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For immediate release
July 18, 2003
Phase II of governor's biotechnology initiative kicks off at BioTech Park
RICHMOND, Va. The Virginia BioTechnology Research Park was the site for the kickoff meeting today (July 18) of the second phase of Gov. Mark Warner's initiative to create a comprehensive and coordinated strategy for the state's biotechnology industry.
During the past year, the Governor's Advisory Board for the Virginia Biotechnology Initiative held meetings with academic, government and industry experts on a wide range of biotechnology topics including university research, start-up companies, venture capital and economic development. The initial-phase board, co-chaired by Commerce and Trade Secretary Michael Schewel and Dr. Brandon J. Price, chairman of the Virginia Biotechnology Association, identified four areas that must be addressed to strengthen and expand the state's biotechnology industry. They are: increased access to financial capital, training of skilled workers and recruitment of noted scholars, creation of highly specialized laboratory space and removal of barriers to successful commercialization of intellectual property. Dr. Dennis Fisher, former head of the Carilion Biomedical Institute in Roanoke, has succeeded Price as the co-chair of the Phase II advisory board effort.
"Phase I allowed us to pinpoint the key success factors that Virginia needs to develop in order become ranked among the Top 10 states by 2010 for growth and formation of a biotechnology industry," said Robert Skunda, president and CEO of the Park and a member of the Governor's Advisor Board. "Now that the groundwork has been laid, the Advisory Board must convert those recommendations into a 'road map' for implementation and new legislation."
The Governor's Advisory Board was created in June 2002 by executive order and charged with developing recommendations for a statewide strategy that would position Virginia as a leader in the biotechnology industry. The board's work was extended by Gov. Warner in May for another 12 months. The board expects to submit a final report to the governor by June 2004, including recommendations on proposed legislation.
Contact:
Nicky Colomb
Virginia BioTechnology Research Park
Phone: (804) 828-6884
E-mail: ncolomb@vabiotech.com
Web site: www.vabiotech.com
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