|
Industry Leaders, Government Officials and Academia Meet in Louisville
LOUISVILLE, KY (November 29, 2007) – Bioscience, the collective term for biotechnology, life sciences and biomedical research, represents a major source of potential economic development, bringing high paying jobs and an educated workforce to Kentucky.
Today, industry representatives, key partners and elected officials met to discuss the importance and value of the bioscience industry in Kentucky. At present, Kentucky is home to approximately 412 traditional biotech, biomedical research, business and government consortia and medical manufacturing companies. More than 7,000 Kentuckians are employed in the sector at an average annual salary of nearly $50,000. Kentucky’s major research universities, such as event sponsors University of Kentucky, University of Louisville and Western Kentucky University, are on the cutting-edge in developing new drugs which would benefit countless citizens. Industry experts and partners all agree that critical to the success of the bioscience community is attracting and sustaining strong economic investments, partnerships and a skilled labor force. Today’s meeting will serve as a kick start for building these necessary partnerships.
"We are pleased to participate in this forum today,” said Ben Keeton, Executive Director of the Kentucky BioAlliance and one of the event’s organizers. “Whenever we can guarantee jobs, create research opportunities within our academic institutions and be a part of the solution for health concerns for our citizens - I know we have done a good job. Working together - we all win.”
Dr. Pearse Lyons, Founder and CEO of Kentucky-based Alltech Biotechnology, Inc., addressed the crowd of nearly 200 at the Marriott Downtown Louisville speaking on the future of Biotech’s role in Kentucky.
“Alltech is committed to the future of biotech and making Kentucky a national leader in that area,” said Dr. Lyons. “I believe this conference will help pave the way to new partnerships and new ideas that will take a big step toward making that happen.”
Dr. Lyons was joined by other noted industry members and academia in sharing thoughts and expertise on this important Kentucky industry. This included representatives from the several state universities and economic development organizations.
"Partnerships are essential to the success of the bioscience industry. With the public/private investments, we know we can reach further and develop new products to meet the health needs of so many people while helping grow our economy," said University of Louisville President James Ramsey. "We are pleased to have this opportunity to discuss with all of our partners the successes and challenges within the bioscience community."
Key partners at the conference today included: Commerce Lexington, Inc., Greater Louisville, Inc., Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation, Health Enterprises Network Louisville, Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation, Louisville Medical Center Development Corporation, University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, Western Kentucky University, the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM), the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA), the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
###
Media Contact:
Steve Bryant
502-292-4034
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
|
Peritus News 
