Indiana Governor Mike Pence to be Presented 2014 BIO Governor of the Year Award
dianapolis, IN (June 20, 2014) – The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) announced today that Indiana Governor Mike Pence was honored with its 2014 Governor of the Year award in recognition of his leadership and commitment to strengthening the biotechnology and health sectors within Indiana.
Governor Pence received the award as part of a signing ceremony for Senate Bill 262, legislation that creates a pathway for the substitution of interchangeable biologic medicines in the state of Indiana.
This event precedes next week's 2014 BIO International Convention in San Diego, CA.
“Supporting biotech innovation is not just key to growing Indiana’s economy and creating more jobs, but in the case of Senate Bill 262, it unlocks the door to medical advances that may ultimately save lives and reduce healthcare expenses,” said Governor Pence. “ I am honored to receive this acknowledgement of our administration’s commitment to strengthen and expand an industry that is working to heal, fuel and feed the world.”
“Governor Pence has been an exemplary leader in enhancing Indiana’s growth as a biotech hub through strong support for policies that benefit a pro-jobs and pro-biotechnology environment,” said Jim Greenwood, President and CEO of BIO. “His support of programs such as a sales tax exemption for research and development equipment benefit early-stage companies. Initiatives like this are powerful tools for attracting and supporting industry growth. The Governor’s leadership in this field will continue to benefit his state, in terms of jobs and innovation, for years to come.”
“Governor Pence has been a pro-business advocate and supporter of initiatives that are building a sustainable state-wide biotech community, both in his current leadership position and through his twelve years of service to Indiana in the U.S. House of Representatives,” said Kristin Jones, President of the Indiana Health Industry Forum. “Governor Pence has repeatedly demonstrated his commitment to building a strong bioscience economy in Indiana. We thank him for his service and support!”