IHIF Leads Delegation of Hoosier Companies, Technologies, and Universities to BIO 2013

[Chicago, IL – April 22, 2013] – A number of Hoosier companies and university representatives are heading to the International Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) Convention, being held this week in Chicago, IL.  Represented through the Indiana Health Industry Forum, the Indiana affiliate of BIO, the group is promoting companies, technologies, talent and the support network that have made Indiana a recognized national leader in the life sciences.

The BIO International Convention is the largest global event for the biotechnology industry and attracts the biggest names in biotech.  The convention offers key networking and partnering opportunities and provides insights and inspiration on the major trends affecting the industry. The Convention also features the BIO Business Forum (One-on-One Partnering), hundreds of sessions covering biotech trends, policy issues and technological innovations, and the world’s largest biotechnology exhibition.  In 2012, the BIO conference drew 16,505 industry leaders from 49 states and 65 countries.  The 180,550 sq. ft. BIO Exhibition featured more than 2,000 exhibitors including 34 country and 26 state pavilions.

“We are delighted to be exhibiting with such a large and diverse group this year”, said Kristin Jones, president of the Indiana Health Industry Forum.  “We have a great group of smaller companies that can really benefit from the exposure of being here as well as using this as a chance to promote some of our best biomedical and research programs and students.  We’ve tried to bring together all of the components that make Indiana such a strong cluster and are working to tell the complete story behind what we have”.

In addition to IHIF, companies and universities exhibiting in the IHIF booth include: Anson Group (Indianapolis), BASi (West Lafayette), Bloomington Life Sciences Partnership (Bloomington), Cientive Group (Indianapolis), Curvo (Evansville), Duke Energy (Plainfield), Faegre Baker Daniels (Indianapolis), Genomic Innovations for Vector Eradication (GIVE) (West Lafayette), GoLIMS (South Bend), Indiana BioPharma LLC (Indianapolis), Indy Partnership (Indianapolis), Microfluidic Innovations (West Lafayette), ImmuneWorks (Indianapolis), Prosolia (Indianapolis), Phlebotics Inc. (West Lafayette), 3D Integrated Pharmaceuticals (West Lafayette), Salubrinal (Indianapolis), Purdue University/Discovery Park (West Lafayette), Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (Terre Haute), and Indiana University (Indianapolis/Bloomington).  Other Indiana companies also exhibiting at the show include: Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Commissioning Agents, Inc., Cook Pharmica and Cook General Biotechnology, the University of Notre Dame, and the Indiana Economic Development Corp.   IHIF’s exhibition at BIO is sponsored by: Anson Group, Duke Energy, Indiana University/Innovate Indiana, Purdue University/Discovery Park, BASi, Commissioning Agents, Inc., Faegre Baker Daniels, LLP, and the Indy Partnership.

Since January IHIF has been promoting this year’s Indiana exhibitors to past show attendees, members of the venture investment community, and corporate technology scouts.  Additionally, the booth will feature “open-house” hours for each of the universities to use to connect with alumni, those interested in corporate engagement, and those interested in licensing university technologies.  More information on the companies and activities planned for BIO can be found on-line at www.ihif.org/pages/bio.

The 2014 BIO Convention will be held June 23 -26 in San Diego, California.

ABOUT IHIF

The diverse members of the Indiana Health Industry Forum generate the collective voice of the state’s health and life science industry.  The Forum connects key stakeholders to: enhance business networks, advocate for member interests, develop workforce skills, and provide strategic vision in the interest of growing the state’s health industry economy and reputation.  Our mission is to make Indiana the premier location to start and grow a health science business. IHIF is the Indiana affiliate organization for the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO). For more information, please visit www.ihif.org.

ABOUT THE BIO INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION

Celebrating its 20^th year, the BIO International Convention is the largest global event for the biotechnology industry and attracts the biggest names in biotech, offers key networking and partnering opportunities, and provides insights and inspiration on the major trends affecting the industry. The event features keynotes and sessions from key policymakers, scientists, CEOs, and celebrities. The Convention also features the BIO Business Forum (One-on-One Partnering), hundreds of sessions covering biotech trends, policy issues and technological innovations, and the world’s largest biotechnology exhibition – the BIO Exhibition.

BIO Releases Bioscience Economic Development Report and Guide

April 23, 2013

• Contact: George Goodno
• Phone: 202-962-6660
• Email: ggoodno@bio.org

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) released its “Bioscience Economic Development: Legislative Priorities, Best Practices, and Return On Investment” report today at the 2013 BIO International Convention.

The Best Practices Guide is the bioscience industry’s leading comprehensive analysis of state legislative and regulatory initiatives in support of economic development.

At the 2013 BIO International Convention, Tom Corbett (PA), Rick Perry (TX), and Jay Nixon (MO) came together to support the report’s release and discuss bioscience industry economic development and state policies that have proven successful in assisting industry growth.

Photos and Video of Panel Available Upon Request.

Although the recent economic downturn impacted the bioscience industry’s financial wellbeing, almost every state in the country has continued to actively engage in building the bioscience infrastructure. From state sponsored programs to creating supportive tax environments in capital formation, states are encouraging investment and helping bioscience companies leverage their existing resources.

“The bioscience industry is an economic engine that provides high-wage, high-skilled jobs across a broad range of occupations,” said BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood. “Wide-ranging collaboration between industry partners, universities, and policymakers is essential for bioscience economic development and industry growth.”

The report, which conducted a review of all 50 states and their initiatives to support bioscience companies, highlights key examples of state efforts to grow and sustain the bioscience industry while emphasizing the importance of developing trained workforces that will create, grow, and retain bioscience companies. In evaluating initiatives put forth by the states, the report also explores rational behind current legislative efforts and offers a reference guide showing the application of specific legislation in certain states and outcomes.

“America is the world leader in biotechnology. Our nation’s biotechnology industry is comprised of scientists, entrepreneurs, and large and small companies in all 50 states engaged in translating the latest scientific discoveries into innovative new medical therapies and environmental products, increased agricultural production and farm incomes, and greener bio-based products and biofuels,” said Greenwood. “Nationwide, our industry directly employs more than 1.6 million people and indirectly generates jobs for an additional 5 million people. These are high-quality jobs, paying substantially more than the average U.S. wage.”

Photos and Video of Panel Available Upon Request.

About BIO
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. BIO produces BIOtechNOW, an online portal and monthly newsletter chronicling “innovations transforming our world.” Subscribe to BIOtechNOW.

“Where Are The Jobs?” – Workforce Trends Report for the Life Science Industry Released

For Immediate Release

• Contact: Janelle Curtis
• Phone: 202-312-9266
• Email: jcurtis@biotechinstitute.org

[Chicago, IL - April 22, 2013] -  The Coalition of State Bioscience Institutes (CSBI) and Booz & Company have issued a report, entitled “Demand for Talent: Current & Projected Workforce Trends in the Life Science Industry,”  which provides a snapshot of  the most current and projected workforce needs within the United States’ life science industry and calls for broader industry participation in an ongoing analysis of talent demand.

Two of the most pressing questions for the life science industry today are “where are the jobs?” and “where are the jobs going to be?” This first-of-its-kind national analysis provides insights into these questions, drawing from thousands of current job postings and interviews with strategic industry leaders across the country about their projected talent needs

“The life science industry continues to be an engine for job creation, necessitating adequate talent development at all levels of education and across multiple disciplines, with particular need for entry level technicians as well as managers with advanced experience, especially in regulatory and compliance functions,” said Lori Lindburg, CSBI Chair and Executive Director, BayBio Institute.

The report identifies the life science industry’s current demand for skilled, cross-functional and flexible knowledge workers, and suggests that increased industry/academia collaboration and an effort to create national industry certifications could begin to address gaps in the US talent pipeline.  This need for a highly trained workforce shows up in four distinct ways:

* Substantial need for employees with baccalaureate and advanced degrees
* Relatively low need for high school-only graduates
* Advanced /specialization degrees, such as bioinformatics, biostatistics and computational biology, as well as engineers with the ability to manage complex biological process scale-up, are in exceptional demand
* Industry and experience-specific job skills in disciplines such as Regulatory and Quality Systems continue to be in short supply

Download the Report Here

About BIO
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. BIO produces BIOtechNOW, an online portal and monthly newsletter chronicling “innovations transforming our world.” Subscribe to BIOtechNOW.

 

About IHIF

The diverse members of the Indiana Health Industry Forum generate the collective voice of the state’s health and life science industry.  The Forum connects key stakeholders to: enhance business networks, advocate for member interests, develop workforce skills, and provide strategic vision in the interest of growing the state’s health industry economy and reputation.  Our mission is to make Indiana the premier location to start and grow a health science business. IHIF is the Indiana affiliate organization for the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) and is a founding member of the Coalition of State Bioscience Institutes (CSBI). For more information, please visit www.ihif.org.

IHIF Sponsors iGEM Team – Search Still on For Additional Sponsors

The Indiana Health Industry Forum is pleased to announce that it has become a $500 sponsor of an Indiana high school team competing in the International Genetically Engineered Machine Foundation (iGEM) competition around synthetic biology.

The student team is from the McKenzie Center for Innovation and Technology in Indianapolis.  The students are, “focusing this year on an early detection method for skin cancer.  We are working to design a bacterial salve that could be spread on potential areas of abnormal cell growth.  The bacteria would detect the abnormal growth and fluoresce to indicate the need for more comprehensive testing.  The iGEM students want to create an inexpensive, easy to use early detection system to help those with limited or no access to preventative medical care”.

The students are seeking a $1,000 corporate sponsor or

two $500 sponsors. Deadline is Friday, December 21.

For more about iGEM, please visit http://igem.org/About

To become a sponsor or for more information, please contact:

Carletta Sullivan, Community Liaison

McKenzie Center for Innovation & Technology

7250 E. 75th Street

Indianapolis, IN  46256

317/964-8006

carlettasullivan@msdlt.k12.in.us

Supreme Court Ruling Moves Health Care Focus to Patient Access and Support for Innovation

IHIF Continues Advocacy Efforts on Behalf of Indiana’s Health Science Industry

Indianapolis – June 28, 2012 – In today’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, justices voted 5-4 to uphold provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).   On each of several counts, the court ruled that the law was constitutional and upheld provisions related to individual health care coverage and requirements for states to expand Medicaid coverage.   While additional challenges to the law are expected as additional provisions come into effect over the next several years, this decision solidifies the basis and constitutionality of the law.

IHIF remains concerned and vigilant about the impact this ruling may have on patient access to important therapies and cures – access that may be endangered by restrictions on funding placed on Medicare and Medicaid insurance programs as state exchanges are formed and an additional 30 million people are expected to be added to insurance rolls nationally.  IHIF has been an advocate for and will continue to support efforts to repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), the foremost obstacle threatening patient access to needed cures and medical breakthroughs; IHIF also continues to monitor developments with the 2.3% excise tax on the medical device industry, which goes into effect in 2013, and advocates for repeal of the tax.

IHIF is supportive of implementation of ACA that ensures patient safety and provides necessary and fair incentives that will encourage innovative medical advances.    IHIF President and CEO Kristin Jones says, “we hope that this ruling provides some certainty and stability to the health care landscape so that employers and innovators can plan ahead on how to best meet the requirements of the law”.

ABOUT IHIF

The diverse members of the Indiana Health Industry Forum generate the collective voice of the state’s health and life science industry.  The Forum connects key stakeholders to: enhance business networks, advocate for member interests, develop workforce skills, and provide strategic vision in the interest of growing the state’s health industry economy and reputation.  Our mission is to make Indiana the premier location to start and grow a health science business. IHIF is the Indiana affiliate organization for the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) and a Supporting Partner Organization for AdvaMed. For more information, please visit www.ihif.org.

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INDIANA HEALTH INDUSTRY FORUM LEADS EFFORT TO BRING LIFE SCIENCE EDUCATION, WORKFORCE TRAINING AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP TO THE NATIONAL STAGE

[Boston, MA, June 20, 2012] – The Indiana Health Industry Forum (IHIF) has joined state bioscience organizations in a nationally coordinated effort to ensure America’s leadership in bioscience innovation by delivering industry-led life science education, workforce development and entrepreneurship programs across the county.  IHIF is a member of this newly established group – the Coalition of Bioscience Institutes (CSBI).  The formation of CSBI was announced at the 2012 BIO International Convention, the industry’s global event for biotechnology that is hosted by the Biotechnology Industry Organization(BIO).“CSBI is leveraging resources across the U.S, including the Indiana Health Industry Forum’s current programs, to speak with a united voice for the biotech industry on life science education, workforce development and entrepreneurship,” said CSBI acting co-chair, Lance Hartford, Executive Director MassBioEd. “We focus on programs that life science industry is uniquely positioned to deliver and can be replicated across many states and scaled-up nationally.”Currently, CSBI is identifying leading state programs for national consideration.  These programs include teacher-training initiatives such as iBIO Institute’s TalentSparks; workforce competitiveness programs including Oregon Bioscience Association’s BioPro and BIOCOM Institute’s BioCollaborative; and BayBio Institute’s Expert Networkstartup resource for entrepreneurs.  CSBI is also designing a web-based clearinghouse of all current state-level programs focused on life science education, workforce training and entrepreneurship.Working together since December 2011, CSBI serves as an umbrella for standard practice sharing, joint fundraising and national initiatives for life science (STEM) education (student education, career exploration and teacher professional development); workforce development (workforce training, incumbent worker professional development, dislocated worker training); and entrepreneurship. CSBI provides the opportunity for state bioscience organizations to share knowledge with the goal of improving bioscience education and innovation, while maximizing industry support. With its focus in these areas, the CSBI complements the life science policy work of the Council of State Bioscience Associations, formed by the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) in 2002.

CSBI founding  organizations include  BayBio Institute, BIOCOM Institute, the Biotechnology Institute, iBIO Institute, KansasBio, MassBioEd, MdBio Foundation and the Oregon Bioscience Association.   Including the Indiana Health Industry Forum, 41 state bioscience organizations are CSBI members with nine (9) additional groups expected to join.  The Coalition is co-chaired by BayBio Institute Executive Director Lori Lindburg and MassBioEd Executive Director Lance Hartford.  The Biotechnology Institute serves as CSBI’s administrative organization. By partnering, CSBI members bring unprecedented access to programs, facilitate national communication, and connect an extensive network of industry professionals.

ABOUT IHIF

The diverse members of the Indiana Health Industry Forum generate the collective voice of the state’s health and life science industry.  The Forum connects key stakeholders to: enhance business networks, advocate for member interests, develop workforce skills, and provide strategic vision in the interest of growing the state’s health industry economy and reputation.  Our mission is to make Indiana the premier location to start and grow a health science business. IHIF is the Indiana affiliate organization for the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO).

ABOUT THE BIO INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION

The BIO International Convention will highlight the latest trends and the newest opportunities for executives, investors, scientists, policy leaders, and media from around the world. Speakers at the sessions will share breakthroughs in medicine, diagnostics, the environment, energy production, business operations, financing, partnerships, policy issues and food and agriculture. The Convention also features the BIO Business Forum, a unique platform for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, academic research institutions, and investors from around the world to gather and discuss strategic opportunities. For registration, conference agenda and exhibitor information, visit 2012 BIO International Convention.

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Members of the Coalition of State Bioscience Institutes (CSBI)

Arizona BioIndustry Association

BayBio Institute

Bio Nebraska Life Sciences Association

Bio New Jersey

Bio Ohio, Edison Biotechnology Center

BIOCOM Institute

BioFlorida Institute

BioForward

Bioscience Association of Maine

Bioscience Association of West Virginia

Biotechnology Institute

Colorado Bioscience Association

Delaware BioScience Association

Georgia Bio

iBIO Institute

Idaho Technology Council

Indiana Health Industry Forum

INDUNIV Research Consortium

Iowa Biotechnology Association

Kansas Bioscience Organization

LifeScience Alley

Life Science Tennessee

Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation

MdBio Foundation, Inc.

MichBio Institute

Mississippi Biotechnology Association

Missouri Institute for Biotechnology and Innovation

Montana Bioscience Alliance

Nevada Biotechnology & Science Consortium

New Mexico Biotechnology & Biomedical Association

New York Biotechnology Association

Oklahoma Bioscience Institute

Oregon Bioscience Association

Pennsylvania Biotechnology Association

Rhode Island BioGroup – Tech Collective

SoCalBio

South Dakota Biotech Association

Texas Healtcare & Bioscience Institute

Utah TECH Workforce Foundation

Virginia Bio

Washington Biotechnology & Biomedical Association

Indiana leads U.S. in life sciences jobs and growth

State cited by national study as only one of two with a specialization across the industry

Indianapolis, June 19, 2012 – Indiana has moved up the life sciences ladder and is now at the top of a national list. According to a Battelle/Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) Report “State Bioscience Industry Development 2012″ released today at the BIO International Conference in Boston, Indiana is one of only two states that have specialized bioscience employment in four of the five subsectors – Agricultural Feedstock & Chemicals, Drugs & Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices & Equipment, Research, Testing & Medical Laboratories, and a new subsector, Bioscience Distribution (which includes agricultural seeds, biomedical equipment and supplies, and drugs and pharmaceuticals). New Jersey is the only other state to share this distinction. No state is specialized in all five areas.

The four subsectors that have an employment concentration of 20 percent or more of total U.S. employment are: Agricultural Feedstock & Chemicals, Drugs & Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices & Equipment, and Bioscience Distribution.

“Indiana’s life sciences industry is in a very strong position – we are both diverse and deep, but it is critical that we continue to pursue opportunities to encourage growth, innovation, and support,” said David Johnson, president and CEO of BioCrossroads, an organization focused on investment, development and advancement of the state’s signature life sciences strengths. “Our unique collaborative nature among industry, research universities and philanthropic organizations will catalyze additional advancement, but we are always striving for more.”

As a whole, the number of bioscience jobs in Indiana has grown since 2001, increasing by 14%, and outpacing the national average of 6.4%. With the addition of the new Bioscience Distribution subsector, the report now nearly 60,000 people working in one of the five bioscience subsectors tracked by BIO and Battelle, and is one of the top ten states in the U.S. for bioscience employment. In addition, Indiana is one of seven states with job gains of 5,000 or more between 2001-2010.

“This report really drives home the huge economic impact of this sector on Indiana’s economy. It reinforces the need to support our life science firms with programs and services targeted directly to the unique needs of this industry,” said Kristen Jones, president and CEO of the Indiana Health Industry Forum (IHIF). “This again shows that the investments made over a decade ago are paying off.” IHIF is Indiana’s BIO affiliate and is exhibiting at the show along with several Indiana organizations.

Bioscience employment has grown at a greater rate than the national private sector (2001-2010). The gap between the two is larger now than in 2007 at the start of the recession. Employment reached 1.61 million in 2010, up from 1.42 million in 2008, and grew by 6.4 percent, while total private sector employment declined by 2.9 percent.

The full Report is available on the BIO Website www.bio.org.

ABOUT IHIF

The diverse members of the Indiana Health Industry Forum generate the collective voice of the state’s health and life science industry.  The Forum connects key stakeholders to: enhance business networks, advocate for member interests, develop workforce skills, and provide strategic vision in the interest of growing the state’s health industry economy and reputation.  Our mission is to make Indiana the premier location to start and grow a health science business. IHIF is the Indiana affiliate organization for the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO).

Indiana Delegation Presents Hoosier Companies, Technologies, and Talent at BIO 2012

[Boston, MA – June 18, 2012] – A number of Hoosier companies and university representatives are heading to the International Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) Convention, being held this week in Boston, MA.  Represented through the Indiana Health Industry Forum, the Indiana affiliate of BIO, the group is promoting companies, technologies, talent and the support network that have made Indiana a recognized national leader in the life sciences.

The BIO International Convention is the largest global event for the biotechnology industry and attracts the biggest names in biotech.  The convention offers key networking and partnering opportunities and provides insights and inspiration on the major trends affecting the industry. The Convention also features the BIO Business Forum (One-on-One Partnering), hundreds of sessions covering biotech trends, policy issues and technological innovations, and the world’s largest biotechnology exhibition.  In 2011, The BIO Exhibition featured more than 1,800 exhibitors and covered 180,000 square feet with 61 state and international pavilions.

“We are really looking forward to this year’s show”, said Kristin Jones, president of the Indiana Health Industry Forum.  “We have a great group of smaller companies that can really benefit from the exposure of being here as well as using this as a chance to promote some of our best biomedical programs and students.  We’ve tried to bring together all of the components that make Indiana such a strong cluster and are working to tell the complete story behind what we have”.

In addition to IHIF, companies and universities exhibiting in the booth include: BioConvergence (Bloomington), Cientive Group (Indianapolis), the Fairbanks Institute (Indianapolis), Indiana BioPharma LLC (Indianapolis), Tymora Analytical (West Lafayette), Phlebotics Inc. (West Lafayette), Purdue University/Discovery Park (West Lafayette), Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (Terre Haute), Ivy Tech Center for the Life Sciences (Bloomington), the University of Notre Dame’s Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Initiative (Notre Dame), and Carroll County, representing Indiana’s Technology Corridor.   Other Indiana companies also exhibiting at the show include: Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Commissioning Agents, Inc., and Cook Pharmica.   IHIF’s exhibition at BIO is sponsored by: Duke Energy, Commissioning Agents, Inc., Purdue University, the Indy Partnership, and BioCrossroads.

According to Vijay Thukral, CEO of Cientive Group, Inc., BIO provides a great opportunity to see nationaland international trends in the biotech and provides a great opportunity to create new collaborations and identify new clients.  “One can be awed by the latent power of biotechnology through the products on display and through ideas and applications being discussed”, says Thukral. “It will provide an opportunity to understand the emerging landscape and how we as Indiana can power our own local Industry”.  Cientive is participating in the IHIF booth and will seek new partners and collaborators in development of mathematical tools to provide assessment of safety, efficacy and quality of medical devices and therapeutics that are at preclinical and clinical stages.

ABOUT IHIF

The diverse members of the Indiana Health Industry Forum generate the collective voice of the state’s health and life science industry.  The Forum connects key stakeholders to: enhance business networks, advocate for member interests, develop workforce skills, and provide strategic vision in the interest of growing the state’s health industry economy and reputation.  Our mission is to make Indiana the premier location to start and grow a health science business. IHIF is the Indiana affiliate organization for the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO). For more information, please visit www.ihif.org.

ABOUT THE BIO INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION

The BIO International Convention will highlight the latest trends and the newest opportunities for executives, investors, scientists, policy leaders, and media from around the world. Speakers at the sessions will share breakthroughs in medicine, diagnostics, the environment, energy production, business operations, financing, partnerships, policy issues and food and agriculture. The Convention also features the BIO Business Forum, a unique platform for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, academic research institutions, and investors from around the world to gather and discuss strategic opportunities. For registration, conference agenda and exhibitor information, visit 2012 BIO International Convention.

Indiana Health Industry Forum Releases Statewide Strategic Plan

INDIANAPOLIS (May 8, 2012) - The Indiana Health Industry Forum (IHIF), a not-for-profit organization representing Indiana’s health science business community, today released a “Statewide Strategic Plan for Indiana’s Health Science Sector: 2012-2017”.  “We are very pleased to present the results of several months of research and consultation with industry leaders”, said IHIF president, Kristin Jones.  “This plan articulates the needs and interests of our health science business community and puts us on the path to addressing those challenges together”.

Released in conjunction with IHIF’s annual meeting, the plan provides recommendations around several key areas: capital formation, research and technology commercialization, business climate, workforce and education, and public policy.  According to Dr. Joerg Schrieber, Chairman of the IHIF Board of Directors, “what we have learned through this process is that there is great consensus among members of the industry as to what challenges we face.  We also know that these challenges are not unique to Indiana and that other states and regions are taking the initiative to address the gaps.  We can learn a lot from our friends and neighbors that can be applied here, to fit our culture and structure”.

The report offers thirteen recommendations which are accompanied by specific action steps.  While the Indiana Health Industry Forum will oversee the execution of the plan, there is continued reliance on industry members, other related organizations, and the plan’s committees to move the agenda ahead.  “Benchmark reports will be issued every six months in order to keep everyone informed and apprised of progress,” said Jones.

The IHIF 2012 Annual Meeting also features a panel discussion on “Supporting Innovative Economies” and keynote speakers, Fritz Bittenbender, Vice President, Alliance Development and State Government Relations for the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) and Matthew Hudes, U.S. Managing Principal, Biotechnology, for Deloitte, who will be presenting industry outlooks and discussing programs and approaches to building and supporting industry clusters.  The meeting concludes with a look ahead at national policy issues facing the medical device, pharma/biotech, and healthcare delivery sectors.

The “Statewide Strategic Plan for Indiana’s Health Science Sector: 2012-2017”, is sponsored by Barnes & Thornburg, LLP, Duke Energy, Commissioning Agents, Inc., and Develop Indy/16 Tech, a downtown Indianapolis technology park. For more information on the Statewide Strategic Plan and IHIF’s 2012 Annual meeting, please visit www.ihif.org.

About IHIF

The diverse members of the Indiana Health Industry Forum generate the collective voice of the state’s health and life science industry. The Forum connects key stakeholders to enhance business networks, advocate for member interests, develop workforce skills, and provide strategic vision in the interest of growing the state’s health industry economy and reputation. IHIF is the Indiana affiliate of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO). To learn more, please visit http://www.ihif.org or contact IHIF at 317.278.9970.

Indiana Medical Device Manufacturers Council (IMDMC) and the Indiana Health Industry Forum (IHIF) host Life Sciences Day at State House

For Immediate Release February 16, 2012

INDIANAPOLIS, IN-The Indiana Medical Device Manufacturers Council and the Indiana Health Industry Forum hosted the first Life Sciences Day at the Indiana State House today.  The event provided a forum for representatives from Indiana life sciences companies to meet with state legislators, and to exhibit medical technology produced in Indiana.

The day began at the Hilton Hotel, with presentations from State Representative Tim Brown, M.D., Senate President Pro Tempore David Long, Representative Peggy Welch and Cris Johnston, Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Daniels.  Following the session at the Hilton, attendees headed to the Capitol rotunda, where legislators and their staff had the opportunity to view displays of medical technology manufactured in Indiana and to speak with representatives of the companies.

“The purpose of today’s event was to highlight the importance of the life sciences in Indiana, and to the patients our products help treat,” said Chris Cerone, President of IMDMC.  “The medical device industry employs nearly 20,000 Hoosiers, and indirectly supports another 30,000 jobs.  We are grateful for the support of our state legislators and the Governor.  Their leadership has helped make Indiana a world leader in medical technology.  We are the third largest state in medical device exports, and fifth in medical device jobs per capita. All Hoosiers can be proud of the contributions our companies make to improving the health of patients throughout the world, and to our state’s economy.”

“We are proud to have co-sponsored this event, and grateful for all who attended,” said Kristin Jones, President and CEO of IHIF.  “The life sciences industry, with the support of our state government, creates jobs and innovative technologies that improve patients’ health and quality of life.  Indiana life sciences companies have been, and will continue to be, at the forefront of devising solutions that reduce the cost of healthcare while enhancing the quality of patient care.”

About the IHIF

The mission of the Indiana Health Industry Forum is to create an environment where Indiana is a premier location for the creation and growth of health industry enterprises.

The diverse members of the Indiana Health Industry Forum generate the collective voice of the state’s health and life science industry.  The Forum connects key stakeholders to: enhance business networks, advocate for member interests, develop workforce skills, and provide strategic vision in the interest of growing the state’s health industry economy and reputation.

Contact: Kristin Jones, President and CEO, at 317-278-9973 or kjones@ihif.org

About the IMDMC

The Indiana Medical Device Manufacturers Council (IMDMC) serves to represent the interests of its member companies in the delivery of innovative, life-changing technologies to patients.  By uniting Indiana medical device manufacturers, large and small, IMDMC serves to amplify the voices and convey the interests of these innovative companies before state and federal legislatures and regulatory agencies.

IMDMC advocates on behalf of its members for policies that

Promote the pursuit of excellence in the development and delivery ofmedical technologies that save or enhance lives or reduce disability.

Improve patient access to these technologies.

Promote members’ ability to be successful, and thereby expand their ability to deliver benefits to patients, healthcare providers, employees, shareholders, and the local communities in which they do business.

Advocate for regulatory, payment, tax and liability policies that will foster an environment in which innovation can flourish.

IMDMC is dedicated to providing ongoing training and education to help equip its members to adapt to the changing environment in which they operate.  Through the relationships it develops, its recognized expertise, and its passionate advocacy, IMDMC serves to increase public awareness of the economic and health benefits the Indiana medical device industry delivers throughout the world.

Contact: Blake Jeffery, IMDMC Director, at 317-951-1388 or IMDMCoffice@ameritech.net