Senator Alan Simpson and Erskine Bowles to Deliver Keynote Addressing Debt, Taxes, Government Services and Politics at the 2013 BIO International Convention

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Co-chairs of President Obama’s National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform and co-founders of The Campaign to Fix the Debt, former Senator Alan Simpson and Erskine Bowles will engage in a lively Keynote Luncheon panel titled “Debt, Taxes, Government Services and Politics—Is There a Way Out?”, on Wednesday, April 24^th, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. at the 2013 BIO International Convention in Chicago, Illinois. Hosted by the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), the Convention brings together life science leaders and policy makers from around the globe looking to address the biotech industry’s most pressing issues.

“Debt, Taxes, Government Services and Politics—Is There a Way Out?”

Moderated by BIO’s President & CEO Jim Greenwood, the panel will draw from Senator Simpson’s and Mr. Bowles’ inside the beltway knowledge and experience to discuss their non-partisan movement to put America on a better fiscal and economic path.

“Decisions about federal spending, deficits and tax policies have a huge impact on the environment in which our BIO member companies do the hard work of biotech innovation. Few are as knowledgeable about budget issues as Mr. Bowles and Senator Simpson. We look forward to hearing their ideas for how to ensure a strong economic future for America without compromising biotechnology's ability to move faster to heal, fuel and feed the world,” said BIO President & CEO Jim Greenwood.

Senator Simpson first joined the United States Senate in 1979 and was elected by his peers to the position of the Assistant Majority Leader in 1984 and served Majority Leader Bob Dole in that capacity until 1994. He completed his final Senate term on January 3, 1997.

Mr. Bowles, best known for his roles as SBA Administrator, Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief of Staff under President Clinton, worked at the direction of Clinton and with the Republican House of Representatives and Senate to negotiate the first balanced budget in a generation.

Wednesday’s Keynote session is sponsored by Amgen.

The Wednesday Keynote Luncheon is open to attendees who have registered as Convention Access or higher and to credentialed members of the media.

Celebrating its 20^th anniversary, the BIO International Convention will highlight the latest trends and the newest opportunities for executives, investors, scientists, policy leaders and media from around the world. Speakers at the sessions will share breakthroughs in medicine, diagnostics, the environment, energy production, business operations, financing, partnerships, policy issues and food and agriculture. Visit here for the most up-to-date program and speaker information.

Advance media registration is now available for qualified reporters working full time for print, broadcast and web publications with valid press credentials. To register, please visit here.

The Convention also features the BIO Business Forum, a unique platform for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, academic research institutions, and investors from around the world to gather and discuss strategic opportunities. For registration, conference agenda and exhibitor information, visit 2013 BIO International Convention.

About BIO

BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world. BIO produces BIOtechNOW, an online portal and monthly newsletter chronicling “innovations transforming our world.” Subscribe to BIOtechNOW.

Upcoming BIO Events

BIO CEO & Investor Conference
February 11-12, 2013
New York City, NY

BIO IPCC Conference
March 25-27, 2013
San Diego, CA

BIO International Convention
April 22-25, 2013
Chicago, IL

World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology
June 16-19, 2013
Montreal, Canada