Aggressive Job Growth in Wisconsin's Bioscience Industry

Promoting job growth in the Wisconsin Biosciences industry will be a strong message at BioForward's 2011 Bioscience Vision Summit to be held September 8, 2011 at the Madison Marriott. Wisconsin's Bioscience industry has a $7 billion impact on the state (and growing), and is positively affecting regions across the state.

Bryan Renk, BioForward's Executive Director comments, "We are thrilled with recent reports from member companies that are creating opportunities in smaller communities, in addition to bigger cities like Milwaukee. For example, Cambridge Major, a pharmaceutical manufacturing firm in Germantown, has had a 30% revenue increase and a 20% increase in hiring this year. As a not-for-profit organization, we will continue to create legislative, networking and resource opportunities for Wisconsin companies."

Other BioForward member companies are showing remarkable expansion. A few examples include:

• Fitchurg, WI: Promega, a research tools company, recently broke ground for a new 260,000 square foot facility that will employ an additional 100 people in the next five years. They will be participating in the Career Connections sessions at BioForward's Summit.
• Lodi, WI: Anteco Pharma, a contract manufacturing firm, plans a 25,000 sq ft expansion that could quadruple employment in five years.
• Marshfield, WI: Prevention Genetics, a genetic testing and screening company, added 12 new employees this year, and plans to expand into new areas through the addition of new senior staff over the next year.
•  Phillips, WI: Phillips Plastics, a key manufacturing of medical devices, employs 1500 and has 40 job openings.
• Beloit, WI: NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes, a nuclear medicine company, has a $194 million development underway.
• Middleton, WI: Shine Medical Technologies, a nuclear medicine company, expects to decide by the end of September where in the state it will build a manufacturing company.

Governor Scott Walker comments, "As governor, I am committed to making Wisconsin 'Open for Business' across all sectors, including the life sciences. With our state's abundant natural resources and our world-class research institutions, the bioscience industry is an area where Wisconsin is uniquely prepared to compete -- not only with other states, but across the world."

For more information: www.bioforward.org/2011bvs.php

BioForward -- BioForward is the independent, member-driven state-wide association that is the voice of Wisconsin's bioscience industry. We focus on making innovation happen: helping our members find partners and funding, advocating for public policy that fosters innovation and growth, offering group purchasing discounts, and providing tools for recruiting and talent development. http://www.bioforward.org/2011bvs.php .