Four State Legislators Honored for their Leadership on Issues Important to Life Sciences

Denver – Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA) honored Colorado’s life sciences community at the  Innovation Forward: Forum + Awards Celebration, held on October 12 at the Hyatt Regency. The event included a forum and trade show, where national and state thought leaders shared innovations, success stories, and best practices through dynamic panel discussions. During the evening awards celebration, the community toasted the ecosystem’s perseverance and agility during the past year.

In addition to honoring leading companies and individuals in life sciences, CBSA recognized four state legislators for their leadership on issues critical to life sciences. Senator Chris Hansen, Senate District 31 (Arapahoe and Denver), Senator Jim Smallwood, Senate District 4 (Douglas County), Representative Shannon Bird, House District 35 (Adams County), and House Minority Leader Representative Hugh McKean, House District 51 (Larimer County) were named legislators of the year.

Michael Crews, Colorado BioScience Association Vice President, says:
“CBSA thanks Senator Hansen, Senator Smallwood, Representative Bird, and Minority Leader McKean for collaborating with CBSA on our work to build a pro-business environment for life sciences innovation. More than 40 CBSA member companies pivoted during the pandemic to develop COVID-19 tests, treatments, vaccines, and vaccine delivery systems. These legislative champions ensure that the Advanced Industries Accelerator Grant program and other initiatives that support life sciences innovation continue to contribute to the growth and health of life sciences in our state.”

The event also featured panel discussions with leaders of Colorado’s most notable IPOs, innovators from Colorado’s academic institutions and recent spinouts discussing innovations coming out of the pandemic, and leaders discussing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts underway at Colorado companies.

Colorado’s life sciences ecosystem directly employs 32,000 Coloradans and creates an economic impact of more than $3 billion.

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

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