PROVIDENCE – Gov. Gina M. Raimondo was awarded the Biotechnology Innovation Organization’s 2017 Governor of the Year Award at the National Governor’s Association’s Summer Meeting in Providence on Friday. The award was in recognition of Raimondo’s efforts to strengthen bioscience industries in Rhode Island.
“Governor Raimondo is a tireless advocate for initiatives that support the unique needs of early-stage companies,” said Gary Andres, senior executive vice president of public affairs of BIO. “The Governor’s leadership in this field will continue to benefit her state, in terms of jobs and innovation, for years to come.”
“Thanks to our investments in skills training and economic development, our state’s biotechnology industry is strong and getting stronger,” Raimondo said, referencing developments in Providence’s I-195 District and plans to launch a workforce program partnered with the state’s biotech industries.
“I am proud of the progress we’ve made, and am deeply honored to receive this award,” Raimondo said.
BIO is the largest biotechnology trade association in the world, representing academic institutions, companies and biotech centers nationwide and in over 30 countries internationally. Its work extends to the development of healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental products utilizing biotech.
Kyle Borowski is a PBN contributing writer.
