WASHINGTON, Oct 21, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) presented Florida Senate President Ken Pruitt (R-Port St. Lucie) with a Legislator of the Year Award for 2007-2008.

 

"Senate President Pruitt has been integral to the recruitment of numerous biotech leaders that now callFloridahome. Furthermore, Senator Pruitt was a central force in the establishment of theFloridabiotechnology caucus," said BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood.

 

"He is committed to providing the tools that growing companies need to succeed and compete and has been a leader in economic development, job creation and continued innovation," continued Greenwood. "On behalf of the entire biotechnology industry, BIO congratulates Senate President Pruitt on receiving this award."

 

"Senate President Pruitt is an ardent supporter of Florida's biotechnology industry. He understands the benefits the industry provides in the form of economic stability and more high-paying jobs,"said Russell Allen, President and CEO of BioFlorida. "His support resulted in a major expansion of the biotech community within our state. He is a true friend to our bioscience community and the patients that we serve."

 

The award was presented at the BioFlorida Annual Conference luncheon, held at The Ritz-Carlton in Amelia Island. The conference, which runs October 19-21, is the state's largest bioscience forum.

 

BIO represents more than 1,200 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world's largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.