Forwarded FYI.

Lyle

------ Forwarded Message
> From: Governor Tom Vilsack <[log in to unmask]>
> Reply-To: Governor Tom Vilsack <[log in to unmask]>
> Date: Mon, 27 Jan 2003 10:38:16 -0600
> To: "Mailings from the Iowa Governor's Office" <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: FW: Vilsack Announces $50 Million Initiative to Make Iowa a Leade r
> in Life Sciences
>
> For immediate release
> For more information:
> Monday, January 27, 2003
> John Lapp, 515-281-0173
>
> Vilsack Announces $50 Million Initiative to Make Iowa a Leader in Life
> Sciences
>
> DES MOINES - Governor Tom Vilsack today announced a plan to invest $50 million
> of the Iowa Values Fund into the creation of a life sciences initiative to
> help establish Iowa as a leader in life sciences.
>
> "Iowa is well positioned to become a worldwide leader in life sciences if we
> take action now," Vilsack said.  "The Regents Universities have enormous
> capabilities in plant sciences and in human health and medicine, and we have
> leading experts in private industry conducting cutting edge research,
> development and production in biotechnology right here in Iowa."
>
> Vilsack said his new initiative, developed with the Regents Universities, Iowa
> Business Council and leaders in Iowa's biotechnology industry, is a crucial
> step in transforming Iowa's economy.
>
> The plan focuses on a three-part strategy:
>
> A New Mindset Vilsack said the first step toward making Iowa a leader in the
> life sciences is creating a stronger and coordinated state approach for
> entrepreneurial ventures in biotechnology-related industries in Iowa.  This
> will also include better coordination among the Iowa Department of Economic
> Development (IDED), Iowa Regents institutions, and private sector business
> leaders to attract economic opportunity that will help transform Iowa's
> economy.
>
> A Regulatory Framework As part of the new approach, Vilsack will call for the
> creation of a state regulatory framework that minimizes risks associated with
> bioengineered products, ensures safety, and maintains public confidence.  This
> includes adopting a clear framework for crop producers who choose to invest in
> the production of transgenic crops aimed at pharmaceutical and enzyme
> development.
>
> Innovative Support for Start-up Companies This effort will provide public
> investment and enhanced support for new and expanding Iowa companies or those
> wishing to relocate to Iowa.  This includes three basic approaches for
> providing the life sciences infrastructure needed to attract new companies:
>
> 1.    An outreach program to accelerate new business creation and recruitment
> including enhanced incubator support functions;
>
> 2.    Enhanced facilities for new business incubation and innovative genetic
> transformation in plants and animals;
>
> 3.    Enhanced facilities for human pharmaceutical development, including
> facilities for new business incubation and other services.
>
> Vilsack said the budget for the $50 million life sciences initiative
> emphasizes four key areas:
>
> $4 million     Outreach program to accelerate new business creation, including
> new business incubator support functions, including operational expenses and
> personnel.
>
> $14 million    Construction of and equipment for new business incubator
> support facilities and R&D support for innovative genetic transformation,
> including incubator facilities, transgenic animal facilities, and transgenic
> plant facilities.
>
> $15 million    Construction of and equipment for new business incubator
> facilities and R&D support for human pharmaceutical development.
>
> $17 million     Construction of protein extraction facilities and services.
>
> Today's announced $50 million investment in life sciences infrastructure is
> part of the Iowa Values Fund, Vilsack's proposal for a $500 million fund to
> help transform Iowa's economy.  In addition to the $50 million announced
> today, $250 million of the Iowa Values Fund will be designated for developing
> the three key industry clusters of life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and
> information solutions.  A portion of the Iowa Values Fund will focus on
> regional economic development efforts statewide.
>
> Vilsack continued, "This initiative will increase the number of farmers
> planting high valued transgenic crops for pharmaceutical or enzyme
> development, increase biotechnology start-ups across Iowa, and increase our
> ability to recruit new companies that can provide Iowa families and
> communities the quality of life we value."
>
> [###]
>
> <<Life Sciences RELEASE.doc>>
>
------ End of Forwarded Message


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