Laird Center Is Ready For Research
laird center, laird center for medical research, marshfield clinic, mayo clinic, reed hall, u.s. secretary of defense and marshfield,
With the opening of the $40 million Laird Center for Medical Research, Marshfield’s profile in the health-care world just got a whole lot bigger.
Named for former U.S. Secretary of Defense and Marshfield resident Melvin Laird, the $40 million Laird Center sits on the campus of the Marshfield Clinic, which itself has long been a hub of activity for a broad range of biomedical research. The clinic continues to develop cutting-edge technology on its own and in partnership with other major medical and education institutions in the state and around the country.
The new facility will allow for the expansion of existing research as well as new efforts in areas that only now are beginning to be explored, says Reed Hall, executive director of the Marshfield Clinic.
“We have great potential for spin-off opportunities and growth within our own clinic, and anticipate a lot of inventions in the future,” he says. “We have a remarkable, state-of-the-art facility to work from and many issues evolving ahead of us.”
Hall and others involved with the Laird Center’s development say that the complex wouldn’t exist without the enthusiastic buy-in of Marshfield’s residents and business community. From major donors on down, the community has been an active supporter of the clinic’s work and new efforts, says Steve Yorde, chief development officer for the clinic.
“We received $17 million of the $40 million from individuals,” Yorde says. “Some of those were grateful patients and their families, some were businesses and companies. We also had strong contributions from the doctors and staff.”
All told, the clinic had about 900 donors for the Laird Center, a number that demonstrates community support as well as how medical research and development is becoming a strong force for regional economic growth.
“Any addition to the clinic is always a bonus to the city and surrounding area as far as attracting additional, spin-off business,” says Jason Angell, director of planning and economic development for the city of Marshfield. “When it comes to medical development, just having the Laird Center here is a strong advantage because, along with the clinic, it gives us that much more of a leg up on our competitors.”
The city can hone its business-recruitment message to target research firms and supply companies, Angell adds.
“We’re not at the point where we’re competing with the Mayo Clinic, but we’re more of a player at the regional level,” he says. “When we can point to the facilities that are right here in town, we can showcase who’s here for the long haul. That can provide an extra level of security for people who are looking to relocate a headquarters or maybe expand their business into Marshfield. The clinic and the center are perfect building blocks for our community.”
And while the major building activity at the clinic is over for now, ongoing projects will help Angell and other city planners realize that goal, Hall says.
“Our personalized medicine program continues to be strong, and the Wisconsin Genomics Initiative has great potential for universities and other public health institutions within the state,” he says. “Working together, there are some very exciting things on the horizon.”
Story by Joe Morris
Photo by Todd Bennett
