The next KC Entrepreneurs Happy Hour has been set for 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 27, at Paddy O'Quigley's, located at 11851 Roe in Leawood. The event, hosted by KTEC, KCCatalyst, and the Kansas City Area Development Council, is intended to give Kansas City area technology and life science workers and entrepreneurs an opportunity to network and make connections. Be sure to RSVP to have a nametag waiting for you.

To RSVP:
E-mail Ken Berlack by May 25.

U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) was named by the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) as a 2003-2004 Legislator of the Year. BIO president Carl B. Feldbaum noted Roberts' efforts to ensure that the elderly and disabled had access to biotech medicines through Medicare and that the United States remains competitive in its science and technology research efforts. BIO represents more than 1,000 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations in all 50 U.S. states. BIO members are involved in the research and development of health-care, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.

More about the award

Three KTEC client companies presented at the BIO Mid-America Venture Forum in St. Louis this week. ImmunoGenetix Therapeutics, Lenexa; Vasogenix Pharmaceuticals, Lenexa; and Proteon Therapeutix, Kansas City, all presented their business plans to venture capitalists from around the country at the bio-based venture forum. More than 60 early- and late-stage companies, primarily from the Midwest, participated in the forum. The selection process for presenters was led by an advisory board of venture capitalists from some of the most prominent venture firms, including members of the Midwest Healthcare Investment Network.

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Lawrence named one of best small places for business

Forbes Magazine named Lawrence the sixth-best small metro for doing business in its annual "Best Places for Business" feature. Lawrence ascended the list from its ranking in the seventh spot in 2003 and ninth place in 2002. Two of the key factors in Lawrence's ranking were its fourth-place rating in "educational attainment," or the share of its population over age 25 with a bachelor's degree or higher, and its rank of 11th in advanced degrees per capita. Other components of the ranking included the cost of doing business, cost of living, entertainment opportunities and income growth.

More about the survey

May 17 - Out of the Lab networking event, 5:30-8 p.m., Higuchi Biosciences Center, KU West Campus, Lawrence. More information

May 19 - Update on SBIR/STTR Federal Research Grants: The Latest Proposals and Deadlines, 8-9 a.m., Kauffman Foundation, 4801 Rockhill Rd., Kansas City. More information

June 3 - Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute Annual Dinner, 5:30-8 p.m., Fairmont Hotel on the Plaza, Kansas City. More information

June 4 - Kansas City Life Science Research Day, 7 a.m., Overland Park Convention Center. More information

June 11 - KTEC board meeting, 8 a.m., Dole Institute, KU West Campus, Lawrence. More information: Call Teresa at 785-296-5272.