Colorado BioScience Association Highlights Life Sciences Impact at the State Capitol OEDIT Executive Director Betsy Markey Keynotes CBSA’s Annual Day at the Capitol

DENVER – Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA) brings leaders from Colorado life sciences companies and organizations to the State Capitol today, February 4, 2020, to share innovation stories with legislators, discuss policy priorities for life sciences, and hear from Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) Executive Director Betsy Markey.

The annual event kicks off today, February 4, 2020, at 9:30 a.m. in the Old State Supreme Court Chamber with Markey’s keynote address. OEDIT manages the state-funded Advanced Industries Accelerator Grant Program, which makes a significant impact for the 720 life sciences companies and organizations in Colorado with grants of up to $250,000 to fund pre-commercialization research and preparation, commercialization of innovation technologies, and collaborative products with a broad, industry-wide impact.

Jennifer Jones Paton, President & CEO of Colorado BioScience Association, says:
“The Advanced Industries Accelerator Grant Program provides critical support for new innovations, products and services from Colorado that save and change lives. We thank the State, Betsy Markey and our partners at OEDIT. Their investments make Colorado’s economy one of the fastest growing in the nation by growing Colorado’s life sciences ecosystem and supporting our state’s other advanced industries.”

Since inception of the program, OEDIT has awarded 454 grants to life sciences companies and organizations, generating 81 new companies and 975 new jobs.

In addition to protecting and growing the Advanced Industries Accelerator Grant Program, CBSA will highlight its 2020 state policy priorities at the event, which include:

  • Protect Patient Access to Health Innovation
  • Strengthen Incentives for Innovation
  • Increase Capital and Growth
  • Promote a Supportive Tax and Regulatory Environment
  • Cultivate an Educated Workforce
  • Advance Industry Priorities within the Colorado State Budget

Emily Roberts, Vice President of Colorado BioScience Association, says:
“CBSA advocates for a supportive, innovation-friendly environment for life sciences. The 720 companies in our community directly employ more than 30,000 people in Colorado, with an average salary of $89,000. Our annual day at the capitol gives legislators the opportunity to meet our innovators and job creators and learn about Colorado health innovations that make an impact on lives around the world.”

CBSA’s Day at the Capitol includes a lunch-hour showcase beginning at noon for legislators and staffers interested in meeting constituents and discussing policies that support innovators and protect patients.

Connect with CBSA: Twitter @COBioscience, Facebook and LinkedIn

About Colorado BioScience Association
Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA) creates co-opportunity for the Colorado life sciences community. CBSA champions a collaborative life sciences ecosystem and advocates for a supportive business climate. From concept to commercialization, member companies and organizations drive global health innovations, products and services that improve and save lives. The association leads Capital and Growth, Education and Networking, Policy and Advocacy, and Workforce Cultivation to make its members stronger, together. Learn more: cobioscience.com

Media Contact:
Sheliah Reynolds
Primavera Group for Colorado BioScience Association
(720) 289-4739
sheliah@theprimaveragroup.com

Categories: CBSA News