A note from BioFlorida's president & CEO C. Russell Allen

              

Ten years ago, BioFlorida was a small organization with a big idea: To create a medium of dialogue for the voices of Florida’s bioscience industry. At the time, BioFlorida had no staff, was headed by volunteer members and pulled together the first Annual Conference with about 70 attendees. The bioscience sector, particularly in Florida, was merely a fledgling industry. We’ve come a long way since then, with an established staff and dozens of members and partners in the field. BioFlorida has also conquered the geographical challenge the state presents, and created six official chapters.

 

One thing that hasn’t changed about BioFlorida is its mission: to serve the needs of Florida’s bioscience community. During my first year at BioFlorida, my immediate focus was to go out and meet members one-on-one throughout the state and learn about their particular issues and concerns. We started out catching up to the momentum in the industry and now, we’re going to lead it. The state has already demonstrated its commitment to biosciences, and we have an opportunity to move Florida into a leading national role and take our research advancements and technologies into the global marketplace.

 

Further, it’s our goal to capitalize on the continued growth and momentum of this field--for BioFlorida wouldn’t be here without it or our members. Bioscience, heath-related and lifestyle-related industries are going to lead the next wave of our economy. As that occurs, BioFlorida is here to assure that Florida’s contribution to that effort remains strong and recognized.

 

As you move forward and grow, know that BioFlorida is doing the same alongside you.