Governor Presents 2013 Bioscience Award to Transgenomic, Inc. at Bio Nebraska Life Sciences Association Annual Meeting
Gov. Dave Heineman presented the award Tuesday to Transgenomic President and CEO Craig Tuttle at the Bio Nebraska Life Sciences Association annual meeting, held at the Gallup Corporation’s Omaha campus.
“Transgenomic is an example of the life science gems we have in our state,” Heineman said. “This company is the global leader in cardiac genetic testing with a family of innovative products.” The company’s products and services are focused on advancing personalized medicine in cardiology, oncology and inherited diseases.
Among its many innovations, the company has developed a kit that, through a blood draw, can help to significantly improve the critical decisions made by doctors and cancer patients when deciding on a treatment plan.
The bioscience award, created by Nebraska artist and Hastings College art professor Tom Kreager, recognizes individuals and companies that have made significant contributions to the bioscience industry in Nebraska.
Also Tuesday at the association’s annual meeting, Todd Johnson and Bruce Lichorowic spoke about growth — job growth and new business growth. Johnson is a practice leader for job creation at Gallup and served in leadership positions related to Gallup’s global activities and operations. He talked about the importance of job creation.
“In Gallup’s polling in 165 countries, the No. 1 goal of people is a good job,” Johnson said.
Lichorowic is a venture capitalist with more than 25 years of experience both as an executive and as a strategic consultant. He is now president and CEO of Trak Surgical, a new Omaha-based surgical device company that is poised to capitalize on innovation by researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Lichorowic talked about the difficulties of starting a new business. He offered three keys to success: cut revenue projections in half, double expense projections and add a year to the plan.
“The event was a tremendous success,” said Bio Nebraska Executive Director Phil Kozera. “It was certainly beneficial to hear the perspectives of Todd Johnson and Bruce Lichorowic. Our state is fortunate to have them here working to advance job growth. And, many thanks to the team at Gallup for working with us to put together a first-class event.”
Heineman credited Nebraska’s life science industry for fostering entrepreneurship and creating high paying jobs. “We are proud of the impact that your industry has on our state,” he told the members at the meeting.
The yearly meeting of the Bio Nebraska Life Sciences Association is an opportunity for the life science industry to come together and celebrate accomplishments, discuss issues impacting member organizations and to network. More information about upcoming events and membership can be found at www.bionebraska.org.
About Bio Nebraska
The mission of Bio Nebraska is to be the champion of biotechnology and to advocate for its member organizations, promoting academic, industry and government partnerships to foster the growth of life sciences within Nebraska. Nebraska biotechnology researchers expand the boundaries of science to benefit mankind by providing better health care, enhanced agriculture and a cleaner and safer environment, creating opportunities for economic development within the state.