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Planting seeds for success
Biotech alliance to promote, recruit life sciences companies
August 21, 2003
By
WALLACE McBRIDE
Index-Journal senior staff writer
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Biotechnology officials from across the state mingle following a Wednesday conference at the Greenwood Genetic Center.
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More than 140 people representing biotechnology interests in South Carolina gathered Wednesday at the Greenwood Genetic Center, the first step toward establishing an organization to push for life sciences initiatives in the state.
“We need the jobs that you will generate,” guest speaker state Sen. Jim Ritchie, R-Spartanburg, told the gathering. “We have a skilled workforce. They need to be retooled and refined, but we have the workforce in place.”
He said in the 21st century, biotechnology will have an impact on America similar to the revolution created by the railroad in the past.
States that don’t participate in the expansion of biotech industries will find themselves struggling to succeed — a fate similar to that of communities that failed to attract railroads, Ritchie warned.
“If the train didn’t come by your community, you were lost for the next 20 to 30 years, he said. “If we miss out on broadband technology, on informational technology, on biotechnology, this state will miss out for the next generation and a half. It’s just that serious.”
The Palmetto Biotechnology Alliance is the state’s first member-supported organization geared toward luring and developing biotechnology industries.
The concept for the organization sprang from the enthusiasm observed at the annual biotech conference, which took place last March in Charleston.
“This private approach funded the last conference,” said Karl Kelly, chief executive officer of the S.C. Biotechnology Incubation Program, which is headquartered in Greenwood.
“The Palmetto Biotechnology Alliance is a public and private alliance of government, universities, private companies and service support companies that are coming together to create life sciences jobs in South Carolina,” Kelly said.
The alliance also includes the Medical University of South Carolina, Clemson University and the University of South Carolina.
“We’re going to keep this going,” said Sen. John Drummond, D-Ninety Six. “I have confidence because all three of our medical research facilities are involved.”
“Greenwood is well positioned to play a key role in creating employment opportunities in the only growth sector in our economy,” said Peter Arnoti, president of the Greenwood County Economic Alliance. “The county will be a definite beneficiary of our efforts.”
An announcement of two new life sciences businesses at the Greenwood Genetic Center was expected to be made during Wednesday’s meeting.
Arnoti said the announcement will be delayed a few weeks as preparations are finalized.
Wallace McBride covers Greenwood and general assignments in the Lakelands. He can be reached at 223-1812 or: wmcbride@indexjournal.com
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