Michigan’s Bioscience Community Meets with Legislators During “Bioscience Day at the Capitol”

Yesterday, representatives from more than twenty-five Michigan
bioscience organizations were joined by Biotechnology Innovation
Organization (BIO) CEO Jim Greenwood at the 7^th 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:

1. Developing a favorable business climate with value-based policies and
   resources;
2. Enhancing Michigan’s risk-capital market for company growth;
3. Implementing visible economic development and branding initiatives
   specific to the bio-industry;
4. 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.

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