MichBio Expo Draws Nearly 500 Professionals; Career Day Rais...( ANN ARBOR Mich. Nov. 21 /- MichBio th...)

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Nov. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- MichBio, the association for Michigan's biosciences industry, welcomed nearly 500 biosciences professionals and service providers to its fourth annual Expo on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week at the Rock Financial ShowPlace in Novi, MI. The MichBio Expo is the premier annual gathering of Michigan bioscience industry professionals. In addition, this year's event attracted 56 exhibitors. The 2009 Expo is planned for November 17-18 at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo, MI.

The first day of the event featured an Emerging Biosciences Showcase, where 16 companies presented their new technologies before a large audience of venture capital and angel investors. Concurrently, bioscience leaders from throughout the state gathered for a Michigan Biosciences Policy Summit, sponsored by the Wayne County Executive's Office, where intense discussion focused on issues confronting the future of Michigan's biosciences industry.

"Michigan's bioindustry is strong, but requires sustainable funding, resources and commitment from our decision makers if we are to insure long-term viability," said Stephen Rapundalo, Ph.D., MichBio President and CEO.

Christine Poon, vice chair of Johnson & Johnson, presented perspectives as the event's keynote speaker on how biotechnology innovation is impacting healthcare delivery and patients' lives. Her comments touched on the need for the industry to take responsibility in insuring affordable and safe treatments that can alleviate suffering and improve quality of life.

Several first-time awards were presented during the Expo. The Legislator of the Year Award, which recognizes the state legislator who consistently supports and defends issues of importance to the biotechnology community, was presented jointly to Rep. Rebekah Warren (D) and Sen. Randy Richardville (R) for their significant leadership in the formation of the Bio
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