Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Highlights Missouri’s Promising Biotechnology Sector at BIO 2006
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today met with representatives from international companies at the BIO 2006 conference in Chicago to highlight Missouri’s promising biotechnology sector and discuss with them the exciting business opportunities awaiting them in our state.
“Missouri is ripe for expansion in the emerging biotechnology sector, and it is vital that as a state we seize upon the promising opportunities available to us,“ Blunt said. “In order for Missouri to stay competitive in the global economy we need to remain committed to strengthening our position as a leader in the area of health and plant sciences and biotechnology.“
Blunt has championed expansion in Missouri’s biotechnology sector since taking office. Last year the governor created the Advisory Council for Plant Biotechnology in his effort to build upon the opportunities available in Missouri’s plant sciences. In addition Blunt’s leadership and policy initiatives have led to an improved business and entrepreneurial climate in Missouri and to the creation of more than 37,000 new jobs in the last year.
During his meetings with biotechnology companies, the governor highlighted his Lewis and Clark and Discovery Initiative. Part of Blunt’s initiative would go to support training and research in plant sciences and biotechnology through capital improvements like plant science research centers and business incubators on Missouri’s public universities and college campuses.
The BIO 2006 conference is an international event that brings together companies and academic research institutions from across the international community.
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