Joseph Newman Innovation Center celebrates its 20th anniversary

The Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Thursday celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Joseph Newman Innovation Center at 407 Pennsylvania in Joplin.

The Center now has two decades of launching startups, fostering entrepreneurships and helping innovative ideas take flight.

Joplin Mayor Rob O'Brian read an official proclamation from the City.

Missouri State Senator Jill Carter was on hand to present a special plaque from the Senate.

Members of the Newman family were present and took part in the ceremony.

"There are many different businesses inside this building that are creating opportunity in our community, " said Joplin Chamber President and CEO Betsy Mense.

"They are coming up with big ideas. They're living their dream of whatever their passion is that they want to make happen."

Mense says the Newman Center takes care of many day-to-day concerns for the businesses:

"They don't have to worry about all the overhead costs they if they were to purchase a building or rent office space. We have affordable rates for them. We provide the Internet, the electricity.:

The remodeled Newman Center contains modern office spaces and a new podcasting studio.