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Senator Saxby Chambliss Named BIO Legislator of the Year

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 20, 2005) -- The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) has named Senator Saxby Chambliss (R, GA) as a “Legislator of the Year” for 2004-2005.

“BIO commends Senator Chambliss for his leadership as Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry,” BIO President Jim Greenwood stated.  “The Senator has demonstrated his strong commitment to agricultural biotechnology in the House and the Senate.  His advocacy for the expansion of trade opportunities for agricultural biotech products serves his constituents and farmers across the country, well.”

Biotechnology industry representatives from Georgia presented the award to Senator Chambliss in his office this morning. 

“We applaud Senator Chambliss' support for biotechnology research and development," said Georgia Biomedical Partnership President Charles Craig. "Biotech innovations by Georgia companies, universities, and research institutes have made the state a premier center for biotech industry growth.  The Senator’s support will help ensure Georgia and the nation remain global leaders in applying biotechnology to improve our health and quality of life."

More than 200 industry representatives from 33 states will participate in approximately 300 meetings with key members of the House and Senate today as part of the BIO Legislative Day event.  Participants will discuss the critical issues facing the biotechnology industry, including drug safety, Medicare reimbursement, tax and capital formation, and reducing trade barriers for American farmers.

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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