ISU Research Park

We just left Ames, and what a great visit we had there.

On our tour across the state, the Governor and I are talking about how to move our state forward. And I can tell you that work is already underway at Iowa State University.

At the Iowa State University Research Park, this world-class university is working with new start-up companies that are helping to revolutionize science and business - not only in Iowa, but around the country.

My visit included a presentation by four of the companies located at the park.

I heard from NewLink, who is helping to discover new drugs that are helping people live longer, healthier lives.

BodyViz told me about their work on 3-D MRIs, which can help doctors more easily detect illnesses and medical conditions, all at an affordable rate. You may have seen them last night on 'The Biggest Loser.'

Harrisvaccines is helping to keep our food supply safe and healthy by producing vaccines for livestock, such as the Novel H1N1 vaccine for swine.

And GlobalVetLink is make agriculture more efficient by creating a web-based animal health verification system that is reducing paperwork and keeping our livestock - and our economy - moving.

You may be asking what do these companies all have in common. Well, none of these companies would be seeing the success that they have if it wasn't for the support provided by Iowa State, as well as investment from the Iowa Department of Economic Development. These companies just prove that we can grow our economy if we all work together, and give small businesses the tools and resources they need.

I am glad that they are here, and confident that they will see nothing but success in the future.

We are a bit behind schedule for our next event in Marshalltown, but we will get there nonetheless.

Until next time,

Patty