Three governors cheer biotechnology

BT Catalyst, Jan-Feb, 2005

North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley and former governors Jim Hunt and Jim Martin led a Dec. 14 pep rally of top state leaders on the importance of continued state investment in biotechnology and execution of North Carolina's strategic plan for biotechnology development.

My advice to you is to be aggressive and be bold," Easley told the Steering Committee that guided the development of New Jobs Across North Carolina: A Strategic Plan for Growing the Economy Statewide through Biotechnology. "Let's just keep going forward."

Speaking at the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, Easley said North Carolina must build on the advantages it already has in biotechnology, including its human capital and work force. He cited a recent report by the Milken Institute that ranked North Carolina No. 1 nationally in both categories.

"That is going to be the key to attracting and keeping these industries here," he said.

Easley commissioned the strategic plan in June 2003.

The Biotechnology Center consulted 120 experts across the state and compiled a plan consisting of 54 strategic recommendations for growing the state's biotechnology industry. The plan was presented to Easley in February 2004.

Since then, many of the recommendations in the plan have been implemented, and progress has been made toward others.

"We certainly see people embracing biotechnology across the state," said Dr. Leslie Alexandre, president and CEO of the Biotechnology Center.

Steering Committee members agreed that continued success in biotechnology development and job creation will depend largely on securing additional state investment in the 2005 session of the General Assembly.

"We are on the right track, but we've got so much to do," said former Gov. Jim Hunt, co-chair of the Steering Committee along with former Gov. Jim Martin.

Other Steering Committee members who spoke at the meeting included:

* Molly Broad, president of the University of North Carolina System

* Norris Tolson, secretary of the N.C. Department of Revenue

* Dr. Robert Timmins, board chairman of the Biotechnology Center

* Lawrence Davenport, board member of Golden LEAF

* Billy Ray Hall, president of the N.C. Rural Economic Development Center

* Jack Cecil, president of Biltmore Farms

* Dr. Charles Hamner, retired president of the Biotechnology Center

* Richard Wiley, past president of the N.C. Economic Developers Association

Dr. Victor Dzau, newly appointed chancellor for health affairs at Duke University and president and CEO of the Duke University Health System, also spoke.