Signature Genomic Laboratories Announces Relocation To Sirti Technology Center
Company Expansion Drives Requirement to Relocate in the Spokane University District
Spokane, WA —October 20, 2006 – Signature Genomic Laboratories, a laboratory specializing in innovative cytogenetic testing solutions, announced today that it will be relocating its corporate headquarters and laboratory to the new Sirti Technology Center – a state-of-the-art building recently completed to house new and expanding technology and biomedical businesses in the Spokane area. The new headquarters provides the wet-laboratory and administrative space necessary to accommodate Signature Genomic’s rapid growth and market acceptance of their proprietary SignatureChip® microarray services. The Sirti Technology Center (at 120 N. Pine Street) comes complete with wet-labs, flexible office space, high speed data services, and an excellent location in Spokane’s University District on the perimeter of the downtown business and medical districts. Signature Genomics has signed a two year lease with a two year option for renewal at the Sirti Technology Center.
“The exceptional market acceptance of our SignatureChip microarray services required that we secure space that could serve our requirements today as well as anticipated growth over the next few years,” said Lisa Shaffer, PhD FACMG and CEO. “We were particularly pleased that the Sirti Technology Center was designed as a mixed-use facility and came equipped with wet labs. This allows us to relocate our staff of 33 and significantly expand our laboratory facilities starting on November 1st with plans for full occupancy by January 1, 2007. The Sirti Technology Center is a wonderful option, without requiring renovation of existing space, while we decide on a permanent location,” Shaffer added.
“Sirti and the Sirti Foundation are thrilled to secure an industry leader, as well as a ‘home grown’ innovator as an anchor tenant in the Sirti Technology Center,” said Kim Zentz, Executive Director at Sirti. “Supporting the growth of a leading biomedical company such as Signature Genomic Laboratories is exactly what the Sirti Foundation envisioned when they had the foresight to seek a $3 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration to build the Sirti Technology Center. I applaud the courage of the Sirti Foundation Board who raised the $3 million dollars of required local matching funds from Washington Trust Bank and their joint determination to build a state-of-the-art mixed-use facility in Spokane for the purpose of regional economic development. The Foundation Board’s vision has certainly come to fruition with the Sirti Technology Center serving as the headquarters or regional offices for twelve innovative companies and demonstrating an occupancy rate of 80%,” concluded Zentz.
About Signature Genomic Laboratories, LLC
Signature Genomic Laboratories, LLC is the leader in cytogenetic analysis services utilizing microarray based technologies. They are the exclusive provider of the SignatureChip testing technology and their mission is to provide outstanding genetic services using the latest diagnostic technologies. Signature Genomic Laboratories was established as a partnership between Signature Genomic Services, Pathology Associates Medical Laboratories and Sacred Heart Medical Center. Signature’s global headquarters is located in Spokane, Washington where it operates a state-of-the-art molecular cytogenetic diagnostic laboratory. Additional information on the company can be found at www.signaturegenomics.com.
About Sirti
Sirti is an agency of the State of Washington which is a collaboration of business, higher education and government to accelerate the development and growth of technology and biomedical companies in the Inland Northwest, especially in Eastern Washington. Its target clients are innovative technology companies with defensible intellectual property, large market potential, and principals who show a strong desire to grow their business. Sirti offers two state-of-the-art buildings with a total of 40,000 square feet of usable incubation space with wet labs and light manufacturing space along with full service offices, a sophisticated IT network and management assistance. Sirti’s experienced staff and veteran entrepreneurs provide expertise in technology assessment, market research, strategic planning, marketing, finance and management for both start-ups and high-growth businesses. For more information, visit Sirti online at www. Sirti.org or contact us at 509-358-2000.
About Sirti Foundation
The Sirti Foundation is a tax-exempt entity that is privately funded through grants and contributions to help support Sirti’s vision and mission. In particular, the Sirti Foundation pursues funding for special projects which help deliver results under Sirti’s mission. The Sirti Foundation has six independent board members representing executive leadership from various industries and three board members from the Sirti board.
For More Information about Signature Genomics: www.signaturegenomics.com
Contacts:
Lisa G. Shaffer, PhD
Chief Executive Officer
Signature Genomic Laboratories
509-474-6840
Shaffer@signaturegenomics.com
Linda Hemingway
Director of Market Development
Sirti
509-358-2031
lindah@sirti.org
