BioForward Annual Member Meeting to Feature Biotechnology Industry Organization's Fritz Bittenbender, VP of Alliance Development and State Government Affairs

MADISON, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BioForward announced today that Fritz Bittenbender, Vice President of Alliance Development and State Government Affairs for the Biotechnology Industry Organization, is the featured speaker at the upcoming 2012 BioForward Annual Member Meeting, taking place December 13th at the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery.

“Wisconsin's bioscience industry continues to thrive and grow, thanks to its support for this industry's unique economic development needs, world-class universities, and its central geography”

Fritz and his team act as BIO’s liaison to patient advocacy organizations, physician and payer groups, state and national business organizations, and state and local elected officials across the country. Fritz also serves as Executive Director of the Council of State Bioscience Associations, which coordinates the efforts of 51 autonomous biotechnology organizations located across the continental United States and Puerto Rico.

Bryan Renk Executive Director of BioForward will also provide a brief update on the organization's achievements this year and preview initiatives for the year ahead.

"BioForward is proud of our alliance with BIO," said Bryan Renk. "Together we support an industry that's working to solve the greatest challenges facing our society — whether it’s finding a cure for cancer, protecting against bio-terror threats, or creating renewable energy and renewable chemicals."

"Wisconsin's bioscience industry continues to thrive and grow, thanks to its support for this industry's unique economic development needs, world-class universities, and its central geography," said Fritz Bittenbender. "We are proud to be bringing back the 2013 BIO International Convention back to the Midwest next year when we return to nearby Chicago."

Parking for the event will be available in nearby University lots 17 and 20.

Click here for more information about the 2012 BioForward Annual Member Meeting or email [e-mail]

About BioForward

BioForward® is the member-driven state association that is the voice of Wisconsin’s bioscience industry. We advocate actively on our members’ behalf to create investment and partnership opportunities, attract and retain the very best people, and support public policy that fosters their continued growth. We also provide member-support services that include networking opportunities through a variety of conferences and events, online resources and group purchasing programs. Our members include bioscience companies, universities, non-profits, service providers, and state, regional and local government representatives.

About BIO

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world. BIO produces BIOtechNOW, an online portal and monthly newsletter chronicling “innovations transforming our world.” Subscribe to BIOtechNOW.