BioFlorida Tackles Long List of Legislative Priorities in Tallahassee

Bioscience organization makes their voice heard at BioFlorida’s 3rd Annual Legislative Day

West Palm Beach, FL (February 25, 2010) – BioFlorida hosted the 3rd Annual BioFlorida Legislative Day in Tallahassee on February 17th to address the concerns and future needs of Florida’s biotechnology companies. The Legislative Day was attended by over 40 BioFlorida members who heard presentations from Dale Brill of the Florida Chamber Foundation, Chris Hart of the Governor's Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development, Senate President-Designate Mike Haridopolos (R-Melbourne), Patrick Kelly of the Biotechnology Industry Organization and House Majority Leader Adam Hasner (R-Delray Beach). Legislative Day attendees also attended a Biotechnology Legislative Caucus meeting chaired by Rep. Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton) and Sen. Thad Altman (R-Melbourne), and later met with legislators in one-on-one meetings.

“Meeting face-to-face with state legislators is critically important if we want to build upon the bioscience industry foundation here in Florida,” said Russell Allen, President and CEO of BioFlorida. “The more Tallahassee knows about our industry, the more prepared they will be to make decisions that help positively shape our industry and our state’s economic future.”

Among BioFlorida’s legislative priorities this year are the creation of a dedicated statewide fund that invests in start-up biotech companies; small business research matching grants (SBIR and STTR) to help companies accelerate their commercialization activity; and state-specific research and development tax credit legislation in order to spur high-wage, sustainable job creation in Florida.

Presentations given at the Caucus meeting included those from Sen. Jeremy Ring (D-Margate), who served as the chair of the Task Force for the Study of Biotech Competitiveness; Rep. Kelly Skidmore (D-Boca Raton); and Rep. Scott Plakon (R-Longwood), chair of HB 607, the Florida House of Representatives’ bill that supports SBIR and STTR grants. The Caucus also heard from BioFlorida member Barry Grayson, Executive Vice President and COO of Steelgate, Inc.

About BioFlorida
BioFlorida is the voice of Florida’s bioscience industry association, and represents more than 200 member companies and research organizations in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device fields. Operating as a not-for-profit organization, BioFlorida works to facilitate and advance innovations in the healthcare, agriculture and energy sectors for its membership base. BioFlorida members are involved in biomedical research and development, medical device manufacturing, clinics and hospitals, academia, government and non-profit organizations, and industry services/products. BioFlorida’s leadership and programs positively influence the growth of the industry through networking and initiatives related to capital formation, advocacy, workforce development, education and commercialization of research. This year, the BioFlorida Institute was established to provide support for K-12 science education, workforce development programs as well as professional development.

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Contact: Jennifer Sullivan

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Carey O’Donnell PR Group

561-832-3231

Mary Katherine Stump

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Carey O’Donnell PR Group

561-832-3231