Kansas Announces "Big Thinkers" in Bioscience
 KansasBio has named seven industry and policy leaders as Kansas bioscience "Big Thinkers."
The Kansas Bioscience "Big Thinkers" are individuals whose groundbreaking leadership in bioscience innovation has contributed to bioscience research, commercialization, policy, industry growth and expansion in the state.
The Kansas Bioscience "Big Thinkers" are part of the Kansas strategy to showcase its historical strengths and new innovation in biosciences during BIO 2007. The Kansas "Big Thinkers" are:
Scott Deeter, President and CEO, Ventria Bioscience
Dr. David Franz, International Expert, Biosecurity
Joerg Ohle, President & General Manager,
Bayer HealthCare LLC, Animal Health Division N.A.
Governor Kathleen Sebelius, Governor of Kansas
Dr. Val Stella, Distinguished Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas
Tom Thornton, President & CEO, Kansas Bioscience Authority
Dave Vander Griend, President & CEO, ICM Inc.
"Certainly the passage of our award-winning $580 million bioscience initiative in 2004 is vital to spurring growth in the industry, however we’re not resting on our laurels," said Angela Kreps, President of KansasBio. "By featuring our 'Big Thinkers' at BIO 2007, Kansas is demonstrating to the world that we have a strong track record of bioscience innovation and thoughtful leadership."
The "Big Thinkers" will be featured at numerous events during BIO 2007 in Boston, including the Kansas Bioscience Industry Growth Awards Reception on Monday, May 7 aboard the Seaport Elite, Boston Harbor and during Media Mornings at the Kansas Pavilion, #2621, on Monday, May 7, at 9:30 a.m. and Tuesday, May 8 at 10 a.m.
CLICK HERE to read more about the Kansas "Big Thinkers."
Get On Board With Kansas!
You're invited to the first ever Kansas Bioscience Industry Growth Awards Reception
 KansasBio is hosting an on-the-water reception that's sure to be a boatload of fun! You are invited to spend BIO 2007 "Opening Day" with Kansas at the first ever Kansas Bioscience Industry Growth Awards Reception on Monday, May 7 aboard the Seaport Elite in the Boston Harbor.
This very intimate and exclusive reception will be an opportunity for the Kansas Delegation to talk with Kansas Bioscience “Big Thinkers,” Public Officials and bioscience executives; discuss ways on how to consistently tell the world where Kansas has strengths, opportunities and a path for growth and celebrate the industry members that are starting, expanding and locating in Kansas.
Kansas standouts will be awarded in the following categories: Research & Development, Expansion, Start Up and Innovative Program Supporting Bioscience Growth. A pinnacle award, the Governor's Cup, will be awarded for excellence in the biosciences.
Transportation Instructions: Travel to the Boston World Trade Center on Seaport Boulevard. Once you arrive, walk towards the Commonwealth Pier and follow the signs to the Seaport Elite (behind the Spirit of Boston cruise ship).
CLICK HERE to RSVP.
Why I'm Going to BIO 2007
Kansas Secretary of Commerce David Kerr
 “The 2007 BIO International Convention provides us an opportunity to showcase our state at the largest bioscience event of the year. The convergence of business, policy and research leaders at this conference makes it the absolute best place to be and be seen, and that’s why we’re so excited to attend. Kansas has assembled an incredible delegation this year, and I’m confident that our presence in Boston will help us continue to grow the bioscience industry in our state.”
In addition to Kansas Secretary of Commerce David Kerr, several other Kansas Public Officials are planning to attend BIO 2007 in Boston including:
Senator Karin Brownlee
Representative Mario Goico
Senator Nick Jordan
Senate President Steve Morris
Representative Cindy Neighbor
Secretary of Agriculture Adrian Polansky
Representative Stephanie Sharp
Big Thinking Showcased at BIO 2007
 Jim Millis, Cargill Technical Director of Industrial Bioproducts and KansasBio Board Member, will speak during the New Developments in White Biotechnology: Beyond Biofuels session on May 8 from 9:15 - 10:45 a.m. at the BCEC, Room 253A.
 Bruce Ferguson, President and CEO, Edenspace Systems Corporation will speak during the Energy Crops for Biofuels (Industrial and Environmental) session on May 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the BCEC, Room 253A. He will also speak during the Energy Crops for Biofuels (Food and Ag) session on May 9 from
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the BCEC, Room 253B.
Kansas Teacher Receives Ventria Award Grant
The Geary County Unified School District has been awarded a grant from Ventria Bioscience to send a local high school science teacher, Matt Krehbiel, Junction City High School, to the Biotechnology Institute's Teacher-Leader program, May 3-6 in Boston, prior to BIO 2007.
The Teacher-Leader program offers teachers hands-on professional development sessions, teaching strategies and tours of leading biotechnology sites with the goal of enabling science teachers to easily integrate biotechnology content and activities into the classroom.
"Education is the foundation of future progress in the biosciences. By awarding this grant, we want to do our part to contribute to the educational opportunities available in Geary County's schools and for teachers like Matt who are training tomorrow's leaders," said Scott Deeter, President & CEO, Ventria Bioscience.
All-Star Lineup of Sponsors
BIO 2007 in Boston provides us a "BIG" stage to show the world what Kansas brings to the table in the biosciences. We are thrilled to announce that Overland Park Economic Development Council, Ventria Bioscience and MGP Ingredients have joined KansasBio and its statewide effort as sponsors.
Platinum Sponsors:
Kansas Bioscience Authority
Kansas Technology Enterprise Corporation (KTEC)
Gold Sponsors:
Bayer Animal Health
Hill's Pet Nutrition
ICM, Inc.
Silver Sponsors:
Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC)
Kansas Department of Commerce
Lawrence Chamber of Commerce
Bronze Sponsors:
City of Pittsburg
Junction City & Geary County Economic Development
Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute (KCALSI)
Manhattan Chamber of Commerce
Overland Park Economic Development Council
Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas
Shawnee Economic Development Council
Topeka Chamber of Commerce
Industry Sponsors:
IdentiGEN North America, Inc.
Kansas Farm Bureau
Kennedy and Coe
MGP Ingredients
Physicians Reference Laboratory
Ventria Bioscience
Via Christi Health System
University Sponsors:
Kansas State University
Pittsburg State University
University of Kansas
Wichita State University |
Media Mornings!
