The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) has named New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie as its 2012 Governor of the Year award in recognition of his leadership and commitment to advancing biotechnology and promoting public health.
The award was formally presented at the BIO International Convention in Boston this week.
“I am honored to be recognized by the Biotechnology Industry Organization,” said Gov. Christie. “The key to economic recovery, both in our state and nationally, lies in securing economic growth and job creation in innovative industries such as the biotech sector. I’m proud that New Jersey continues to lead the way in this sector – creating the jobs and technology breakthroughs that improve the quality of life for our citizens and people around the world.”
“Gov. Christie has been an exemplary leader in enhancing New Jersey’s stature as one of the nation’s most vibrant biotech clusters through strong support for policies that benefit a pro-business and pro-biotechnology environment. His funding and support of biotech tax credits is a model for federal legislation that supports critical early-stage capital formation,” said Jim Greenwood, President and CEO of BIO. “The governor’s leadership in this field will continue to benefit his state and region, in terms of jobs and innovation, for years to come.”
“From the moment he was inaugurated, Gov. Christie has been a strong supporter of advancing biotechnology in New Jersey, and BioNJ is pleased to have nominated the Governor for this well deserved award,” said Debbie Hart, President of BioNJ. “In both word and deed, Gov. Christie has worked to help our companies succeed as witnessed by his leadership in supporting the Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer Program, the doubling of the R&D Tax Credit and naming of BioNJ to run the Life Sciences Talent Network.”
