jstevens@observer-reporter.com

WAYNESBURG - A state official presented the Greene County Industrial Development Corp. with a $200,000 check Wednesday that will help kickstart the Waynesburg Keystone Innovation Zone and in turn spur new technology investment and economic development.

Rebecca Bagley, deputy secretary for the Technology Investment Office of the state Department of Community and Economic Development, joined public and private stakeholders at Waynesburg University's Center for Research and Economic Development to announce the grant through the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority.

The money will be used to pay for the zone's start-up costs as well as to bring students, business and technology together to create economically diverse communities.

"With the Keystone Innovation Zone program, we can provide students with the unique opportunity top explore fields and industries that will play an important role in the 21st century," Bagley said.

"With global competition increasing every year, we must transform the way we teach the next generation of students by educating beyond the classroom," she said.

A Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ) is a designated zone that may be established in communities that host institutions of higher education - colleges, universities, junior colleges and technical schools. These zones are designed to foster innovation and create entrepreneurial opportunities. They do this by gathering and aligning the combined resources of educational institutions, private businesses, business support organizations, commercial lending institutions, venture capital networks and foundations.

This zone will be administered by the GCIDC and will bring together resources from Waynesburg University, the borough's central business district, EverGreene Technology Park and companies such as the RJ Lee Group and Separation Design Group.

The immediate goals of the Waynesburg KIZ are to attract and nurture early stage environmental technology, homeland security, communications and advanced manufacturing companies that will create jobs and internships, develop new research opportunities, increase revenue and collaborate with local entrepreneurs.

Bagley said the Ben Franklin Technology Authority has to date invested more than $9.6 million in 26 KIZs. This investment has led to the creation of nearly 2,000 jobs, the retention of 2,763 jobs, the formation of 282 new companies and the leveraging of $368 million in new investments.

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