New UM research parks director calls Discovery Ridge a development model

Columbia’s economic development team has added an ally: Greg Williams, the new director of research parks for the University of Missouri System.
Williams will directly manage Discovery Ridge Research Park in Columbia, Missouri Research Park in St. Charles County and University of Missouri Technology Park at Fort Leonard Wood. He will consult on the research parks at the University of Missouri-St. Louis and Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla.
The intent of the network is to support technology-related business growth in conjunction with the research programs of the university.
Williams will report to Mike Nichols, vice president of research and economic development for the UM System, and live in Columbia. The Bank of Missouri is hosting a luncheon reception with Nichols to welcome Williams on Monday, Aug. 9.
Born and raised in Jefferson City, Williams said he is excited to move back to mid-Missouri where he can be closer to family. Williams is a new father of triplets — twin girls and a boy — and he said strong personal ties to the area and the opportunity to support a statewide economic development mission made it easy to accept the new challenge.
Williams received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Missouri and spent 24 years as an economic development professional, most recently as senior vice president of economic development for the Springfield area Chamber of Commerce. Williams was also executive director of the Randolph County/Moberly Economic Development Corporation and is past president of the Missouri Economic Development Council.
In Columbia, Williams’ primary responsibility will be Discovery Ridge, which has two tenants: ABC Laboratories and MU’s Research Animal Diagnostic Laboratory. Consensus in Columbia’s economic development community is that the development of Discovery Ridge has been slow, but the facility holds great promise. Bernie Andrews, executive vice president of Regional Economic Development Inc., said, “Discovery Ridge is a great asset for us to attract science and tech-related companies.”
Andrews pointed out that the U.S. Highway 63 overpass leading to Discovery Ridge was completed at the end of 2008 and the economic environment has slowed development.
Williams and Andrews said it’s unfortunate that financial difficulties stalled the planned mixed-use development by Forum Development Group across from Discovery Ridge.
“Any world-class research or industrial park absolutely requires ancillary development,” Williams said. “Attracting companies means we need to seek the right support, the right amenities, places to eat, daycare, shopping. There are many things to consider.”
Williams said he’s confident that deals bringing high-tech businesses to Discovery Ridge will come. “I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that Discovery Ridge will be a model for how research parks get developed,” he said. “We’ll begin making enhancements to the property in a very short time. I need to get to know folks.”
“My primary responsibilities are recruitment and business development,” Williams said. “But I’ve always found it necessary to pay lots of attention to current tenants. There will be as much priority on current tenants, helping them, seeking investment and opportunities to collaborate.”
REDI’s Bernie Andrews worked with Williams at the Missouri Department of Economic Development and is familiar with his work in Springfield. He said Williams brings a strong background in recruiting and supporting technology businesses, and his national contacts will be an advantage, particularly related to Discovery Ridge.
“It’ll be good to have someone devoted to the marketing of Discovery Ridge,” Andrews said. “Greg knows the site selection people around the country. He’s been making calls on those consultants for years.”
Williams said he will balance the needs of Columbia with his statewide responsibilities.
“Geographically, I’ll do as much as I can to strive for parity,” he said. “There is plenty of opportunity all across the state. It is something I will take very, very seriously.”
Jake Halliday, president and CEO of the Missouri Innovation Center, stressed the importance of the team approach to economic development in mid-Missouri, including such players as the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, REDI, Centennial Investors and various university entities.
“All of us work together very well, and now Greg is a part of that team,” he said. “Greg’s hire really is a win. He’s very well thought of all across the state.”