Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Legislators to Host Life Science Day in Franklin

Representative Jeffrey Roy, Senator Karen Spilka and Senator Richard Ross will host Travis McCready, the President and CEO of the MA Life Science Center in Franklin on Friday. They will participate in a number of roundtable discussions centered on education and economic development.

More than thirty Life Science experts, educators, legislators, town and state officials, and advocates are slated to attend the various roundtables. The forums will focus on the life sciences industry in Franklin and the surrounding communities. They will explore the economy and education looking at the strengths, deficiencies, and areas for future growth.

The first roundtable will be held at 9AM at the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School in Franklin. It will focus on Life Science education and will be followed by a brief school tour highlighting Life Science investments and successes. The afternoon roundtable will be held at 11:45AM at ZeptoMetrix in Franklin, and will focus on economic and business development and will include a tour of the facility.
MA Life Sciences Center
MA Life Sciences Center

Over the past eight years the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, our state's investment agency in life sciences, charged with implementing our state's $1 billion Life Sciences Initiative, has made nearly $600 million in investments that support scientific research, early-stage companies, workforce development and life sciences infrastructure across the entire state. Among U.S. states, Massachusetts is 1st in life sciences venture capital funds per capita, 1st in life sciences employment per capita, 1st in federal research funds per capita, and 1st in educational level of workforce.

"At the MLSC we are pursuing an intentional strategy to support life sciences growth throughout the entire Commonwealth," said Travis McCready, President and CEO of the MLSC. "I look forward to our visit Franklin to understand the region's capacity for attracting life sciences investment and to continue our collaboration with local leaders to find ways in which we can work together to grow the industry in the region."

"Massachusetts is world renowned for both its educational opportunities and its innovative technology industry, and the life sciences are a big part of our success,," said State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin), "Every year billions of dollars are injected into the Massachusetts economy through medical, biotech and other life sciences from all over the world. Franklin has been committed to supporting the life sciences and has already taken the necessary steps to zone accordingly and invest in industrial zones. As a result Franklin was rated Platinum by the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council for BioReadiness. Companies look for a town like Franklin with its great schools, low rent and geographical location, and our discussions will emphasize these and the many other attributes."

"I am pleased that the President and CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, Travis McCready, is taking the time to visit Franklin. The town of Franklin is built upon the strength of our schools, hardworking taxpayers, and innovative small business owners and I am looking forward to discussing how we can continue to build upon this growth for the good of our constituents," said Senator Richard Ross (R-Wrentham).

"The life sciences companies in MetroWest are the backbone of our state's innovation economy," said Senator Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "As Chair of the legislature's Biotech Caucus, my goal is to facilitate partnerships with this thriving sector to support innovative research, maintain and create jobs and make sure our life sciences workforce and companies continue to grow. I look forward to thoughtful discussion and continued collaboration with Franklin employers, workers and the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center."

"As the recipient of grants in 2014 and 2015 from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, Tri-County RVTHS and the entire vocational community are very appreciative for your investment in our students." said Stephen Dockray - Tri-County High School Superintendent.

These efforts are in conjunction with the Massachusetts Life Science Center which serves as a link for legislators cutting across issues that affect the Life Science industry.

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