pharma and Bioscience association and industry representatives offer insight.
• Bio International - Patrick Plues, Sr. Vice President, State Government Affairs & Affiliate Relations. Plues will discuss industry priorities.
• Mark C. Bates, MD, cardiologist and nationally recognized clinician, innovator, and entrepreneur. Bates has founded multiple med-tech companies, holds more than 60 diverse patents, and has experience with corporate venture funding, internal incubator operations, and the development of blended-funding startup spinout models.
• Bioscience Association of West Virginia – Bryan Brown, executive director. Brown will discuss the association, industry objectives in West Virginia, and the BAWV's upcoming 13th Annual West Virginia Bioscience Summit in Morgantown.

10:30 – 11:25 a.m.
West Virginia Opportunity.

• Federal and state agencies and organizations explain available programs and support.      
• NIH Small Business Program - Stephanie Fertig, director. As director of the NIH Small Business Program, Fertig oversees the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs, which are congressionally mandated set-aside programs that provide over $1.4 billion per year to small business concerns. – 20 minutes.
• WV Commerce/Economic Development – Kelsey Staggers, business development manager for the West Virginia Division of Economic Development, and lead on biosciences development. Staggers will share insight on West Virginia's development assistance efforts, including tax credits and financing programs that can help reduce startup and operating costs and provide for enhanced productivity.
• Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation - Ruthana Beezley, executive director. Beezley will outline the GVEDC's efforts and local initiatives that support industries and smaller businesses in moving forward. The GVEDC partners with several business support organizations to support economic development in West Virginia. 

11:30 a.m. – 12:25 p.m. 
West Virginia Leadership

• State Government officials talk about efforts to attract industry. Learn about Governor Patrick Morrisey and the Department of Commerce’s economic development initiatives, as well as the priorities of the State Senate and House of Delegates in terms of supporting economic growth.
• Commerce Secretary Matt Herridge
• State Senator Tom Takubo
• Delegate Vernon Criss  

12:30

• Lunch, speakers, and networking.
• President Nemitz will recognize staff and special guests.
• Edward Tucker Architects' Phoebe Patton Randolph, president, will discuss the design and benefits of the expansion and present a fly-through video.
• WVHA Executive Director Jim Kaufman will provide an update from the West Virginia Hospital Association.

1:45 – 2:45 p.m.

• WVSOM and The Greenbrier Valley Bio Hub — Why choose the Greenbrier Valley?
• Community video.
• Kristi Bridges, Ph.D., Associate Dean, Preclerkship Education
• Lewisburg City Manager Misty Hill
• Greenbrier County Commissioner Tammy Tincher