In my December 2003 column, I discussed the new mission and strategic goals for the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Association. This month we announce exciting changes at the association that are the most visible result of our expanded mission. A new name, Pennsylvania Bio. A new branded image. And a soon-to-be-launched new website.

Pennsylvania Bio

As of June 1, the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Association is shedding its moniker PABIOTECH. In order to fulfill our expanded mission and to best serve the vibrant and diverse industry in Pennsylvania, our new name Pennsylvania Bio will most appropriately reflect the depth and breadth of our community.

Pennsylvania is home to the continuum of the biosciences—world-class basic research, emerging and mature industry and global pharmaceuticals. Along the continuum, we have strengths in many sectors of the biosciences, from classic biotechnology companies, medical device and diagnostic companies, pharmaceuticals, testing laboratories, contract services that support research and development, manufacturing and other vital processes as well as a robust service provider network. The name Pennsylvania Bio is the most encompassing, allowing the association to be the most inclusive and to be the best representative for the entire community.

The Voice of Advancement for the Biosciences

Pennsylvania Bio’s new tagline is the Voice of Advancement for the Biosciences. Our most important role in our community is to serve as the voice that advances greater understanding, favorable policy, a better business climate, and a higher profile on the world’s stage for our industry.

Pennsylvania Bio’s goals are to support the industry by enabling our members to:

Reach out…
Pennsylvania Bio provides networking opportunities and targeted introductions to help members showcase strengths and meet the people and organizations that can help them advance.

Be heard…
Pennsylvania Bio is the only statewide association in the Commonwealth dedicated to advancing the bioscience cause in Harrisburg and Washington DC.

Be informed…
Stay on top of the latest industry news and issues through Pennsylvania Bio’s monthly e-newsletter, website, and educational programs.

Buy smart…
We offer exclusive, money-saving programs and are a resource to help members find needed services.

All while maintaining the core mission of our industry at large:

Promote hope…
Pennsylvania Bio advances the companies and research institutions that are developing ground-breaking therapies, devices, diagnostics and vaccines for once untreatable diseases and debilitating conditions, providing hope for millions of patients.

Key Pennsylvania Bio Projects:

To carry this out, the staff of Pennsylvania Bio has been busy with key projects that will support our members and the industry in the Commonwealth.

A soon-to-be-launched new website:

Pennsylvania Bio will be launching our new website, www.pennsylvaniabio.org, on June 5th. This website will become the go-to place for information on the industry in Pennsylvania, events that are important to the community, member purchasing programs. It provides a wealth of opportunities for our members to showcase themselves to the world.

Statewide Industry Report and Directory:

At BIO 2004 in San Francisco, Pennsylvania Bio and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will unveil our newly completed state-of-the-industry report and directory. The report outlines the size, scope and impact of the biosciences in Pennsylvania. The numbers are impressive, the growth even more so. Stay tuned for a full summary of the report, or join us at our press conference on June 7 at 3 p.m. at the BIO conference.

The report and directory will be posted to our new website by June 10th.

Pennsylvania Senate Life Sciences Caucus:

Pennsylvania Bio has been working with the Pennsylvania Senate to launch a life sciences caucus that will bring greater understanding of our industry and our unique needs to state policy makers. The caucus will be chaired by Senator Robert Thompson of Chester County. As we continue to improve the business climate in Pennsylvania, having champions in the legislature will be vitally important. We applaud Senator Thompson for his assistance in helping to launch this caucus, and we will announce in our next issue the members of the Pennsylvania Senate who will join the caucus.

Additionally, Pennsylvania Bio is working with members in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to launch a House life sciences caucus.

Extended VWR Program:

Pennsylvania Bio has just signed a two-year deal with VWR International, extending our group purchasing program for our members who derive significant financial savings from our association. Details of this program are available on our website.

Continued Lobbying in Washington, DC:

Pennsylvania Bio continues to work diligently for reforms to the SBIR program and to fight the re-importation of drugs from other countries. These are important issues for two key sectors of our community: the emerging companies who rely on sources such as the SBIR program for funding, and our mature companies and global pharmaceutical industry that have, or are very close to launching, products on the market.

BIO 2004 and Looking ahead to BIO 2005 in Philadelphia

At BIO 2004, we will be promoting the industry in Pennsylvania at every opportunity. The press conference announcing the results of our state-of-the-industry report is just the beginning. On Tuesday evening, June 8th, the Pennsylvania Pavilion will host a reception in the pavilion. Please join us to help showcase the best of our industry. And at the end of the plenary lunch on June 9th, we will show a video as a teaser for BIO 2005 in Philadelphia. This video will invite attendees to join us in Pennsylvania next year and see why we are a world-leading location for the life sciences.

Shortly after the close of BIO 2004, we will begin working in earnest on the planning of BIO 2005. With nearly 20,000 professionals expected to converge in Philadelphia, it is an unprecedented opportunity for us.

Pennsylvania Bio looks forward to serving our members, promoting our world-class industry and working to make the global industry aware of the benefits of locating in Pennsylvania. With a more inclusive brand image and expanded website, we will truly be the catalyst to ensure Pennsylvania is a global leader in life sciences by developing a cohesive community that unites the region’s biotechnology, pharmaceutical, research, and financial strengths.