Gov. Dennis Daugaard led a group of 25 South Dakotans to the International BIO conference last week in Washington, D.C. The Governor met individually with more than 15 industry leaders at the global event to promote South Dakota and encourage bio-tech industry development in South Dakota.
Gov. Daugaard said having direct access to the opinion leaders and decision-makers of the bioscience community was priceless.
“As result of the BIO Conference and our meetings there, we have several new business prospects and better information about industry demands,” the Governor said. “We also helped connect South Dakota companies with new clients. I’m sure the groundwork we laid at the convention will serve us well for years to come.”
Ranjit Koodali, Ph.D., a University of South Dakota research professor who attended the event with the South Dakota delegation, agreed the convention was both beneficial and productive.
“My interaction with several bio companies increased my exposure and generated new directions for my anti-bacterial research,” said Dr. Koodali.
South Dakota is home to seven research centers dedicated specifically to biosciences, and the industry employs more than 3,500 South Dakotans.
The state delegation attending the BIO Conference this year included representatives from the Aberdeen, Brookings, North Sioux City, Sioux Falls, Vermillion, Watertown and Yankton Economic Development groups, South Dakota State University, USD, Chronix BioMedical, pharmaCline, Sanford, and the South Dakota Biotechnology Association.