2008-10-15 19:27:03 -

www.bioflorida.com - BioFlorida, West Palm Beach Stacey Silver, 561-653-3839 ssilver@bioflorida.com www.bioflorida.com The 2008 BioFlorida Annual Conference on October 19-21 at The Ritz-Carlton in Amelia Island brings together leading national speakers as the state's largest bioscience forum reaches key business and scientific leaders from all sectors of the industry. In its 11th year, this premier conference showcases Florida's bioscience technologies with sessions tailored to those involved in the business of medical device, biotechnology and pharmaceutical research. This year's pivotal conference focuses on product development stages with topics that include partnering, clinical trials and drug discovery.

The forum provides attendees with insight into how the industry is dealing with today's economic and political environment. Attendees gain knowledge from distinguished speakers that

include Yank D. Coble Jr., M.D. from the University of North Florida; James C. Greenwood from the Biotechnology Industry Organization; Bob Ingram from GlaxoSmithKline; Stephen N. Oesterle, M.D. from Medtronic; and Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton.

"Florida is ranked as one of the top five regions worldwide for attracting biotechnology companies by Fierce Biotech," said Russell Allen, president of BioFlorida. "The outcomes and dialogue generated during this annual conference guide critical efforts to further improve the business climate for bioscience companies throughout Florida."

As a demonstration of Florida's national recognition in growing this industry, the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) has named Florida Senate President Ken Pruitt (R-Port St. Lucie) "BIO State Legislator of the Year" for his support of the biotechnology industry's growth and development in Florida. Senate President Pruitt was selected from among 7,000 state legislators nationwide for advocating biotechnology development. The BIO award will be presented at the BioFlorida Annual Conference luncheon in The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom I & II on October 21 at 12:30 p.m.

BIO President Jim Greenwood said, "Senator Pruitt's leadership in Florida has been critical in the development of Florida's growing biotechnology cluster. Because of his passion for this issue, Florida has leapfrogged over many competing states to become one of the leaders in the biotechnology sector. We hope he will continue working with us in support of the vast benefits to be derived from biotechnology innovation."

BIO

BIO is the world's largest biotechnology organization, providing advocacy, business development and communications services for more than 1,150 members worldwide. Our mission is to be the champion of biotechnology and the advocate for our member organizations -- both large and small. www.bio.org

BioFlorida

BioFlorida is Florida's statewide trade association for the bioscience industry providing advocacy, business development and communications services for more than 200 member companies. Our mission is to be the voice of the bioscience industry and the advocate for our member organizations -- both large and small. Bringing knowledge and resources to Florida's bioscience community, BioFlorida supports the health, agricultural and energy sectors of biotechnology as well as the pharmaceutical and medical technology fields. www.bioflorida.com

Senate President Ken Pruitt Named BIO Legislator of the Year