KALAMAZOO -The Michigan Economic Development Corp. has lauded the Kalamazoo community and development of Western Michigan University’s Business Technology and Research Park for “demonstrating levels of innovation and excellence that can only help Michigan prosper.”
Kalamazoo’s Michigan SmartZone, located at the Business Technology and Research Park on the Parkview Campus, was named Technology Infrastructure Partner for 2005 in a ceremony held May 17 by Gov. Jennifer Granholm during the eighth annual Business Success Celebration sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Foundation. Accepting the award was Mayor Robert Jones. Representing WMU at the event in the Capitol Rotunda was Bob Miller, associate vice president for community outreach.
The park was designated a Michigan SmartZone in 2001 and named Michigan SmartZone of the Year in 2003. WMU’s Business Technology and Research Park is the centerpiece of the Kalamazoo SmartZone, a partnership involving MEDC, the city of Kalamazoo, Southwest Michigan First and the University.
The 137-acre BTR Park is part of Western Michigan University’s 265-acre Parkview Campus, and is eight years ahead or original projections for occupancy. The Southwestern Michigan Innovation Center, is an anchor building on the campus, along with the University?s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
