MichBio Through the Years

Anniversary Special Edition

FALL 2018

A magazine showcasing Michigan’s biosciences industry

25 YEARS DRIVING BIO-INDUSTRY GROWTH

MICHBIO AT 25

A CLEAR MISSION, A LASTING IMPACT

Twenty-five years is a notable milestone and provides MichBio with an opportunity to recommit to the founding mission of the organization.

As the statewide biosciences industry trade organization, the work of MichBio, now and in the future, should reflect the original vision of the founders: “To promote the growth of the biosciences industry in Michigan.”

To frame the impact of MichBio’s work on the Michigan biosciences community and begin the collaborative process of defining the future of the organization, it is helpful to trace MichBio’s history.

As noted by Mickey Katz-Pek and Denis Callawaert, PhD in the preceding articles, they and the other key contributors to MichBio’s formation, realized the need for a biotechnology association in late 1992 and early 1993. At that time, as noted by MichBio archives, there was an upsurge in the launch of new biotech companies in Michigan, a change at the state’s research universities relative to technology development and transfer, increased federal funding for SBIR grants, and a mandate that federal labs participate in tech transfer. Together, those factors created synergy for the biosciences industry as well as a need for partnerships and information sharing.

In February and March of 1993, a bioscience community assessment showed a desire for assistance in identifying sources of investment capital, opportunities to network with other state-based companies, and education on the latest technology development.

As a result, the Michigan Biotechnology Association (MBA) was born with about eleven members (companies and institutions; thirtyfour, if you count individuals too). The first meeting was convened on September 28, 1993, and 80-100 professionals gathered for the General Session and organizational dinner.

During the early years MBA focused on hosting networking and educational programs, as well as advocating for the biotech industry on matters like NIH/SBIR funding and state support for company formation and commercialization.

By 2000, the Association was able to hire its first in-house executive director and focused its efforts on growing membership and building organizational infrastructure and capacity. In 2001, the formal name of the Association changed to the Michigan Biosciences Industry Association (MBIA) to signify a focus beyond the narrow definition of biotechnology. In 2002, “MichBio” was adopted as the legal d/b/a along with a double helix-themed logo to create a more publicly recognizable brand.

Then, in 2004, the Michigan Medical Device Manufacturers and Suppliers Association closed its door and MichBio embraced its role as the face of the broader bioscience industry in Michigan. In 2013, the Association’s logo was changed to reflect its bio-industry foundation and statewide constituency in a modern, bold way.

Today, the Association has almost two hundred members and is the only recognized statewide organization for the medical device, pharmaceutical, research, diagnostics and testing, bioscience distribution, agri- and industrial biotech, and informatics/health information technology sectors.

As a result, MichBio is the accepted state affiliate of the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed), Medical Device Manufacturers Association (MDMA), and Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO). In addition, it is closely aligned with the Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). Working with these and other national partners, MichBio’s visibility as the representative voice of Michigan’s bio-industry is now unequaled in its history.

Over the years, MichBio has worked diligently to expand its portfolio of member services and benefits. The Association’s Preferred Purchasing Program has grown from zero to ranking top 5 nationally for both buyer spending and savings. It has added a Career Center to assist companies with talent recruitment in Michigan, reimagined an old grant program, BioConnections™, into a partnering platform, and, of course, launched BioMatters™ as a flagship publication whose quality is unrivaled amongst other state bioscience groups.

Along the way, MichBio has expanded programming to include the one-of-a-kind CEO Leaders’ Club, launched a very successful Women of MichBio franchise, introduced MichBio U webinars, and partnered with the research universities to host sector-specific forums like the Michigan Drug Discovery Symposium.

MichBio’s increased capacity, commitment to its founding tenets, and continued dedication to the Michigan bio-industry makes the Association better resourced than ever and poised to deliver more value and impact to the biosciences community.

So, during our 25 th year, MichBio is celebrating the commitment, loyalty, and dedication of its founders, Board volunteers, members and staff who have contributed to the Association over the years. The alumnae group includes over 120 individuals, as noted in the listing that follows, whose support has been generous and untiring, and whose belief in the Organization’s mission has been unwavering.

MichBio will continue to focus its efforts, programs, initiatives, advocacy and strategies towards developing Michigan into a global leader in the biosciences and is confident that Michigan has the elements necessary to attain this strategic vision. The bio-community in Michigan has a tremendous impact on the health and economic well-being of every citizen in the state, and many around the globe—MichBio is dedicated to spreading public awareness of that impact. ■

Help ensure that the founders’ visions and hope continue to be realized by engaging with MichBio and your bioscience colleagues as we enter the next 25 years of driving industry growth in Michigan.

STEPHEN RAPUNDALO, PHD

BIOMATTERS | FALL 20189