MichBio Announces 7th Annual “Michigan Biosciences Day at the Capitol,” Seeks Participants

March 20, 2019 Off By BusinessWire

ANN ARBOR, Mich. & LANSING, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Michigan’s premier biosciences industry trade organization, MichBio,
presents its annual Michigan Biosciences Day at the Capitol in Lansing,
Michigan on Wednesday, April 10, 2019.

The Biosciences Day at the Capitol is a unique opportunity for industry
representatives to share their innovations and engage with
decision-makers on behalf of their organizations and the statewide
bio-industry.

“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,” says Stephen Rapundalo, PhD and CEO of MichBio. “It’s
critical that we raise awareness of the bio-industry’s impact with
legislators.”

According to the national Biotechnology Innovation Organization, 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.

Rapundalo continued, “It’s imperative for legislators and policymakers
to understand that Michigan’s bio-industry is a greater than $28 billion
economic driver. 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.”

On April 10^th, industry leaders will gather to advance a
policy agenda for growing Michigan’s bio-industry through outreach to
elected officials. They will meet with key legislative leadership and
relevant district offices throughout the day to discuss the strength and
diversity of Michigan’s bioscience industry, its competitive status, how
it contributes to Michigan’s economy, and how their organizations fit
into the regional biosciences ecosystem.

The Michigan Biosciences Day at the Capitol is free for MichBio members.
There is space available for additional participants – early
registration is essential for successful one-on-one meeting planning.

Legislators and policy staff are invited to attend one of two briefings
(morning or afternoon) on the make-up of Michigan’s bio-industry, its
role in the statewide economy and policies needed to improve
competitiveness.

The event begins with a staging and networking breakfast for industry
leaders beginning at 8:30am. MichBio will schedule 1:1 meetings with
district offices for bio-industry attendees. In addition, attendees will
hear from the co-chairs of the Bioscience Legislative Caucus during the
lunch break.

The day will end with a networking reception for legislators and staff,
as well as bio-industry leaders, from 4-6 p.m.

The briefings and reception will be held at the offices of Government
Consulting Services, Inc. (GCSI) at 2^nd Floor, 120 N
Washington Square, Lansing, Michigan.

The Michigan Bio-Industry Roadmap for Success, a statewide strategic
plan that lays out a vision for economic growth, sustainability and
competitiveness will be distributed to legislators during the event. Key
priorities outlined in the plan include:

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.

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.

Event agenda and registration are available at www.michbio.org/events.

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.