ANN ARBOR, Mich. & LANSING, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Yesterday, representatives from more than twenty-five Michigan bioscience organizations were joined by Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) CEO Jim Greenwood at the 7th annual “Michigan Biosciences Day at the Capitol.”
Throughout the event, organized by Michigan’s premier biosciences industry trade organization, MichBio, attendees met with Governor Gretchen Whitmer, House Speaker Chatfield and Minority Leader Greig, Senate Majority Leader Shirkey and Minority Leader Ananich, and legislators and staff from more than 70 offices to advance a policy agenda for growing Michigan’s bio-industry.
The day’s program included one-on-one meetings with legislators and staff, legislative briefings on the state of Michigan’s biosciences industry, and an end-of-the-day reception. Attendees displayed the strength and diversity of the state’s bio-industry while informing legislators and staff about a wide range of discoveries, products, technologies, and innovations originating from Michigan companies.
Attendees focused their policy conversations on four key areas:
- Developing a favorable business climate with value-based policies and resources;
- Enhancing Michigan’s risk-capital market for company growth;
- Implementing visible economic development and branding initiatives specific to the bio-industry;
- Seeking greater support to develop skilled talent and workforce.
They discussed the competitive positioning of Michigan’s bioscience industry and its impact on the state and national economy.
According to BIO the state is home to over 1,700 bioscience establishments across multiple industry sectors – including agricultural feedstock and industrial biosciences, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and research and testing – employing almost 134,000 people in direct or secondary bioscience positions.
“It’s imperative for legislators and policymakers to understand that Michigan’s bio-industry is a greater than $28 billion economic driver,” says Stephen Rapundalo, PhD, President and CEO of MichBio. “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 initiatives.”
“Michigan has a long and rich legacy in bioscience discovery and innovation that improves the health and well-being of Michigan residents, and those around the globe, with new treatments and products,” continued Rapundalo. “Events like this Capitol Day help to raise awareness of the bio-industry’s impact with legislators.”
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. John Bizon (R-19), Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-13), Rep. Brandt Iden (R-61), and Rep. Rebekah Warren (D-55). 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.
MichBio is the trade association committed to driving growth in Michigan's biosciences industry and its many sectors, including agri-biotech, food and nutrition, bio-based technologies and renewable chemicals, industrial and environmental biotech, medical devices and technologies, pharmaceuticals and consumer healthcare, diagnostics and research products, testing and research services, and clinical research. MichBio members include bioscience companies, academic and research institutions, bioscience service providers, and related organizations. For more information, visit www.michbio.org or follow us on Twitter @MichBio.
