Congressman Van Hollen Honored as BIO Legislator of the Year

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 17, 2007) – The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) announced today its selection of Representative Chris Van Hollen Jr. (D-MD) as Legislator of the Year for 2006-2007. 

“Congressman Van Hollen has been a strong proponent of the biotechnology industry.  He has promoted biotechnology research and development as a co-sponsor of the Stem Cell Research and Enhancement Act as well as the Pandemic Preparedness and Response Act.  We also appreciate his leadership on renewable biofuels as Vice-Chairman of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus and his co-sponsorship of the Apollo Energy Act,” stated BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood.  “Congressman Van Hollen understands the promise of biotechnology to help create a better world.  We salute him for supporting public policy that enables our industry to pursue this promise.”

Congressman Van Hollen will receive the award this evening at a reception with more than 200 biotechnology industry representatives from across the country, including 17 from Maryland.

"From his first days in office, Congressman Van Hollen his been a constant supporter for biotechnology professionals in Maryland.  He is the first to step forward and lend his influential voice to complex biotechnology issues.  His leadership has helped Maryland become a major biotechnology center in the United States,” stated Julie Coons, Chief Executive Officer of the Tech Council of Maryland/MdBio.  “On behalf of all Maryland biotechnology companies, we salute Congressman Van Hollen’s efforts in our backyard and throughout the nation.  He is a true friend to the biotechnology community."

More than 200 biotechnology industry representatives from 36 states, including Maryland, will participate in more than 275 meetings with key Members of the House and Senate tomorrow as part of the BIO Legislative Day event.  Participants will discuss issues critical to the biotechnology industry, including the reauthorization of the Prescription Drug user Fee Act, the Small Business Innovation Research grant program, patent protection, the 2007 Farm Bill and funding for biofuels.

About BIO

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.  BIO also produces the annual BIO International Convention, the global event for biotechnology. www.bio.org

About the Tech Council of Maryland/MdBio

The Tech Council of Maryland/MdBio is a non-profit membership organization with over 500 high technology firms, government laboratories, higher education institutions and business support firms that collectively form Maryland's technology and biotechnology communities. www.mdhitech.org

Upcoming BIO Events

·         BIO International Convention
May 6-9, 2007
Boston, MA

·         BIO VentureForum-East 2007

June 18-20, 2007

Montreal, Canada

·         BIO Mid-America VentureForum 2007  

Sep. 24–26, 2007

Milwaukee, WI

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