For Immediate Release
April 28, 2008
Contact TREO:
Laura Shaw, Sr. Vice President, Corporate & Community Affairs
(520) 243-1940 office, (520) 609-5972 cell or laura.shaw@treoaz.org
Contact BIO5:
Deborah Daun, Communications Director
(520) 626-2059 office, (520) 247-7440 cell or ddaun@email.arizona.edu
Business Facilities magazine cites Arizona among top emerging biotech “hot spots”
-- Tucson named a “rising biotechnology star” of Arizona in March 2008 cover story --
Tucson, AZ (April 28, 2008) – Business Facilities, a national business magazine for site selectors and corporate real estate professionals, has recognized Arizona in its March 2008 cover story about the top biotechnology industry cluster growth areas. The article credits Arizona’s strong research base in genomics and personalized medicine as positioning the state as a major player in the biotech industry.
Tucson is named one of the “rising biotechnology star” cities in Arizona, with the bioscience economy being expanded through programs such as the Technology Research Initiative Fund (TRIF), BIO5, and the new Arizona Bioscience Park.
The article also recognizes the recent $50 million grant from the National Science Foundation for BIO5’s iPlant Collaborative, which will design computer cyberinfrastructure that allows plant scientists to answer grand challenge questions previously unanswerable because of a lack of technological resources
“Arizona has made significant investments in building a knowledge-based economy and that foresight is paying off,” said Vicki L. Chandler, PhD, director, BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona. “Those investments include expanding research infrastructure throughout the state, including the BIO5 Institute and our new state-of-the-art research facility.”
“Biotechnology has recently been identified as one of TREO’s top four industries for proactive business development,” said Joe Snell, TREO’s President and CEO. “The national recognition of some of Southern Arizona’s strongest biotechnology assets such as BIO5 and the new Arizona Biosciences Park puts Tucson on the map for other bio companies looking to expand or relocate to our region.”
About BIO5
The BIO5 Institute brings together scientists from five disciplines - agriculture, medicine, pharmacy, basic science and engineering - to prevent, cure and treat disease, and feed humanity while preserving livable environments. The institute creates science, industry and education partnerships to engage in leading-edge research, translate innovations to the market and to inspire and train the next generation of scientists. BIO5 is funded by The Technology and Research Initiative Fund (TRIF), a special investment by the state of Arizona in higher education made possible by the passage of Proposition 301. Arizona house bill 2529, along with a generous private donation, funded BIO5’s new facility, The Thomas W. Keating Bioresearch Building. For more information, visit www.BIO5.org
About TREO (Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities, Inc.)
TREO’s mission is to provide insight, infrastructure, resources and development efforts to accelerate economic prosperity throughout the Southern Arizona region. TREO supports the creation of new business, the growth and expansion of existing businesses, and the attraction of companies that offer high-impact jobs and share the community’s values. For more information, visit www.treoaz.org.
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