Date:  March 12, 2008
For Immediate Release
Contact:  Denise Jakows
Vice President of Marketing & Public Relations
561-835-1008, djakows@bdb.org

Forbes Magazine Recognizes Palm Beach County
as Top Scientific Growth Community

Forbes.com has recognized Palm Beach County, Florida as one of its top picks for "Up-and-Coming Tech Cities". As part of its 2008 Small Business Outlook, the article at forbes.com ranks Palm Beach County as #3 on the Top 10 list of "Hotbeds of Tomorrow's Technology".

The rankings were done by Philip Auerswald, professor of public policy at George Mason University. Auerswald surveyed specific pockets of science growth areas looking for "promising frontiers of innovation." Forbes.com says Palm Beach County is "becoming a haven for cutting-edge biotech and life science research."

Kelly Smallridge, President and CEO of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, says the article validates the county's growing prominence as a competitive location for innovation. "With Scripps Florida and the Max Planck Society both establishing world-class research facilities here, we are building the foundation for a knowledge-based economy."

Palm Beach County is at the heart of Florida's emerging life science and biotech center with more than 140 companies focused on the discovery and advancement of drugs and pharmaceuticals, medical devices and equipment, research and testing.

"Palm Beach County offers a world-class environment for scientific based operations looking to expand or relocate. Strong collaborations exist among universities, pro-active assistance programs are available through the county and state and a wealthy demographic base provides access to philanthropic dollars," said Smallridge.

In addition to Scripps Florida and Max Planck, Forbes.com mentions the investment of BioCatalyst International in biotechnology start-ups led by Genzyme co-founder, Sheridan Snyder.

The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County is the official public/private economic development organization for Palm Beach County and Enterprise Florida. Founded in 1982 as a not-for-profit corporation, our primary purpose is to attract and retain new industry, business investment, high quality jobs and workforce development through corporate relocations, expansions and international trade. Additional information can be found at the BDB's Web site, www.bdb.org.
 
 
Kelly Smallridge
President & CEO
Business Development Board
561-835-1008
http://www.bdb.org