ANN ARBOR & LANSING, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Michigan’s premier biosciences industry trade organization, MichBio, presents its annual Michigan Biosciences Day at the Capitol, sponsored by Innovate Michigan, in Lansing, Michigan on Wednesday, April 26th, 2017 where Governor Rick Snyder through proclamation, and both the Michigan House and Senate by resolution, will officially recognize the day as “Michigan Biosciences Industry Day”.
The Biosciences Day at the Capitol is a unique and not-be-missed opportunity for industry representatives to engage with decision-makers on behalf of their institutions and the statewide bio-industry.
“Michigan has a long and rich legacy in bioscience discovery, innovation and improving health and wellbeing through new treatments and products. The state is home to over 1800 bioscience establishments, including many global brands,” commented Stephen Rapundalo, PhD, president and CEO of MichBio. “Almost 250,000 individuals are employed directly or secondarily across multiple sectors that make up the bio-industry. Also, it’s imperative for legislators and policymakers to understand that Michigan’s bio-industry is an over $28 billion economic driver. The state has all the necessary components to be a national and global bioscience leader if we harness growth strategically around a common vision, in public-private partnership, and with the deployment of bio-industry friendly policies and branded initiatives.”
Industry leaders will gather to advance a policy agenda for growing Michigan's bio-industry through outreach to elected officials. They will meet with key legislative leadership and relevant district offices throughout the day. Attendees will discuss the strength and diversity of Michigan’s bioscience industry, its competitive status, and how it contributes to Michigan’s economy, creating jobs for today and for the future, and talk about their organizations and how they fit into the regional biosciences ecosystem.
“Michigan is a critical frontier in the biopharmaceutical industry’s work to develop new cures and treatments for patients,” said Elizabeth Brunsvold, vice-chair of the Michigan PhRMA (Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America) Task Force. “Since 1999, companies have invested in over 3,500 clinical trials in the state. That’s not just good news for patients suffering from debilitating diseases, but it also demonstrates the industry’s economic commitment to Michigan through the jobs and economic investment needed to support that research.”
The Michigan Biosciences Day at the Capitol is free for MichBio members.
Legislators and policy staff are invited to attend one of two briefings (morning or afternoon) on the make-up of Michigan’s bio-industry, its role in the statewide economy and policies needed to improve competitiveness.
The event begins with a staging and networking breakfast for industry leaders beginning at 8:30am. MichBio will schedule 1:1 meetings with district offices for bio-industry attendees. In addition, attendees will participate in the legislative briefings, as well as hear from former Lieutenant Governor and current Chief of Staff to Gov. Snyder, Dick Posthumus, during the lunch break.
The day will end with a networking reception for legislators and staff, as well as bio-industry leaders, from 4-6 p.m.
The briefings and reception will be held at the offices of Government Consulting Services, Inc. (GCSI) at 2nd Floor, 120 N Washington Square, Lansing, Michigan.
The Michigan Bio-Industry Roadmap for Success, a statewide strategic plan that lays out a vision for economic growth, sustainability and competitiveness will be distributed to legislators during event. Key priorities outlined in the plan include:
1. Developing a favorable business climate with value-based policies and resources;
2. Enhancing Michigan’s risk-capital market for company growth;
3. Implementing consistent economic development and branding initiatives specific to the bio-industry;
4. Seeking greater support to develop skilled talent and workforce;
5. A long-term legislative commitment to move a growth agenda.
MichBio appreciates the support of the Michigan Biosciences Legislative Caucus, a bipartisan, bicameral body formed in 2007 whose membership is open to any legislator interested in Michigan’s bio-industry. Current co-chairs consist of Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker (R-26), Sen. Rebekah Warren (D-18), Rep. Abdullah Hammoud (D-15) and Rep. Jim Tedder (R-43). The Biosciences Caucus uses education, communication, and outreach as tools to discuss, promote, and formulate potential policies to help grow the state’s bio-industry.
Event agenda and registration are available at www.michbio.org. Follow the event on Twitter using: #BioCapDay17
About MichBio: MichBio is an organization dedicated to driving the growth of Michigan’s bio-industry through education, business support and advocacy.
About Innovate Michigan: Clinical trials are the most time-and resource-intensive part of the research and development process for new medicines. In Michigan, the biopharmaceutical industry is committed to investing in research and development, clinical trials, and the jobs that support the innovations and discoveries that lead to patient cures.
Innovate Michigan supports the biopharmaceutical industry’s investment in innovation by raising awareness for the industry’s work across the state.
For more information, please visit: michbio.org
