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THE BIOTECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY ORGANIZATION HONORS GEORGIA GOVERNOR SONNY PERDUE AS GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR

ATLANTA (April 23, 2009) – The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) announced its selection of Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue as 2009 Governor of the Year in recognition of his leadership and support of the biosciences in Georgia.
 
“Governor Perdue’s support of biotechnology has been vital for our industry’s success in Georgia,” said Jim Greenwood, President and CEO of BIO.  “He has been a stalwart advocate of the biosciences in Georgia and truly understands the promise of our industry to provide revolutionary therapies and cures for patients, increase agricultural sustainability and develop alternative fuels.  In addition, I would like to personally thank the Governor and his team at the Department of Economic Development for being such great partners in helping to plan and organize the upcoming 2009 BIO International Convention.”

Among Governor Perdue’s programs is the implementation of the first-ever seed capital and facilities funds focused specifically on the life sciences industry. The Georgia Bioscience seed fund has been used to support 16 start-up companies over the past two years. The life sciences facilities fund assists companies with their facility needs including new building and laboratory construction. Governor Perdue has also allocated, an average, $30 million to $40 million a year towards strengthening research in life sciences and other advanced technologies at the state’s universities.

“Governor Perdue recognizes that a robust life sciences industry is essential for the state’s economic growth,” said Charlie Craig, President of GeorgiaBio.  “He has put in place policies that will continue to support Georgia’s position as a leading home for biotechnology long after he leaves office.”

Research confirms biotechnology’s strength in Georgia.  Released today, the 2009 Shaping Infinity report, produced by GeorgiaBio in association with the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the Terry College of Business, includes the first-ever economic impact study of the life sciences industry in Georgia. The key finding of the study is that Georgia’s life sciences companies contribute substantial economic activity to the state: one out of every 68 jobs in Georgia owes its existence to the life sciences industry and university research.

The industry is both a pillar of and a driver of the state’s economy, translating into jobs, higher incomes, greater production of goods and services, and higher revenue collections for state and local government.  The study reveals that Georgia’s life sciences industry and research at the state’s universities are responsible for:
• 62,033 jobs;
• $17.3 billion in annual economic impact;
• $517 million in tax revenues for state and local governments.

The BIO International Convention, hosted by the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), will take place May 18-21, 2009, in Atlanta.  This year, the Convention program will feature more than 170 sessions in 22 breakout session tracks.  Sessions will address the most pressing issues facing biotech today, including healthcare pricing and access, capital formation and partnering strategies in a tight credit environment, and climate change and biofuels.  In addition, this year’s BIO Exhibition will cover an estimated 200,000 net sq. ft. and host more than 2,000 exhibitors.
 
To register for the BIO International Convention, please visit http://convention.bio.org/.  

Advanced media registration will be available online through May 8, 2009.  To register, please visit http://convention.bio.org/media/registration.

The BIO International Convention helps to support BIO programs and initiatives.  BIO works throughout the year to create a policy environment that enables the industry to continue to fulfill its vision of bettering the world through biotechnology innovation.  For more information on the global event for biotechnology, including program and housing information, please visit http://convention.bio.org/.

Upcoming BIO Events

BIO-LES Business Development Basics Course
May 15–17, 2009
Atlanta, GA  

BIO-LES Advanced Business Development Course
May 15–17, 2009
Atlanta, GA 

BIO Executive Presentation Workshop
May 17, 2009
Atlanta, GA

BIO Human Resources Conference
May 17-19, 2009
Atlanta, GA

2009 BIO International Convention
May 18-21, 2009
Atlanta, GA

BioEquity Europe
June 9-10, 2009
Munich, Germany

World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology & Bioprocessing
July 19-22, 2009
Montreal, Quebec, Canada

About BIO

BIO represents more than 1,200 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.

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