Press Release - Friday, July 22, 2005
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GOV. BLAGOJEVICH CELEBRATES BUSINESS FACILITIES MAGAZINE RANKING ILLINOIS THE TOP STATE IN THE NATION FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY
CHICAGO - In another strong indication of the emerging bioscience industry throughout the state, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich announced today that Business Facilities Magazine's July edition has ranked Illinois the top state in the nation for biotechnology. Illinois is at the center of a vibrant Midwest life sciences region that is leading the next generation of bioscience medical, agricultural, industrial and environmental solutions. With world-class research institutions, global companies and exceptional support resources, Illinois is putting science to work and creating good jobs throughout the state. Business Facilities defined biotechnology as encompassing a variety of different fields, including agricultural feedstock and chemicals, drugs and pharmaceuticals, medical devices and equipment, and research and testing. "As the global economy continues to evolve, we are investing in the technologies of today and tomorrow. Business Facilities has recognized that these investments are paying important scientific and economic dividends. Illinois has all the necessary ingredients to not only lead the nation but also become the biotech capital of the world, and our important public-private partnerships involving our universities, national laboratories and industry leaders are helping us achieve this attainable goal. With Chicago hosting BIO 2006, one of the most prestigious international life sciences conference, the rapid growth of biotech throughout Illinois will certainly continue," Gov. Blagojevich said. Business Facilities Over the last several months, Gov. Blagojevich has attracted some of the nation's premier biotech firms to the Chicagoland area. Several leading pharmaceutical companies have decided to locate company headquarters or new facilities in the region, including Astellas Pharma and Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America in Deerfield and Hospira in Lake Forest. The state's investments in these firms will help create and retain almost 2,000 jobs. Unparalleled Concentration of Research and Institutions Argonne National Laboratory - operates state-of-the-art research facilities, including the $20 billion Advanced Photon Source. The Illinois Medical District - home to 40 research institutions including the Chicago Technology Park, one of the world's first biotech research parks. The University of Illinois has the second largest research budget in the U.S. with more than $700 million last year. Deep Talent Pool Diverse Life Science Applications Supporting Services "With our incredible universities, national labs and private industry, Illinois continues to be a birthplace for cutting-edge scientific research and innovation. Yet when it comes to acting as an engine of economic growth, our world-class scientific infrastructure has only scratched the surface of its enormous potential. Gov. Blagojevich recognizes the possibilities of biotech to help ensure a stronger and better future for Illinois, and has a plan to take advantage of it. We're working simultaneously on two fronts - the first is investing in the infrastructure of biotechnology, to ensure we can take full advantage of our assets. The second is by marketing Illinois as a biotechnology leader, as evidenced by our landing of the BIO 2006 conference in Chicago. Business Facilities has recognized that the Governor's strategic vision is working," Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Jack Lavin said. "This recognition of the State of Illinois is the result of a long and salutary tradition, continued energetically by Gov. Blagojevich and Director Lavin, of making sound investments in our life sciences infrastructure. Their leadership, combined with world-class research institutions, a globally-recognized corporate community, and the state's unmatched access to world markets, makes Illinois a compelling choice for companies seeking new or expanded locations," iBio President David Miller said. You can find more information on the rankings at:
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