Newark – Governor Ruth Ann Minner was named BIO Governor of the Year today, a national recognition she received from the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) during an awards presentation at the Delaware Biotechnology Institute.
Gov. Minner received this prestigious award for her continued support of the biotechnology industry in Delaware. One of the core economic initiatives of Gov. Minner’s administration has been to expand the biotechnology industry in Delaware.
“As the co-chair of the National Governors Association’s Biotechnology Partnership, I realize the important role biotechnology has in keeping Delaware’s economy prosperous,” Gov. Minner said. “I am very pleased that the Biotechnology Industry Organization has recognized my administration’s commitment and efforts in promoting biotechnology in Delaware.”
Each year BIO recognizes individuals at the state and federal levels of government who are steadfast in their support of biotechnology. The BIO Governor of the Year award was established to honor deserving public servants for their leadership and commitment to advancing biotechnology and promoting public health.
“It is an honor to present this award to Governor Minner for her leadership in support of the biotechnology industry not only in Delaware but on a national level as well,” said Patrick Kelly, Vice President of State Government Relations for BIO. “Governor Minner has demonstrated a commitment to this industry that sets her apart from many of her colleagues. We look forward to continue working closely with Governor Minner during her upcoming term as chair of the Governor's Biotechnology Partnership. She is an incredible asset for the biotechnology industry in Delaware.”
Gov. Minner has supported the Delaware Technology Park and its centerpiece, the Delaware Biotechnology Institute. Her New Economy Initiative also will support biotechnology companies by helping them grow, expand and meet their full potential. Gov. Minner was directly responsible for recruiting several biotech companies to Delaware. While companies such as AstraZeneca and Agilent Technologies continue to expand and grow operations in Delaware, Gov. Minner successfully attracted emerging biotech companies to Delaware, including Incyte Corporation and Tapestry Pharmaceutical, Inc. Gov. Minner is a strong supporter of promising, young biotech companies such as ANP Technologies, a nanotechnology company that recently relocated from Maryland.
The Battelle report, a biotech industry study, found that Delaware was the only state in the nation that had specialized in all four bioscience subsectors which were analyzed in the study. These subsectors include agricultural feedstock and chemicals, drugs and pharmaceuticals, medical devices and equipment and research and testing.
“As a member of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), Agilent Technologies is proud to have submitted the winning nomination of Governor Minner for BIO's State Legislative Award,” said Bill Finch, manager of Life Science Public Policy for Agilent Technologies. “Since the beginning of her administration, Governor Minner has worked to promote Delaware's biotech industry, through active recruitment and appropriation of funds for biotech growth. Governor Minner is achieving one of her primary goals for the state-putting Delaware biotech on the map nationally and internationally.”
“As one of the top employers in Delaware, AstraZeneca has experienced tremendous growth over the past several years, which has been successful due in large part to Governor Minner’s proactive support and guidance, complemented by her flexibility and willingness to work in partnership with us to implement new programs and initiatives,” said Catherine Bonuccelli, Vice President of External Scientific Affairs for AstraZeneca “We are proud to see our Governor recognized for her continued support of life sciences organizations in Delaware.”
BIO represents more than 1,000 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations in all 50 U.S. states and 33 other nations. The membership includes biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations.
