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State leaders predict bright future for biotech in Western N.C

BT Catalyst, July-August, 2004

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA IS poised to reap new jobs and community development by finding its niche in biotechnology, several state leaders told a gathering of more than 100 people at a June 14 ceremony to dedicate the North Carolina Center's new satellite office near Asheville.

"The local biotechnology economy is alive and well," said Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue, one of seven speakers at the event. "There's commitment from the political leadership like we've never seen before."

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Jack Cecil, president of Biltmore Farms and a member of the Biotechnology Center's board of directors, said Western North Carolina missed out on the information technology industry boom of the 1990s, "but we don't want to miss the biotechnology opportunity." To ensure that it doesn't, he said the region should focus on biotechnology applications that draw on its inherent strengths, including plant diversity, forestry, landscape and horticulture, natural medicine, functional foods, clinical trials and biomanufacturing.

"Biotechnology probably is not the panacea for Western North Carolina, but it is an opportunity," said Cecil, who also chairs the 24-member Advisory Committee for Biotechnology in Western North Carolina. "We're going to find our niches; we're going to find our comparative advantages. We need to find better paying jobs."

Ray Bailey, president of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, said six small biotechnology companies have located in the college's business incubator on the Enka campus, where the ceremony was held, and "there are others in the wings who want to come and join us on this campus."

Martin Lancaster, president of the N.C. Community College System and a member of the Biotechnology Center's board of directors, said "there is a future for biotechnology across North Carolina and especially here in Western North Carolina. I'm convinced this (satellite office) will be the catalyst for biotechnology development in Western North Carolina."

The satellite office is working with regional partners to develop biotechnology research, business and education in Western North Carolina for long-term economic and societal benefit. The office is among four already planned across the state. An office in Winston-Salem was opened in 2003 to serve the Piedmont Triad area, and Piedmont Triad area, and new offices are planned to open later this year to serve greater Charlotte and Eastern North Carolina.

Strengthening biotechnology in regions beyond the technology-rich Research Triangle area is one of three immediate priorities recommended in New Jobs Across North Carolina: A Strategic Plan for Growing the Economy Statewide through Biotechnology.

Our mission is clear," said Dr. Leslie Alexandre, president and CEO of the Biotechnology Center. "Working through our satellite office, the Biotechnology Center must strengthen and catalyze biotechnology development in Western North Carolina. And we will do it in the best spirit of partnership with all the people and organizations represented here today."

Norris Tolson, secretary of the N.C. Department of Revenue and a Biotechnology Center board member, said, "Our biotechnology effort is all about growth, collaboration and investment."

The Western North Carolina office is directed by Dr. Charles Moreland, retired vice chancellor for research at N.C. State University and former Biotechnology Center board member.

Technology Industry

State leaders predict bright future for biotech in Western N.C

BT Catalyst, July-August, 2004

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