Contact: Ernie Blazar 202.224.7627 Shana Stribling 202.224.0309
Monday, November 25, 2002

MEXICO, MISSOURI - Senator Kit Bond today kicked off the first of several briefings across Missouri on the economic and environmental benefits of Missouri's biotechnology industry. He joined the Missouri Biotechnology Association (MOBIO) in his hometown of Mexico, Missouri.

"This revolution is already bringing us a cleaner and healthier environment while also helping to strengthen our state's rural economy," said Bond, a long-time and leading proponent of biotechnology."

The Missouri Biotechnology Association is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to development and growth of the Missouri biotechnology and biomedical industry. By supporting basic research in the life sciences, development of a highly educated work force and providing a friendly environment for attracting and founding new business, the Missouri Biotechnology Association intends to make a significant impact on Missouri economic development.

Joining Bond at the event were Nicholas Kalaitzandonakes, Associate Professor of Agribusiness, University of Missouri and Dr. J. S. McLaren of Inverizon.

Home to more than 100 life science companies in the state, Missouri is in the top tier nationally for life science hubs. These private companies work closely with public and not-for-profit research institutions including the University of Missouri, Washington University, the Missouri Botanical Garden and the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. Along with the first-class research facilities in Missouri, the state’s role as a global leader in the life sciences has been solidified.

Senator Bond has long been a champion of Missouri’s academic and research communities. Of the $120 million Senator Bond has been able to provide in direct support for the University system in the last three years, nearly one-third of that has been to support life sciences. Included in that, Bond has earmarked nearly $30 million for the new Life Sciences Center, $2 million for the new greenhouse facility, as well as funds for laboratory facilities and research activities and positions located at the University. Additionally, Bond has provided over $250 million for his national Plant Genome initiative.