SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BioUtah praises Gov. Gary R. Herbert’s speech on September 25 during the breakfast plenary session of the 2018 MedTech Conference. Gov. Herbert told the packed ballroom of 3,000 national and international medical technology executives and stakeholders about Utah’s exceptional life sciences industry, raising the profile of the state as the place to be for innovation, growth and better healthcare.
The Governor emphasized that the industry supports one in 15 jobs in Utah, with above market wages. He also stressed the difference that the industry makes in people’s lives.
Following his remarks, the Governor visited the Utah Life Sciences exhibit booth, where he met with representatives from Utah companies, including those from BD, Edwards Lifesciences, Johnson & Johnson, Merit Medical, Protecs and Stryker.
“Utah’s life sciences industry is vibrant and diverse,” said Gov. Herbert. “The life sciences sector in the state is one of the fastest-growing in the country, due in part to our culture of innovation and collaboration. This fertile ground allows entrepreneurs to successfully take a concept to commercialization and investors are noticing.”
For the first time, BioUtah, in partnership with the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah), the University of Utah’s Center for Technology and Commercialization (TVC), Utah Science, Technology and Research (USTAR), and Protecs, sponsored a Utah life sciences exhibit booth at the conference. The booth reinforced the governor’s message and gave the industry a platform to further highlight the new Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute study of the industry’s economic impact on the state.
“Having a united Utah presence at this conference was key,” said Keith Marmer, associate vice president, executive director at TVC, who attended the event. “Together, we created a focused venue to build awareness about our industry and network with life sciences leaders from outside the state.”
“We were excited to have the governor there, supporting the Utah contingent,” said Kimberly Davis, Director of State Government Affairs for Johnson & Johnson. Johnson & Johnson, along with BD and Stryker, had company exhibits at the conference. The governor stopped by each of their booths to talk with employees and learn more about the work they do to improve and save lives.
By all accounts, the MedTech conference was a plus for Utah’s life sciences community. In fact, after the Governor’s speech, several medical technology companies came by the booth to say that Utah would now be on their radar when looking to manufacture or expand operations.
“It was a privilege having the governor at the conference,” said Scott Whitaker, president and CEO of AdvaMed.
About BioUtah
BioUtah is an independent 501(c)(6) trade association serving Utah’s life sciences industry. Its member companies reflect a broad spectrum of the industry with strengths in medical device manufacturing and services, research and testing, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, advanced diagnostics and healthcare IT, amongst others; and are a key driver of Utah’s economy.
If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Denise Bell at 202-680-3030 or email denise@bioutah.org.
