Northwest Missouri State University signed on its second tenant for the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship –– this time a environmental, chemical and biological consulting firm.

NW President Dr. Dean L. Hubbard signed an agreement Thursday with Dr. Earl R. Beaver, managing partner of Practical Sustainability LLC, for the firm to perform research and offer support to healthcare facilities.

The company will also provide educational opportunities for NW students to study and take part in research initiatives.

Although Practical Sustainability is expected to have approximately four employees working with an average salary of around $50,000, officials project eventually having as many as 18.

During the signing ceremony, Hubbard, who will be resigning at the end of the 2008-09 school year, said Beaver has been a great supporter of the university before signing to become a CIE tenant.

“He has not only supported us in bringing businesses to campus, but he’s prodded us to push the frontier in terms of what we can do,” Hubbard said,” not only with economic development, but also the advancement of science.”

Those working for Practical Sustainability, established in 2003, will also work to reduce cases of MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and other infections.
According to the press release, the firm will also work with biological research groups and assist them in manufacturing, using and disposing of nano materials and other substances.

Practical Sustainability is the second tenant of the $24.4 million structure still under construction.

In May, Carbolytic Materials Company officials signed a memorandum of agreement while also promising to construct a 20,000 square foot structure near the Energizer plant on East First Street.

A third company has also signed on, however university officials say they cannot make any official announcement until preparations are finalized for the move.