Iowa Governor Terry Branstad to Speak at BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology

Washington DC, April 10, 2015 – The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) announced today that Iowa Governor Terry Branstad will deliver remarks during an opening plenary session at the BIO World Congress on Monday, July 20, 2015.  The 2015 World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology will be held July 19-22, 2015 at the Palais des congrès de Montréal in Montréal, Canada.

“Governor Terry Branstad is a true champion of our industry and the creation of a national biobased economy.  He has voiced support for the federal Renewable Fuel Standard, advanced policies at the state level for a stronger rural bioeconomy and supported more research to advance second-generation biofuels,” said Jim Greenwood, President and CEO of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO).  “BIO could not imagine a better person than Governor Branstad to kick off the world’s largest conference on industrial biotechnology.”

“Governor Branstad has regularly provided leadership in articulating the importance of the biotechnology industry to our state,” said Joe Hrdlicka, executive director, Iowa Biotech Association.  “We’re thrilled he will have the opportunity to share Iowa’s vision at such a critical industry event with an international audience.”

“Iowa is the nation’s premier leader in the renewable fuels industry and is capitalizing on its success in agriculture and its research capabilities in plant, animal and human biosciences to build a thriving biosciences industry within the state,” said Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority. “Iowa’s bioscience enterprises are discovering the innovations that will spur future economic growth and create jobs, improving the quality of life for people on a global scale — Governor Branstad is poised to tell our story.”

The plenary session that Gov. Brandstad will address, State and Regional Approaches to Developing the Biobased Economy, includes a panel of global government representatives who will discuss current industry trends in their regions, policies driving accomplishments, or stalling growth in this sector.  The Plenary will be moderated by James C. Greenwood, President and CEO, Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO).

Panelist include:

• Terry Branstad, Governor of Iowa, United States
• Pramod Chaudhari, Executive Chairman, Praj Industries Limited
• Barend Verachtert, Deputy Head of Biotechnologies Unit, European Commission
• Bernardo Silva, Executive President, Brazilian Industrial Biotechnology Association (ABBI)

All programs at the World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology are open to members of the media. Complimentary media registration is available to editors and reporters working full time for print, broadcast or web publications with valid press credentials.

For more information on the conference, please. visit www.bio.org/worldcongress.  For assistance, please contact [email protected].

About BIO

BIO is the world’s largest trade association representing 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. BIOtechNOW is BIO’s blog chronicling “innovations transforming our world” and the BIO Newsletter is the organization’s bi-weekly email newsletter. Subscribe to the BIO Newsletter.

About Iowa Biotechnology Association (IowaBio)

The Iowa Biotechnology Association, a 501(c)6 non-profit trade association,  was founded in 1994 to unify Iowa’s bioscience industry, academic research institutions and economic development organizations. We represent more than 100 members spanning across our state, who are vested in Iowa and in the biotech industry.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA)

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) works to strengthen Iowa’s economic and community vitality by building partnerships and leveraging resources to make Iowa the choice for people and business. Through our two main divisions – business development and community development – IEDA administers several state and federal programs to meet its goals of assisting individuals, communities and businesses. For more information on the biosciences industry in Iowa, go to www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/Industries/Biosciences 

Upcoming BIO Events

BIO International Convention
June 15-18, 2015
Philadelphia, PA