WASHINGTON D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–June 29, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today was named Governor of the Year by a leading nationwide biotechnology advocacy group in recognition of his efforts to create jobs by advancing the biotechnology industry in Illinois.
“The focus of my administration is creating jobs in Illinois,” said Governor Quinn. “Advancing biotechnology innovation will create jobs, bring important scientific progress to our state, and boost Illinois’ position as the premier destination for technology companies.”
The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) presented Governor Quinn the prestigious honor due to his work increasing Illinois’ economic, scientific, and technological output. The organization cited the Governor’s initiatives including the Angel Investment and Small Business Job Creation Tax Credits, along with his founding of the Illinois Innovation Council. Governor Quinn received the award before addressing at the 2011 BIO International Convention in Washington D.C. The group said its decision to hold the event in Chicago in 2013 and 2016 was largely due to Governor Quinn’s strong support for biotechnology.
“Governor Quinn has spearheaded an impressive array of job creating initiatives, further strengthening Illinois’s foothold as one of the nation’s most vibrant biotech clusters. His funding and support of biotech tax credits is a model for federal legislation that supports critical early-stage capital formation. His leadership in this field will continue to benefit his state, in terms of jobs and innovation, for years to come,” said Scott Whitaker, Chief Operating Officer of BIO. “Governor Quinn’s strong support for our industry and the Midwest’s flourishing bioscience industry presence were major factors in our decision to bring the BIO International Convention back to the Windy City in 2013 and 2016.”
“iBIO congratulates Governor Quinn on this well deserved acknowledgment. The Governor has consistently championed educational reform, entrepreneurship, intellectual property protection, and industry regulation based on rigorous science. He has made showcasing the Midwest through the BIO International Convention in Chicago a key priority, thus elevating the economic development prospects for our state and the Midwest. More than that, he has set a leadership example for public servants everywhere,” said David Miller, President and CEO of iBIO.
BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.
Source: illinois.gov
