Monday, May 7, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Advocates for Missouri at
BIO 2007 International Convention
BOSTON–Gov. Matt Blunt is leading a special delegation of businesses, local and state economic development agencies and business and technology advocacy associations to promote Missouri's biotechnology sector before an international audience.
"Missouri has taken great strides to earn recognition as a state built for biotechnology with outstanding research facilities, a qualified workforce and innovative companies," Blunt said. "I look forward to the opportunity to again showcase the advantages and opportunities our state holds for innovators and leaders involved in this burgeoning field from around the world."
The BIO 2007 International Convention is from May 6-9 in Boston, Massachusetts and brings together companies and academic research institutions from across the international community. As governor, Blunt has made making Missouri a leader in the biotechnology field a top priority.
Missouri is currently home to more than 2,000 organizations associated with the biotechnology field, and Blunt's administration is actively seeking new research and job creation opportunities in an economic sector with outstanding growth potential for the future.
This year, Governor Blunt secured almost $13.5 million for the Missouri Life Sciences Trust Fund, marking the first time since its inception the program has actually received funding. The trust fund is administered by the Missouri Life Science Research Board and works to bring the state's life science initiatives together to promote Missouri as a leader in this important industry.
Blunt is the first Missouri governor to fully fund the ethanol and biodiesel incentive funds and in addition, honored past commitments that were made by previous administrations. A study conducted by the University of Missouri showed that ethanol production in the state is expected to exceed 350 million gallons annually by the end of 2008. This growth would create 5,613 jobs, generate $63 million in tax revenues and inject an estimated $726 million into the state's economy.
Additionally, Missouri currently has two biodiesel plants with a capacity of 32 million gallons. Eight additional plants are currently in the planning stages. If all plants are built by 2008, Missouri will have 10 plants with the capacity to produce over 200 million gallons of biodiesel a year.
Blunt created the Advisory Council for Plant Biotechnology to enhance and build upon the opportunities available in Missouri. The advisory council is charged with analyzing the plant life science environment in the state to determine how the state can better capitalize on the industry's potential. The council is comprised of representatives from all facets of plant biotechnology, including agriculture, government, economics, science and industry.
Blunt is also taking steps to ensure that all Missourians understand the importance of Math, Engineering, Technology and Science (METS) education to our students' future and their ability to compete in the global economy. The governor's plan calls for 100 technology classrooms in 100 schools, afterschool programs geared toward math and science and encouraging more Missouri students to take Advanced Placement courses in math and science.
Since Blunt took office in January 2005, Missourians have created 93,300 new jobs and in 2006 the state set a new export record sending $12.8 billion worth of goods to 191 different countries.
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