Arizona BioIndustry Association Honors Ten Arizona Legislators As 2015 Trailblazers

AZBio Trailblazers are selected annually and recognized for their leadership in supporting research, education, innovation and the growth of Arizona’s bioscience sector by the Arizona Bioindustry Association.

CHANDLER, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Arizona Bioindustry Association (AZBio) will honor 10 Arizona Legislators on December 10, 2015 for their service to the community and for championing research, education, innovation, the growth of Arizona’s bioscience sector and ensuring that Arizona’s people benefit from life science innovation. The honorees will be recognized by the leaders of Arizona’s bioscience and healthcare community at the 2015 AZBio Trailblazer Awards during a special appreciation luncheon for members, elected officials and legislators. The event will also feature a panel presentation Making LIFE Better by Investing In Arizona with panelists: Raymond N. DuBois, MD, PhD of the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University, life science investor and industry executive Jean-Pierre Million, and Matthew E. Likens, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ulthera Division of Merz, Inc.

“Arizona’s bioscience sector is leading the way both in advancing science and in job creation”

“Arizona’s bioscience sector is leading the way both in advancing science and in job creation,” shared Russ Yelton, CEO of Pinnacle Transplant Technologies and AZBio Board Chair. “While our leading educational, research, and industry partners are making it happen on the front lines, we rely on the support of our legislators and elected officials to clear the path for growth with a commitment to quality education, scientific discovery, and a business environment where companies are attracted to Arizona, created in Arizona and most importantly choose to stay and grow here.”

“Each year, AZBio shares with the community the key factors that lead to growth in this vital economic sector,” shared AZBio president and CEO Joan Koerber-Walker. “The 2015 Trailblazer honorees were selected based on their engagement with the bioscience community as well as committee and voting records on key issues that support the growth of the life science industry in Arizona and for working to ensure that the people of Arizona benefit from the life-changing and life-saving innovations our companies discover, develop, and deliver.”

Our 2015 Trailblazers worked tirelessly to make life better in our state and for All Arizonans:

• Passed landmark legislation to ensure that people in Arizona have access to diagnostic tests that can be used to monitor and improve health quality without first obtaining a prescription
• Passed legislation that allows pharmacists to synchronize medication dates on prescriptions so that patients can better adhere to the treatment plans designed by their healthcare providers
• Began the discussion on how to support and expand Arizona’s university research infrastructure so that we stay globally competitive
• Advocated on behalf of our K-12 education system and universities to reduce funding cuts
• Sent a bill to the Governor which would have created STEM internship opportunities for students and teachers so that they had the opportunity to get real-world experience in these 21st Century careers
• Worked to increase Arizona’s refundable R&D tax credit and refresh the funding allocations for its Angel Investment Tax Credit
• Passed legislation to allow companies to raise up to $2.5 million and non-accredited investors to give up to $10,000 each via private equity crowd funding.

The 2015 AZBio Trailblazer Honorees are:

• Senator Nancy Barto (2015)
• Senator Jeff Dial (2013, 2014, 2015)
• Senator Steve Pierce (2013, 2014, 2015)
• Senator Bob Worsley (2013, 2014, 2015)
• Senator Kimberly Yee (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)
• Speaker Pro Tempore Bob Robson (2015)
• Representative Heather Carter (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)
• Representative Karen Fann (2015)
• Representative Eric Meyer (2014, 2015)
• Representative Thomas “T.J.” Shope (2015)

AZBio Trailblazers 2011 – 2014

• Speaker of the House Andy Tobin (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014)
• Representative Chad Campbell (2011, 2012)
• Representative Debbie McCune Davis (2012, 2013, 2014)
• Representative Doris Goodale (2011)
• Representative Eric Meyer (2014, 2015)
• Representative Heather Carter (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)
• Representative Jeff Dial (2013, 2014, 2015)
• Representative Kate Brophy McGee (2014)
• Representative Lela Alston (2014)
• Representative Vic Williams (2011, 2012)
• Senator Adam Driggs (2014)
• Senator Al Melvin (2012)
• Senator Anna Tovar (2011, 2012, 2013)
• Senator Bob Worsley (2013, 2014, 2015)
• Senator Jack Jackson Jr. (2011)
• Senator John McComish (2012, 2013)
• Senator Kelli Ward (2013)
• Senator Kimberly Yee (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)
• Senator Kyrsten Sinema (2011)
• Senator Leah Landrum Taylor (2012)
• Senator Michele Reagan (2011)
• Senator Rich Crandall (2011)
• Senator Steve Pierce (2013, 2014, 2015)

About the Arizona Bioindustry Association (AZBio)

As Arizona’s statewide life science industry association, AZBio works with companies and institutions across Arizona’s life science and healthcare industries to support the discovery, development and delivery of life science innovations. AZBio members include leading universities, research institutes and companies in the medical device, therapeutic, diagnostic, telemedicine, health IT, bioenergy, biomaterials and business sectors.

AZBio is the State Affiliate of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) located in Washington, D.C. and also collaborates on national issues with AdvaMed, PhRMA and other national and international organizations to move the Arizona Bioscience Industry forward faster.

Website: http://www.azbio.org