Biotechnology Industry Organization Presents Leadership Award to Missouri Governor

ST. LOUIS, MO (September 13, 2005) -- The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) today presented an “Award for Leadership Excellence” to Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt, recognizing his support of bioscience industry development.  The award was presented at a ceremony held in conjunction with the inaugural meeting of the Governor’s Advisory Council of Plant Biotechnology at the Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis.

“Governor Blunt has made the development of innovative technologies, including biosciences, a major tenet of his administration,” said Hugh Grant, president and CEO of Monsanto and a member of BIO’s Board of Directors. “He has continually demonstrated his belief in the value and potential of the biosciences by creating an environment that fosters the development of the bioscience industry in Missouri.

“Missouri continues to welcome new bioscience technologies and opportunities in large part due to Governor Blunt’s strong leadership.  The newly formed Governor’s Advisory Council on Plant Biotechnology is a testament to his commitment to help steward this technology.”

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and 31 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.

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